by Erica Michaelson

Created on: July 28, 2009   Last Updated: July 29, 2009

4 Strategic time management and organization tips for busy parents

Are you a busy parent, frustrated with the way things are going on the home front,? Do you feel there are never enough hours in a day? Would you like to know the secrets to having a happier family that is organized? Here are 4 strategic tips to accomplish time management ,and organization, that will help you be satisfied and rewarded.

Raising a family in this era is difficult, frustrating, and all consuming. Economic pressures are a reality that cannot be ignored, so we sustain extraordinarily busy lives, in order to survive. Without sharpened time organizations skills, you can soon find yourself in daunting situations, that lead to poor decision making, resulting in hot tempers, and easy meltdowns. Take control and be happy again!

Do not be hard on yourself! Being a parent is the hardest job you will ever do! It is also the greatest gift, and the best thing that can happen to anyone! Don't look back in 5, and 10, and 20 years, and then forever, and regret!

1.) Plan ahead:

Get ready for tomorrow, tonight! That includes everyone's clothing and lunches, and the breakfast for the next day. If you take less than 30 minutes to prepare for your day the night before, you can prevent many maddening, and avoidable problems you can have just getting out the door in the morning. Imagine waking up and you are ready. When you perform this ritual, prepare a list for the next day. Decide what your accomplishments and goals are for the next day. Make a game plan! When you take time to organize you never regret it, never!

2.) Always be prepared:

Always have a bag for the car for an extra set of clothing and personal items such as diapers, wipes, underwear, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, towels, antibiotic ointment, band aids, etc. available for unexpected situations. They can be in a beach bag or travel bag, and kept in your vehicle. It is also a good idea to pack water, dry snacks like peanuts, packaged fruit snacks and crackers there too. When the time comes that you need these supplies, and you will, you will be very blissful that you thought ahead!

3.) Do not be overscheduled:

Be realistic with your time! If you have too much to do, you will run behind all day, and make everyone else miserable. Enjoy the time with the kids, don't make it time full of tension and anger! Do not over schedule your children either! Outside activities are good but sometimes choices have to be made to scale back, and focus on one or two. Especially if you have 2 or more kids! 1 -2 outside activities per year should be enough.

4.) Prioritize:

Stop and smell the roses mama! When you are with your kids, give them your attention! Shut off the cell phone, shut down the computer, and do not take calls! You can be with your kids in the same room and still neglect them! Play, and talk, and hug, and bake, and color, and bike ride, and play catch, and sing, and praise, and most of all, love your kids! Those special little creatures really love the attention and take delight in their innocent yet profound insights!

When you plan ahead, prepare for situations, utilize and allot your time, and prioritize what is important, you will be more organized and have excellent time management skills! You will also experience more love and peace. Isn't that what we all want?

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