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The Not-To-Do List

You’re familiar with the trusty to-do list, right? You know, the one that gets so
crammed and chocked full of stuff and jobs that need to be done, today! You keep
adding to it and there isn’t a chance in hell that you’ll get through all of them in a
day… or even a week.
Well, this is the opposite – a not-to-do list! This one is short, purposefully short so
you can pay attention to the not-to-do’s.
By being conscious of what to avoid or stop doing you can concentrate and channel
your energy into the things you want to do. Ok?
Here’s 5 tips on my not-to-do list.

1. (Not) Answering the phone
Leave it and let it go to answer machine or voice mail. This is
really useful when you're in a rush and it makes your life so
much easier. Mornings in particular can be a very tight
squeeze, time wise. If it's that urgent, they'll leave you a
message or call back. When you've got a few minutes later,
you can pick up the message and decide what to do with it.
You don't have to be at the phone's beck and call!

2. Trying to do everything
As I mentioned earlier, some to-do-lists are far too long and jobs
won't get done. They'll just move from one list to another, never
getting done.
Give some thought to what you're putting on your list. Not every
task is equal in importance or the time it takes to do them. If I've
got something on my list I'm not looking forward to, I bump it up to
number one on my list. I get the unpleasant task out of the way
first and I feel great about doing it. The momentum keeps me going through the
next few tasks which I appear to get done efficiently and effortlessly. Try it and see
the effect it has on you.

3. Doing everything immediately
Stop there, right now!
Not everything has to be done right there, right now. That can potentially add so
much more pressure on you.
I agree, it's good to get things out of the way as soon as possible. However, you can
organise and prioritise what you need to do so it fits in with you and your lifestyle.
Read point 2 again!

4. Stop shouting or taking it out on your kids or partner
You may be stressed out because you've got so much to do (re
read point 1 & 2 again) and to top it all, your child isn't listening
to you.
Shouting or taking it out on your child (or partner) won't help your
stress levels or get you all out of the house quicker.
Try getting up 10 minutes earlier so you have the time to do what you want whether
it's completing just one small job or having longer to sit with your cup of tea.

5. Not taking breaks
If you work at home, go to work or are a stay at home
parent, it's still vitally important you take regular breaks.
You need a change of environment, a break to recharge and
energise. It's amazing what a short break of 3 - 5 minutes
can do for you. You'll find you'll have more focus and
motivation to continue.
What do you think?
What items would you put on yours?

http://www.theparentingpacemaker.com/the-not-to-do-list/

Deck the halls in safety: keeping your Christmas decorations child-friendly

Some of a child’s earliest memories will be of their early Christmases, and naturally you’ll be desperate to create a magical feeling by putting up gorgeous Christmas decorations in the house that bring smiles all round but are safe for little ones.

Most important to get right is the tree. For little ones, the sight of a tree in the house always provokes wonder, especially when lit up. The range of lights these days is enormous, from traditional to those in the shape of reindeer and snowmen. Whichever you choose, make sure your set has a transformer and carries the European CE safety mark, to eliminate the risk of electric shock.

To stop babies or toddlers reaching lights, go for the simple solution of placing them higher up the tree. Toddlers that have an instinct for trouble – and don’t they all – may realise they can yank on the flex to drag them down, but if you place the tree in a corner of the room and make sure the flex goes to ground at the back, the chances of this happening are reduced.

Brighten up the unlit lower branches by festooning them with decorations. In my experience, cats and toddlers will compete in trying to bop them off, but this is unlikely to result in the whole tree crashing to the ground.

Nevertheless, make sure your Christmas decorations aren’t the kind that will cause injury if broken. Fragile glass baubles, beautiful though they are, may be best avoided. Go for sturdier models, and be warned about reindeer antlers – they always end up getting broken off.

If you have time you can even make your own decorations. Make a cross out of two ice lolly sticks and wind white thread or wool around them for the perfect winter snowflake.

Above all, be creative, stay safe, and have fun.