a day in the life of a latvian mom

As September rolls in, it’s that time of year when routines start to shift and the hustle and bustle of school and work life resumes. For many families, including mine, this transition can be both exciting and challenging. After a summer filled with relaxed schedules and spontaneous adventures, returning to a structured routine requires some adjustments. We’re also juggling an ongoing home renovation, adding another layer of complexity to our lives. Here’s how my family and I are planing to navigating this period of change, along with some tips for creating a smooth transition.

Establishing a New Routine

The first step in embracing our new routines is to establish a clear schedule. This includes setting specific wake-up times, meal times, and bedtimes for everyone. For us, this means getting the kids back into their school sleep schedules and syncing our work hours with their school hours. And since we work from home and tend to stay up late, waking up early in the morning is a challenge. To make matters more complicated, we’ve never been a routine-driven family—each of us operates on our own internal clock, and our lives have often felt like a free-flowing adventure rather than a structured schedule.

My plan:

• Create a Family Calendar: To bring some order to our chaotic lives, I plan to set up a family calendar. This will help us keep track of activities, appointments, and important dates.
• Set Clear Daily Goals: I’m starting small by setting achievable daily goals and gradually working on incorporating more routine elements into our day-to-day life.

Preparing for the Day Ahead

Preparation is key to a smooth transition. By setting up the night before, we can reduce morning stress and ensure a more relaxed start to the day. However, with busy evenings and the exhaustion that follows cooking dinner (around 6 pm), it’s often tough to muster the energy for nighttime prep.

My plan:

• Lay Out Clothes for the Kids: To simplify mornings, I’ll lay out the girls’ clothes the night before.
• Plan Breakfast and Backpack Packing: I’ll also check what we can have for breakfast and ask the girls to pack their backpacks the night before to streamline our morning routine.

Managing Time Effectively

Effective time management is crucial for balancing work, school, and family life. We’ve found that being intentional about how we spend our time helps us stay productive and less overwhelmed. However, as a family of dreamers who often live in the moment, sticking to a strict schedule can feel like a stretch.

My plan:

• Use Time Blocks: I’ll experiment with time blocks to allocate specific periods for work, school, family time, and renovation tasks.
• Set Realistic Goals: I’m aiming to set achievable, realistic goals that acknowledge our tendency for chaos while striving for a bit more structure.

Creating a Supportive Environment

A positive and supportive environment makes adjusting to new routines easier. We’ve learned that clear communication and encouragement are essential in making this transition smoother for everyone.

My plan:

• Celebrate Small Wins: I plan to celebrate even the smallest achievements and milestones to keep everyone motivated.
• Encourage Open Communication: Keeping the lines of communication open will help us address any issues or concerns before they become bigger problems.

Incorporating Family Time

Despite our busy schedules and the ongoing renovation, we make it a point to carve out time for family activities. Balancing work, school, and home improvement with quality family time helps us stay connected and maintains a positive atmosphere at home. Flexibility is crucial, as I often crave peace and quiet amidst the chaos.

My plan:

• Plan Regular Family Activities: I’ll plan regular family activities but remain flexible, allowing us to adapt to changing circumstances and take advantage of spontaneous moments of connection.

Self-Care and Reflection

Lastly, taking care of ourselves is essential. Reflecting on how the new routines and renovations are impacting our well-being helps ensure we’re not only managing our time effectively but also maintaining our health and happiness.

My plan:

• Schedule Personal Time: I’ll make sure to schedule personal time for activities like going to the gym, meeting friends, or reading a book to recharge.
• Ensure Time Out: We’ll also make an effort to ensure that everyone has some downtime to unwind and relax.

As we embrace the new routines of September, alongside the challenges of an ongoing renovation, we’re reminded that transition periods are opportunities for growth and adaptation. By staying organized, prepared, and supportive, we’re working to make the return to school and work—and the adjustments to our home—a positive and manageable experience. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling start to the new season!

Now, I’d love to hear from you!

• How are you and your family adjusting to the return to school and work?
• What tips or strategies have helped you create a smoother transition?
• How do you manage the balance between work, school, and home life, especially with any ongoing projects or renovations?

Feel free to share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below. Let’s support each other through this transitional period and find new ways to thrive together!

Ilze