Setting Boundaries: Owning Your Schedule This Spring
Spring has arrived, and with it comes the beautiful chaos that every working mom knows all too well. The school calendar suddenly explodes with field trips, spring concerts, teacher appreciation week, end-of-year parties, and a million other "quick" commitments that somehow multiply faster than dandelions in your yard.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of scheduling decisions coming at you, you're not alone. But here's what I want you to remember: you get to choose.
Own Your Schedule (Because Nobody Else Will)
Lysa TerKeurst said it perfectly: "The decisions you make determine the schedule you keep. The schedule you keep determines the life you live. And how you live your life determines how you spend your soul."
Read that again. Let it sink in.
Every yes to that extra volunteer opportunity is a no to something else. Every commitment you add to your already-packed calendar is taking space from something that might matter more. And here's the thing, if you don't own your schedule, someone else will. Your boss will. Your kids' school will. Well-meaning family members will. Random committees will.
But your schedule? It's yours to steward.
Schedule the Things That Matter First
I used to think I was being selfish by putting my priorities first on the calendar. Then I realized something (not-so) revolutionary: you can't give from an empty cup, and you can't protect what you don't schedule.
Let's choose what is soul-satisfying and life-enriching, and put those things on the calendar first.
This means asking yourself some hard questions:
What am I doing this week that is fun?
What hobbies have I scheduled?
How much time am I giving my partner? My kids?
Will I have enough energy to actually enjoy those moments?
Answer honestly, then block out time for these priorities before anything else gets added to your calendar. Yes, before the work meeting. Before the school fundraiser. Before volunteering for the class party planning committee.
When your boss asks for that extra project or the PTO needs "just one more volunteer," you'll have something beautiful to say: "I'm not available then. I have a prior commitment." (They don't need to know your prior commitment is family dinner or your yoga class.)
The Power of Strategic No's (And Intentional Yes's)
Here's what I've learned about boundaries: saying no more often actually allows me to say yes more meaningfully.
If people are first in my life, it means other things are second, third, and fourth. And when I look back at the end of this year, I want to feel pretty sure that I got the order right.
This doesn't mean becoming a hermit or never volunteering for anything. It means being strategic about your yes's. When someone asks you to take on something new, try this instead of immediately responding:
"Let me check my calendar and get back to you."
Then actually check – not just for time slots, but for your energy, your family's needs, and your own well-being.
Stop Outsourcing Your Peace
We've gotten really good at playing the "when" and "if" game:
"When I get this project done, then I'll have more time with the kids..."
"If I could just finish organizing the house, then I'd feel more peaceful..."
"When the kids are older, then I'll pursue my hobbies..."
Sound familiar? We've outsourced our peace to the to-do list, and friend, that list is never going to be empty.
Your peace isn't waiting for you at the bottom of your task list. It's available right now, in the messy middle of your beautifully imperfect life.
What Your Kids Actually Need
I wholeheartedly believe that if we can create three things in our homes, our children will not only be okay – they'll thrive:
Emotional (and physical) safety – This means they know they're loved unconditionally, even when they mess up.
Connection – Not perfection, not Pinterest-worthy moments, but real, authentic connection with you.
Protected space for play, creativity, curiosity, and joy – This doesn't require expensive activities or elaborate plans. It requires presence and permission to be kids.
Notice what's not on that list? Having a mom who volunteers for every school committee. A perfectly organized home. A calendar packed with enriching activities.
Your kids need you present more than they need you perfect.
Making It Practical This Spring
So, as we head into the final stretch of the school year, here are some boundary-setting strategies that actually work:
Choose your battles wisely. Maybe you say yes to the spring concert but no to helping with the after-party setup.
Batch your giving. Instead of saying yes to three different small volunteer opportunities, choose one bigger commitment that aligns with your values and capacity.
Protect your weekends. Block out at least one day (or even half a day) where nothing is scheduled. Your family needs downtime more than another activity.
Practice the pause. When someone asks you to take on something new, buy yourself time: "That sounds wonderful. Let me check with my family and get back to you by Friday."
Your Schedule, Your Life, Your Soul
Your time is not unlimited. Your energy is not inexhaustible. And your worth is not determined by how much you can accomplish or how many people you can please.
The decisions you make about your schedule this spring will determine the life you live. Choose wisely. Choose intentionally. Choose what feeds your soul and serves your family's deepest needs.
And remember – every boundary you set is a gift to yourself and everyone you love. It's not selfish; it's sustainable.
You've got this. One intentional choice at a time.
