Ark Valley News - Invest in the nest

Invest in the nest
By Erika Birk
Last Updated: May 02, 2024

Throw time management into gear

I don't know how to explain the end of a school year. There's a particular feeling moms experience in May. It's absolute Mayhem. There is no other fitting description … that we can print anyway.

As we enter the month of May, our insanity is heightened, our stress is rising and our patience is at an all-time low. If Queen's "Under Pressure" isn't playing in your mind right now, we can't be friends. If this song stays in your head all day or month, you're welcome.

What is it about May? Let me make a short reminder list of some of the "May" things my family has over the next two weeks. This will get us as far as mid-month.

1. Soccer tournament

2. Daughter's first communion

3. Teacher appreciation week

4. Practice somewhere

5. Summer activity signups

6. Band concert

7. Son's 12th birthday

8. Practice in another place

9. Nephew's graduation

10. Mother's Day

11. Practice at another time

12. Father-in-law's birthday

13. Brother-in-law's birthday

14. Practice … maybe

15. Last day of school

Oh, and I have to cook, clean and do some laundry in there.

I get it. I'm not the only mom who is busy and barely floating above water. I'm not the only mom split into eleventy-five different directions while trying to maintain a clean house before people arrive for said events. As my son says, be unique. If NOT cleaning is unique then, yes, I am most definitely unique!

How do moms press through in tense situations? We just do because, let's face it, we are rockstars. We are the keepers of all things, trash included. We manage so much in our brains, on paper or in our phones just so the lives of our kids and spouse can run as smoothly as possible. We are constantly puzzle-piecing together life. Who needs to be where and when? How many snacks are left? What time do I need to leave my house to get my kid anywhere at a respectable time, albeit late? So, you're playing in a dirty uniform? Cool.

Many times, I've had to make calls to mom friends to grab a kid of mine or help out. That's what friends are for (keep smiling, keep shining). Yep, another tune to take up some head space. Do what you have to do to make your life easier. Help is great. Friends are great. Be there for each other.

I know the end of May will turn into, oh no, what are my kids going to do all summer? Again, back to the planning board, fellow moms. Add that to the to-do list and just keep on keeping on. (My grandma wrote that to me in a card before I remember Joe Dirt's words of wisdom displayed to the world.)

Moms, here is my May motivation for you, keep on keeping on. It's May! When the sun is out, enjoy it. Find a friend. Find a friend with a patio to relax.

Pluck a book from the dusty shelf and come to Tequila's on May 7 to find other moms who want to share a book to read this summer. Just keep on keeping on through this extremely busy phase of life.

Erika Birk is a mother of two and is advertising director at The Ark Valley News. Reach her at erika.arkvalleynews@gmail.com.