Balancing ft work and children- organisational tips please!

[Marmaladegin]

I'm starting a new (and dream) job next month and am getting high on thinking of ways to keep things at home (3dc aged 6, 10,12, dh, ddog) running relatively smoothly while I'm working (wfh 1 or 2 days per week, otherwise fairly long days including a long commute on public transport so I can do life admin on that a bit). Would love tips.

I know the main answers are: have a partner who's a team player, get a cleaner. I have both of those. I value cleaner very highly and pay her well but sadly can't afford to increase her hours (only 3 pw) but she definitely keeps things manageable in between the tidying efforts of me, dh and robot hoover.

I have paid for a grocery pass and booked convenient slots for the next month. I meal plan well and have cooking planned so I will cook 3 days and DH (ft wfh) will do 4. I have planned my bag so I can do hair and makeup on commute. Got kids uniform labelled and ready. Any other ideas?

Get the DC on board as well.

When I went back to work full time (previously part time) we sat down with the DC and candidly explained that our expectations for them. That meant things like them packing their own bags for school (for the 6 year old you might want to put a list on the fridge - pictures or words or both and check until they are confident with doing it), getting their own breakfast (if just cereal), making their own lunch (once at secondary school or whatever age you think) and doing things to help out like making sure they told me in advance if they didn't have any clean uniform, not 5 minutes before they had to leave the house.

We already had a routine that everyone pitched in before bedtime to make sure kitchen/dining room/lounge were tidy but that's also a useful thing to put in place.

Have a shared calendar with dh on your phones so can both see appointments etc. Have a shared email for house emails tickets etc. Plan weekly meals.
When school send letters out make a note of date in calendar, Have a place to put paper versions of letters needed for info for future school activities, have a place where return slips are placed so are not missed and returned to school.
Try and make dc as independent and responsible for their school kit as possible for ages.
Plan down time into everyone's week

Always always put paired school shoes in the same place every day. Best tip I was ever given by a mum of 9!

Congratulations on the new job.

Were you working part time before or not at all?

What's the childcare arrangement when you're working long days? (Eg are you going to be rushing back for pickups?)

Is there anything in particular you are worried about?

Do you have other commitments? Time scheduled into your week for rest/relaxing?

Asking for context to understand what's relevant to you.

One key thing for anybody starting a new full time role is to be prepared for it to take time to adjust and to feel tired while you are adjusting - the first six months will probably be the hardest, but it will get easier.

So don't panic if there are a few bumps in the road.

Thank you all for your replies so far!

Re the calendar, yes good point. Already using the Cozi one, free version. Don't love it tbh has anyone found that paying for it makes it better?

Good idea re the dc. They are pretty good and helpful but I think a reiteration of responsibilities before the new school year starts would be worthwhile.

@aspirationalflamingo thank you for your thoughtful post. No, I don't have childcare issues as such- youngest 2dc get a school bus home and DH works from home, so they are able to do their hw, play etc for just under 2 hours while he finishes work, although admittedly I would like to try and fit in some extracurricular activities and I'm not sure how this could be possible... anyway, this leaves DH doing school runs for up to 4 days, although I'm hopeful I might be able to pick up eldest a couple more days. He is not delighted about this but there we are (sadly public transport isn't an option where we are)

I have not built in relax time for me, that's a very good point. Although honestly I think the commute might be rather nice. And I'm slightly wondering how to fit in exercise but I'm hoping once I get into the rhythm of it, that will become clear.

And yes I was working ft for a short while before. Much more stressful job but little commute. It was very tough on the whole family so I'm determined to start afresh this time