The Importance of a Household Planner & Command Center
When I first began my mission to ‘get my act together’ I had a buddy, my sister-in-law. Together we worked on getting our homes under control, encouraging each other, and helping each other out.
Last night, around 10:30 pm I received a call from my brother-in-law. He was taking my SIL to the hospital because of excruciating pain in her lower back. I immediately got in the car and headed over to their house to watch the kids. They were of course already in bed, blissfully sound asleep, unaware of the situation.
At 7:00 am the kids woke up as if an alarm clock went off. At first, they were confused and scared because mommy and daddy were not there. But once I explained the situation (Mommy had to go to the doctor), they were ready to begin their day. Did I panic? Did I have to call my BIL or SIL to find out what to do?
NO.
My dear SIL had put together a household standard operation procedures planner (aka: household planner or control journal). It was clearly available at her command center. I immediately had all the information that I needed to help my niece and nephew get on with their day.
You see, we both learned to put together this planner at first for our reference – we needed to refer to this daily to remind us of our mission. But then it became quick reference for others that may need the information in the event of an emergency. The family routines were clearly written out for me so I knew when they needed to get to school. There is also a list of contact numbers: the school, utility companies, etc.
We also created a family command center where everything that is needed daily is kept. Here is where the planner is kept as well as the kids book bags, a calendar, notes and paperwork needed, etc.
I previously posted about the importance of home management and being organized. The emergency last night proves my point again. In order to help you get your home under control and prepare your household management planner, command center, and much more, I’m finalizing a new program.
Domestically Challenged Boot Camp – a 12 week intensive to help you get organized and so much more! This program will be available within the next month. To be notified when it launches, please enter your information below. Not only will you receive an email, but a special discount on the package! Just enter your info below! And pass the info on to a friend whom you think might benefit from Domestically Challenged Boot Camp!
PS: My SIL has kidney stones. Nothing serious just very painful and scary considering she’s 22 weeks pregnant!
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Ouch! I hope your sister in law is able to pass those stones soon, that has got to be painful!
I am one of those domestically challenged people that desperately needs your boot camp…my home doesn’t run smoothly in the morning even when I’m home and there is no emergency. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been surprised by a PD Day at the school that I’ve forgotten about until the week it occurs!
You know, I never would have thought of that! I’m generally a very organized – one step ahead – kinda gal! I love this idea – thanks for sharing! I hope your SIL is OK!
A household planner is definitely something that I am interested in getting together. I look forward to learning more from you.
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That is great advice. The last thing you want to worry about in an emergency is answering someone’s questions about what to do and where things are. Emergencies are chaotic enough. Thanks for the tip Cara and I hope your SIL is better real soon.
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Oh, Cara — I’m so glad your sister-in-law is not seriously ill… though it sounds like this is still a major thing to be going through.
What an incredible blessing to have the Household Planner in an emergency like this. I certainly was never that organized when my kids were young. What an amazing skill that is, and wonderful that you are teaching it to others, and bringing the awareness to moms on this.
Diana
You know I never thought about something like a Household Planner and Command Center. I am wondering if that will work in my home. Can’t wait to find out more.
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Glad to hear your sister is OK. The planner and command center must have been a big help to you. Great idea!
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Wow. That story really hit home for me Cara. I’m accustomed to health problems, hubs has had a few close calls of his own. But being 10 years younger and much more healthier than he it never occurred to me to prepare (household wise – I’ve prepared business part though) for times when the tables may be turned.
Just the other night I was thinking to myself when my husband wanted me to re-order his meds – “This family would fall apart if I were gone”. Not a good thought. You’ve just given me some work to do on the home front.
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Lynette hit the nail on the head – WHAT IF? Being the Mom, we are automatically assigned the job of Managing Our Homes. Creating a household planner as well as a command center not only saves your sanity and helps you on a daily basis, but it can be necessary to have that information readily accessible in the event of an emergency involving you. Moms make up wills, have insurance policies, even create back-up plans for their business. But what about the day-to-day operations of your home and family?
And Latara, a command center doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be as simple as a drawer in your kitchen or a spot on a desk or counter. You just need to designate a spot for all the important information to reside and be accessible.
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This is a great idea. I consider myself organized and I always think I have my house in order until situations happen, then it seems like there is no order. Just because I know what is what, where it is located and how to do it doesn’t mean anyone can take over easily.
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Cara, Can you tell us more about your command center? Will we be setting one up in the boot camp?
Thanks!!
mm… thanks..
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