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8. Do double duty - · Do you sit in carpool line for half an hour? Read your longer e-mails, or newsletters that you have printed out from your computer. Read your mail that you saved for this time. · Do you have a small child? Try to schedule time for work and time for play. I work most of morning, fix lunch and then we head outside. We play for a while and then I sit outside while our daughter swings or rides her bike and use this time to read, study or draft ideas for my newsletter, jewelry or website. · Have your smaller children do their daily reading while you are cooking. I have my 1st grade daughter sit on kitchen counter and read to me while I am cooking. I can hear her read, and can help her with any words that she is having problems with. · Have your child do their homework while you are cleaning up dinner dishes. This way you are already in kitchen and can help if your child needs it.
9. Learn to "Just Say No!" - I have run into problem of people (hubby is my biggest diversion!) assuming that since I am a stay at home mom, I don't do anything all day but read or sit on couch with my bag of potato chips and watch TV. I am often asked to run errands, watch someone's kids or volunteer. If I have a full week I simply tell them that my week is overbooked as it is and I can not do it.
10. Avoid interruptions - · Let answering machine pick up your phone calls. · Do your call backs while you are sitting outside with your kids or sitting in your car in carpool line. Double duty! · Turn e-mail off. Only check your e-mail in morning, at lunch and at end of your day. E-mail is a major interruption. · If you are trying to work at home, explain to family and friends that you have work to do and will not be available between hours of 8-4 but would love to hear from them after that. You choose your hours.
By following a few of these simple time management suggestions, you should have another hour or two of time in your day to run your business or to just spend it enjoying your family.
Lisa Jay is a freelance writer and the jewelry designer behind Lantana Designwear. You can visit her websites at http://www.LantanaDesignwear.com and www.JewelryMakingHQ.com Be sure to sign up for her newsletter at http://www.LantanaDesignwear.com/signup_newsletter to receive information on jewelry, fashion and womens issues.