Busy Families and Time Management

     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.