One, to recognize Pareto’s Law, the principle of the “Vital Fews” versus the “Trivial Many.” That is, determining the 20% of the really important things you have to do on a daily and weekly basis that can address the 80% of the areas where you need to deliver results.
The “Vital Fews,” on a daily basis, are our evening meal together, the sweeping and keeping things in the right place, washing the dishes and taking out the garbage. We decided to simplify breakfast by preparing sandwiches that are ready to go and the packed lunch of everyone to be taken to work or to school.
Weekends are for the weekly purchase of food based on a budget and the list of food dishes to be prepared. It is also the time for sanitizing all the rooms including bathrooms, watering the plants, getting the laundry done, doing maintenance work, if necessary, and preparing payments of bills due.
Second, the principle of organization and delegation involving your husband and children. Teach children, at an early age, to take on household chores. Make helping at home exciting and fun. Everyone is accountable for keeping the house presentable, clean and comfortable. Chores can be distributed according to age, capacity and work or school schedules. The youngest does the lightest work and the older ones the more difficult work.
Third, practice the rules on good housekeeping. The most important guide is to have the right place for furniture and utensils and proper markers. All personal things are kept in bedrooms and not left in common areas like the living, dining and terrace areas. Then, when you mess up anything, clean up immediately.
Fourth, create support systems such as having menus good for two months to ensure a good combination of meat, fish, vegetables and fruits. Create variety so that children do not get bored with the food. You can also assign a “chef” for the day who can do the cooking. You can organize the refrigerator according to the order of the dishes to be prepared. You may have to support the children with cooking lessons and demonstrations.
Fifth, set up an incentive system. One family I know allow a child, who performs well at home, to use a particular car during the weekend as a reward for the good performance. Children may slacken on their duties, be patient and persevere. Remember, it takes 21 days so that an activity is converted into a habit.
Sixth, go for time savers. Buying in a supermarket instead of the traditional market saves time and guarantees quality fresh food at a slightly higher price.
