This is just a quick roundup of what I think helps for smooth sailing for FIFO life. These are the things that I do to get through each swing. These aren't in any order, just as I have thought of them.
This is just a quick roundup of what I think helps for smooth sailing for FIFO life. These are the things that I do to get through each swing. These aren’t in any order, just as I have thought of them.
Be organised with the house. It doesn’t have to look like its about to undergo a white glove treatment but I think having a tidy house creates a more ‘calm’ atmosphere which is majorly helpful when the kids are in meltdown stage. I find if the house is out of order, generally so is our routine. Everything is in its place or masterfully hidden. More on that here.
Have a routine. It’s the one thing that you must have. I have had one since the birth of my first boy and its my saving grace. Mine operates around meal times (its like a zoo atmosphere), breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, then bed. With all our jobs in between. Bedtime is 7:30pm, no later, not negotiable. That time after 7:30pm is MY time.
Have the kids help around the house. My boys started doing chores at four years old. They hang their own washing, make their own beds, wash, wipe and put away their own dishes. If they want to live in our house they contribute to its running. We don’t give pocket money, after all I don’t get paid for looking after them.
Meal planners. Knowing what I’m having for dinner is so helpful. I plan a week in advance. Its not only helpful for budgets but time management is easier too. More on that here.
Do a freezer meal day. I try and manage to have one day a month where I cook a bunch of freezer friendly meals so on the off days where I can’t be bothered cooking, I just pull one out and all I have to do is cook pasta or rice. More on that here.
Being organised in general. I don’t have any outside help for appointments when my husband is away from home. So I have a three step method in being organised.
- A diary to mark all long term appointments
- Weekly planner which I write up every Sunday. I transfer details from the diary and iPod on to here
- My iPod/ iPhone to mark appointments when I’m out and about.
Have activity bags pre-packed. We have basketball and swimming three times a week, so every Sunday I ensure the boys have packed these and they are ready to go waiting in the laundry. It’s the boys responsibility to ensure they have all their stuff, otherwise they miss out. More on that here.
Snack boxes. I have had one of these loosely for awhile but now that the boys are getting older they are eating more. So, I have one at the bottom of the fridge. Its meant to last the week but once its gone, its gone.
You time. I learnt this the hard way. Now, I take half an hour everyday on my runner. Its an appointment to myself. If you don’t look after you then you’re stuck. More on that here.
Put your marriage first. I know, I know, I cop so much flack for this but seriously, you fell in love for a reason. Remember to take an interest in your spouse and vice versa. Happy couple, happy house, happy kids, isn’t that’s what its all about? More on that here.
Take care of yourself financially. Please do this, a little bank account just for you. $10 a week, you never ever know.
Never say Daddy is leaving again. Say Mummy or Daddy are off to work. Show them on a map where there are. Our Daddy is offshore and we track him via a map on the internet. I think otherwise it may cause some sort of anxiety.