Moms, Feeling Overwhelmed by Daily Logistics?

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Hey there, fellow moms! Last week marked a big change for me—my eldest, Jake, began kindergarten, and my little one, Max, started preschool. Honestly, it was a whirlwind of emotions, but not the tearful kind. Instead, I found myself grappling with a new phenomenon I’ve named “Logistical Overwhelm.”

This all started when I received a hefty stack of papers from the schools. They included calendars detailing days off and half days for my boys. I diligently transferred these dates into my beloved paper calendar (yes, I’m old school like that; there’s something calming about pen and paper). But I didn’t stop there—I also plugged them into my electronic calendar because trust me, reminders are a lifesaver. Then I stuck the calendars on the fridge and shot a quick pic to my partner, Sam.

From there, I meticulously noted Jake’s after-school activities, coordinating with our babysitter to confirm her hours and see if she could cover extra shifts on those shorter days. A wise friend suggested scheduling doctor and dentist appointments on holidays, so I did just that.

I juggled the timing between preschool and elementary school dismissals, calculated how quickly I could walk between them, and debated whether Max would nap better at school or in the stroller. I kept track of which days they’d have lunch at school and which they wouldn’t. I also checked in with Sam about his work schedule to arrange flu shot runs, jotting everything down on those calendars. Finally, I tried to map out my own week in a way that would keep my colleagues from scrambling if I had to take a sick day for one of the kids.

And all that was just week one! I also attempted to plan ahead for upcoming weeks, locking in babysitter schedules and assigning pick-up duties to Sam when he had time off. By the end of it all, I had three calendars filled out, which took hours. My sigh of “relief” felt more like a pre-battle breath of uncertainty—was I truly prepared?

I can hear you saying, “There’s an app for that!” Or suggesting we use a shared Google calendar. I’ll admit, I’m not much of an app person. They often make me feel like I’m dancing to the tune of my phone, and I prefer to glance at my paper calendar at the start of each week and day instead. But with so much to remember—like which kid needs lunch in the stroller and who wants pizza at school—keeping it all straight has become a real challenge.

I can only imagine how much more complicated this gets with additional children. A close friend of mine, Lisa, who juggles a demanding job and kids at different schools, told me that Logistical Overwhelm was the reason they decided to stop at two kids. “Another child, and I’d have to quit my job,” she said. It’s tough enough for her to manage texts and reminders about each kid’s activities and those pesky surprises—like when one kid forgets their violin or the other’s tutor gets stuck in traffic.

So, what’s the solution? I think a third parent might help—a production manager for the household. But since that’s not happening, my trusty iPhone has taken on the role of deputy parent, reminding me to schedule my own flu shot and prep permission slips the night before.

Logistical Overwhelm: Is it a band name or a condition I should see a doctor about? I guess I should add that appointment to my calendar too. If you’re feeling the same, just know you’re not alone. For more insights on navigating parenthood, check out our guide on home insemination here, or if you’re exploring options for starting a family, this site has great resources too. And for anyone interested in pregnancy information, Healthline is a fantastic resource.

In summary, the chaos of managing kids’ schedules can feel overwhelming, but with a bit of organization and support, it can become more manageable.