The Time Has Come…

October 31, 2006

Do you ever feel there are days when you are going to meet yourself dropping the kids off at school? Or in aisle 10 at the grocery store? How often do you think on Friday evening, “What happened to the week? It should only be Wednesday.” Sometimes you might even be searching for that one or two more hours in the day that would just allow that time you need.

In the world today, it seems that every family has some sort of tracking system – a master calendar, a PDA, coordinated day planners, or the always popular cell phone. These tracking tools help each family member, but most importantly mom and dad, know where they are supposed to be, where they'll be going next, and quite possibly where they should have been but weren't. Often it feels that time is managing us and not vice versa.

Keeping track of all family members and their activities may be considered a talent, but sometimes coordinators of these schedules may feel run down and overwhelmed by all of the roles they take on in a day (parent, spouse, employee, coach, maid, etc.). The symptoms of the “I need more time in my day syndrome” can easily climb the family tree and affect all members if schedules get out of control.

Here are some tips that may provide piece of mind for all. You may even find that desired “extra hour or two” for some good, old-fashioned family together time.

  1. Set Priorities – There are some activities that should take place in each family member's life, but there are others that may not be missed if taken out of daily routines. With the old activities gone, the family will have time for new, together activities.
  2. Don't Do It All Yourself – It's ok for you to share household tasks with other family members. Everyone can pitch in with one or two chores that need to be done. Things may not be done the way you're used to doing them, but that's ok. You won't worry about the corner that was not vacuumed when you're spending an evening in the park with your children.
  3. Schedule Fun - Sometimes “getting around to it” doesn't always happen. To make sure you are taking time for family activities, schedule them on the calendar. It's one appointment everyone will enjoy keeping.
  4. Take Care of Your Body and Your Family – It is important for everyone to stay healthy. To keep those other important appointments, don't neglect the most important ones – a healthy diet, enough sleep, and regular exercise.
  5. It's OK to Say No - As hard as it may be for you, saying no to requests/favors will not be the end of the world. To make sure your or other family members are not bogged down by appointments or activities, setting limits or passing on opportunities may free up time to enjoy other things you've already committed to.

Finally, don't water the stress seed. Remember, stress thrives on stress. By limiting stressful situations or time consuming experiences you can relax and enjoy yourself and the time you have with your family.

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