How we stay organized during our summer schedule

Around the A|F office, summer looks a little different than the rest of the year. The kids are out of school so Vince and I rearrange our schedules to fit with the season. 

While I come into the office in the morning, Vince watches the kids. 

Then, we make a switch in the late afternoon. I go home to spend time with the kids while Vince packs A|F orders and finishes up his work. Luckily summer isn't quite as busy and hectic as most seasons, making it easier for him to pack orders as efficiently as possible.

While we have our summer schedule down by now, it can be hard to make that transition from the schedule so engrained during the school year to summer.

Here are the top three things I've learned about staying organized and well scheduled during the summer. 

#1: Be okay with the change

Life (and the year) has seasons, so embrace them! Enjoy the moment although it might feel a bit wonky to you.

#2: Use this as a time for recalibration 

What things in your life need some extra attention right now? Use this time of change to build in some new habits to your schedule.

#3: Allow for flexibility

If you live in MN, or any other northern state like we do, summer is a relief from the long cold winter. Allow you and your family time to enjoy the outdoors and warm weather. You’ll be glad you did come winter!

#4: Give yourself grace

Not every day is going to go perfectly according to schedule but again, this is just for a season so enjoy the blending of work and family during the summer.  Come fall, you can hit the ground running again and you'll be so happy that you carved out that extra time for family during the summer. 

Oftentimes in the summer, I'll bring one of the kids to the office with me for half or the entire day.  I think it can be helpful for them to be exposed to the daily workings of a company too!  I just know that on those days, there may be a few more interruptions to my work but as long as I'm mentally prepared for that, it generally works out well!

Play around with your schedule, see what works for you and continue to tweak it until it feels like it works well for your family and work load.