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Manners Matter: Schedule Queen

Dear Mary Pat,

I have to leave for a business trip, and I’m nervous about leaving my husband in charge. He’s completely competent in one sense, but I’m not confident that he’ll be able to help my daughter through her finals and the last few days of school. There are so many things that have to happen between studying, sports, etc. My schedule is generally pretty flexible (until this week, unfortunately), and I feel that I can barely make it all happen on a good day. He keeps telling me not to worry, but I don’t really think he understands how much running around has to take place to get her from point A to point B. I think he’d be really insulted if I hired a babysitter, but I don’t know what else to do.

Signed,

Schedule Queen

Costa Mesa, California

Dear Schedule Queen,

I recently heard a mother refer to herself as an unpaid Uber driver. That’s pretty fitting when you think about it. Even if both parents work, moms are usually the logistical geniuses who keep everyone on time and organized. I don’t know that you need to hire a babysitter unless your husband won’t be able to leave work early. Here are a few tips to help you leave without being in a panic:

• Prioritize what is most important. In this case, finals. Let your husband know (if he doesn’t already) how many tests she has and on which days.

• See whether there are any other parents who might be able to help with carpools. Because they are most likely heading in the same direction, they will probably be happy to help.

• Try to have enough groceries on hand before you leave, and maybe prep a few meals. It will make things easier and allow for more study time.

• Write everything down. Because your husband isn’t as familiar with the schedule, write down the essentials for each day that you’ll be gone.

• Don’t worry! It will all work out. If your daughter is old enough to have finals, she is old enough to study on her own or ask for help if she needs it.

Good luck,

Mary Pat