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Editors Corner

Welcome to Momwriters.com!

Ready, Set . . . Write!

It's that time of year again! Time for the kids to go back to school. If you're like me, fall is the time to gear up again for writing and routine. What better way for those of you with school age kids to celebrate the silence?

Even with preschoolers at home, you can tentatively follow a schedule, with a lot of flexibility, of course. Your preschooler will benefit, by seeing Mom do something productive and by having a happier, more fulfilled Mom around. Most kids thrive on routine; an afternoon nap or regularly scheduled read time will benefit even the littlest ones. Here are some quick tips to get yourself going:

The word of the day is . . .

Flexibility. As mothers, we invented the word. The most important thing is to not set yourself up for failure. If you have preschoolers at home, make a short list of what you want to accomplish for the day, then cut your list in half. This allows for unscheduled disasters and play time with your little one. Better to have one or two tasks completed than five unfinished. You'll feel better at the end of the day knowing you got something done.

The Dreaded "L" Word

I used to want to smack those women who always touted the benefits of making lists. That is, until I learned I couldn't live without my trusty pen and paper stuck to my forehead. Trust me, lists work, if you don't go overboard with unrealistic goals (see paragraph above). Make separate lists for chores you want to get done around the house, your writing goals and personal goals. Some days you may only have one list or no list at all, but that's okay. Instead of bashing yourself over the head, remember the word of the day.

Get Organized

I know. Easier said than done. But as the former record holder of the world's most unorganized person award, I know what I'm talking about. Whip up dinner at ten in the morning and stick it in the fridge. Fall in love with your crock pot. With the right recipes, your slow cooker can be the best friend you ever had. Set a specific time for homework. In my house, my eight year-old gets one hour to unwind after school, then it's straight to the table for study time. Make up school lunches and throw them in the fridge as you're cleaning up from dinner. Throw a load of laundry in right before you sit down to watch TV at night. You can fold them after you get the kids in bed. Keep repeating to yourself, "I can do this, I can do this!"

Write Like a Wild-Eyed Crazy Woman

That is, after the kids are down for a nap, or otherwise occupied for more than twenty minutes. Turn off the TV, unless your little one is being diverted with Barney. Let the telephone ring -- they'll leave a message if it's important. This is YOUR time and the only thing you need to worry about right now are the words on the screen and the safety of your kids (and they're asleep or watching Barney remember?). Oh, and stay away from e-mail while you are writing. No cheating!

Everyone ready? Let's write!

Nikki Boehm, Editor
Momwriters.com

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