Family Time
When you pick up any magazine, it’s easy to find an abundance of articles to help you organize your life. Most offer tips for cleaning out
closets, shuffling papers on desk, finding ways to organize kid’s toys.
But, here’s a different twist. We’d like to help you organize your time to find some precious, extra moments to spend with your family.
Many parents are frantic because there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in a day to manage their work, home life, and kid’s activities. They’re frustrated when they see others who seem to do it all. The number one question parents ask us is, “How can I find more quality time to spend with my kids?”
Stay focused on what’s really important. Do you waste valuable time? Clear clutter in your life. Do you buy lots of toys and gifts to compensate for your lack of family time? What your kids really want is you, not latest, greatest toy. How much time is wasted cleaning up clutter? If junk has taken over, pitch it.
How much time do you spend carpooling? Do you really need to sign your kids up for another after school dance lesson? Is your cell phone off? Or, are you wasting your time on endless phone conversations while running your kids from one activity to another?
Do you eat dinner together as a family? Are phone calls and other interruptions allowed during dinner? Is television off?
Let everyone help. Do members of your family share in household chores and responsibilities? Even youngest children can help by making their beds, putting away toys, and setting table. Insist that each task is done before moving on to another activity.
Set small goals and be specific. Resolutions are made with enthusiasm. But, very often they're forgotten in a month. Making a resolution for entire year is difficult to keep. Saying that you want to spend more time with your family is too vague. But, promising to spend 1/2 hour each night reading aloud with your children is much more achievable. Start with small goals. They’re easier to accomplish.
