Conversations with my Sister: Checklist Practicum

Generally my blog is about concepts, ideas, and a smattering of practical advice. My sister has brought to my attention that I need to *make it come alive* more.

So here's some thoughts about checklists. Beginning with: make them. Lots of them.

Start before the baby is born. Start with your hospital visit. What do you need in your bag? And does your husband know what to do if you forget something? What projects are you currently handling that may need someone else to take over while you recuperate: make a checklist of these projects, including contact names and numbers of important people who are involved.

And when you get home: you will have checklists for this stage, probably from your doctor, and probably involving the baby's sleeping, eating, and peeing/pooping cycles. Why do you need them? Because you will very possibly NOT NOTICE that your baby's cycle is off unless you keep the checklist! Believe it or not, your baby's basic needs require: a checklist. Your maternal instincts won't cut it. And neither will your memory or your multi-tasking talents. Get used to it.

Next checklists: daycare, babysitter, or other baby-care. What does the caretaker need to know? What products do you need to send with baby so s/he has everything s/he needs? Food? Clothing? Diapers? etc.

The checklists don't end there, oh no! When kids get to school there are after-school checklists (to stay on-target and not overlook important events, assignments, chores, etc.), getting-ready-in-the-morning checklists (did you forget your underwear? brush teeth?), homework checklists (usually provided by the teacher), and more. Some families have meal checklists, to make sure they have ingredients they need for the dinners they plan (ahead of time, if they are wise).

Children are more confident when they have an organized, predictable, peaceful household environment. This doesn't mean that spontaneity is forbidden, but when parents have already planned ahead and have their children's needs covered, they feel assured and loved. Yes: checklists convey love. They give the child a solid message of, "I planned ahead, because I care..." or better yet "WE plan ahead because WE care..." about each other, about the family, mutually-respecting and anticipating each other's needs.