I know in my brain that there is not just ONE magic key to being a fabulous parent. As a matter of fact, most of the time I feel like anything but a fabulous parent—instead, I feel more like I’m bumbling along, flying by the seat of my pants and praying for support. But, I do think that one way to deal with many of the curve balls parenting and family life throw our way is…planning.
Planning for the inevitable, planning for everything that might go right and might go wrong, planning for rainy days and sick days and all the other various types of days—all helps make parenting run smoother. Of course, none of us is perfect—but having a well-stocked diaper bag, a “fun” bag for trips to restaurants, snacks stashed in the car, an emergency baby-sitter for days when a child gets sick and you absolutely HAVE to be an important meeting, etc. all can make parenting less chaotic. Anticipating what COULD happen and having a plan will make you feel like a prepared and passable parent, if not a fabulous one.
Of course, we all have different capacity and interest in planning—and some of us are better than others. I am not always so good on the updating of the Will, the life insurance and other important things, while others are stellar at this. I’m also not always ahead when it comes to getting to the grocery store before we run out of important things like cereal and cheese—but I believe that a little planning can go a long way in the world of parenting. Each time I put a little forethought in and prepare myself for what could happen, it usually pays off in a smidge of peace of mind. And, as the parent of three, I’ll take all the peace of mind I can muster!
See Also: Take a Class in Financial Planning
Saving Money With Meal Planning
Planning Play Dates and Group Activities