Welcome to The Balanced Nest, where creating a nurturing and peaceful home begins here.
As we were growing up, some of us took a home economics class, where we learned how to bake scones, sew pillows, and iron a shirt. Ok, that's all well and good, but these days, we need more. When you start a new job, most companies provide you with an employee manual and an orientation. Your manager and human resources representative give you the run down of job expectations. What about when you move into your new home, get married, and/or start a family? I don't recall receiving any special survival manuals for these stages in life.
After having recently gone through our first son's school year as a Kindergartner, I realized that our family of four needed to be better prepared for school events, volunteer activities, weekend birthday parties, job expectations, and all things that happen around home life. So, after discovering a wonderful book written by Kathy Peel, "America's Family Manager" (as coined by Oprah), entitled The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home, I decided to try applying what Kathy calls, "The Family Manager System" in our home. Gradually, my husband and I began seeing improvements. Ok, we're not perfect at it, but you've got to start somewhere. Since I felt so strongly about Kathy's system, I thought I would become a Certified Family Manager® Coach. After all, I figured it would be benefiting my own family. Why not guide others in the process?
First, what is a Family Manager? Let's begin with the the Family Manager Creed:
I oversee the most important organization in the world
Where hundreds of decisions are made daily
Where property and resources are managed
Where health and nutritional needs are determined
Where finances and futures are discussed and debated
Where projects are planned and events are arranged
Where transportation and scheduling are critical
Where team-building is a priority
I am a Family Manager.
Where hundreds of decisions are made daily
Where property and resources are managed
Where health and nutritional needs are determined
Where finances and futures are discussed and debated
Where projects are planned and events are arranged
Where transportation and scheduling are critical
Where team-building is a priority
I am a Family Manager.
No matter how many other paid or volunteer jobs you have, Family Manager is the most important job you'll ever have.
The Family Manager's role is to think like a manager of your own organization. Categorizing the tasks and responsibilities of running a home and family into seven departments eases the management process. Managing by departments organizes your responsibilities in a practical way, and you are able accomplish your goals using helpful management principles.
The seven Family Manager departments are:
Home & Property - overseeing the maintenance and care of all your tangible assets, including your belongings, your house and its surroundings, and your vehicles
Food - meeting the daily food and nutritional needs of your family
Family & Friends - dealing with relational responsibilities as a parent and spouse, and with extended family, friends, and neighbors
Finances - managing the budget, bill-paying, saving, investing, and charitable giving
Special Events - planning and coordinating occasions — birthdays, holidays, vacations, garage sales, family reunions, and celebrations — that fall outside your normal routine
Time & Scheduling - managing the family calendar and daily schedule; dispatching the right people to the right place at the right time with the right equipment
Self Management - caring for your body; nurturing your mind and spirit
Here, at The Balanced Nest, I will hold your hand every step of the way. As you can see, there is a lot to cover, but, together, we can work on creating that home life where it feels good to be there. Like a nest, we need to nurture each twig with care in order to provide a comfortable and secure place for you and your family. Join me on this fruitful journey by subscribing to The Balanced Nest's newsletter and get ready for inspiring tips as a blueprint for harmonious living.
