For Families Eyes Only

Although this article appears a bit collegiate, it has some really solid, useful ideas for managing family time… check it out.

Busy Families and Time Management

By: anonymous

William R. Mattox, director of policy analysis for the Family Research Council in Washington, DC observed: “Families lack the time to be effective parents, supportive spouses, or good neighbors. People must spend many more hours working than they did a generation ago and children are growing up isolation. Cross-cultural studies show that parents in the United States spend less time with their children than parents in any other nation in the world. Setting aside time for busy parents is a huge challenge.”

Here are a few time management strategies:

First, create a family time zone. According to Stephen R. Covey, author of “The Eighth Habit, “Time zones are large interchangeable blocks of time set aside for specific important activities as you organize your weeks.

In doing this, you’re not making an appointment or a firm commitment that every Saturday morning, without fail, you’ll do some family activity. But as you plan other activities and goals, you tend to keep that time reserved for family activities.”

Some parents establish a homework time zone, setting aside time each day to assist children with their homework. There is a direct correlation between the amount of time parents spend assisting their child and a child’s school success.

Another innovative suggestion involves developing a family tree. Steve and Ruth Bennett, authors of “365 TV Free Activities You Can Do With Your Child” suggest finding a tree in your backyard or local park, claim it as your own. Bring a book and a blanket, and make it a regular spot for story time. A great way to savor fall foliage.”

Second, involve your children in your weekly planning session. Make plans together and commit to them. By involving your children in planning sessions, you can teach them about goal setting and time management. Make sure your plans include attending open houses, parent-teacher conferences, and school activities. Plans should also include a weekly visit to the local public library. Our local and county libraries have excellent programs involving reading programs and special educational events. Encourage your children to make suggestions for family activities.

Third, add more family time to your weekly schedule. The average American wastes many hours of time each year. Larry Baker, president of the St. Louis Time Management Center says, “if you want to keep track of what’s wasting your time, you have to know how you are spending it. To that end, keep a daily log of everything you do.” Another approach to gaining more time is the Scott 13th Month program. According to Dr. Dru Scott, author of “Time Management and the Telephone, “You can add a 13th month each year by simply waking up one hour earlier each day during the work week.

That will give you five hours per week, or 250 hours per year. Scott concludes: “Divide those 250 hours by eight (assuming you have 8 hour days) and you get 31 days- a free month.” Keep in mind that your early hours are more productive than later ones. It’s more difficult to be productive at night, when you are exhausted by the activities of the day.

Barbara Walter, the former host of ABC’s 20/20 developed many news segments on family time management issues observed: “Only you can know how much you can give to every aspect of your life. Try to decide what is most important.” Your children will be more successful in school and in life if you decide to give them a higher priority.

About the Author

Reed Markham, Daytona State College

(ArticlesBase SC #633217)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Busy Families and Time Management

Hmm… anonymous? Anyway, thanks Reed for publishing this really informative article showing how some judicious time management opens up some quality family time!

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