5 Tips For Balancing Your Schedule With Kids

It’s often easier said than done to find balance as a parent.  Between work, the kid’s activities, and trying to find time for everything else in between, life can get downright overwhelming.

In order to ensure that your kids are getting the attention they need yet you’re also giving back to yourself, it’s essential to get organized.

When it comes to balancing all of the aspects of your children’s lives and your own, here are some of the best tips to see you through.

Prioritize

Sometimes a million different things will fall at the exact same time.  Trying to take on too much at the same time can lead to burnout. Rather than rushing from one place to the next and risking getting into an accident, take your time and prioritize.

Take a good look at what is mandatory and what can wait.  Schedule your day around the things that can’t wait, and fit the rest in as well as you can.  If you have to eliminate a few in order to make room for the most important, then so be it.

Create a Family Calendar

A good old fashioned family calendar will do everyone a world of good.  When everything is written down laid out to see, then it helps to stay organized.

As parents, it’s your job to drive the ship, but it’s also important to teach your children the importance of taking responsibility.  They should know that they have upcoming classes and commitments by keeping up with the family calendar as well.

Don’t Overdo It

Your kids may want to take ballet, soccer, and learn how to play the flute.  As a parent, it’s great to encourage them to vary their interests.  However, it’s also important to consider how this will affect you.

Is traveling across town after work and back again to pick up your other child really a reality?  Try to pick and choose carefully without overcommitting yourself.

Not only is it demanding for your time, but also your wallet.  

Leave Work At Work

Even though you may have a demanding job, it’s essential that when you leave the office that you leave it all behind.  That means when you arrive at home you should be fully invested in your family. Resist the urge to finish up last minute work details, or talk about work too much.

Over time your family will start to feel frustrated and potentially even start to resent your job.

Don’t Forget Downtime

Even though it’s important to keep your kids involved in activities and learning, it’s also ideal to let them get bored.

The whole family can benefit from doing nothing once in a while.  Not only does it allow time for rest, but it can inspire children to use their imagination more.

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