But there are ways to fit in time for yourself while caring for your kids by multitasking.
Here is how I fit in personal moments during the years I was a single parent with several kids at home - my time management techniques -
1. Keep a notepad and pencil in your purse. While driving and at a stoplight jot down creative ideas and things you want to do. Also, keep a few pages for a running list - on the left hand side of the page write in "need to" priorities and on the right side write in "wish list" wants.
2. Keep a notepad and pencil at bedside to jot down thoughts that may come during dreams or when you first awaken in the morning. I have found that some of my clearest moments for problem solving come at night.
3. Do all housework while your children are up and running around. Then when they are playing sit at the table or on the couch and read, write or catch up on correspondence, or if you are in school do some homework.
4. Cook in batches and divide portions for future meals; save in reheatable containers. Chop greens and vegies at one time and store in plastic in the fridge. While watching cooking on the stove keep that notebook handy to jot down random ideas, or read a few pages in your current book of interest. Or, if in school, read or do homework.
5. While you're sitting waiting - maybe at the doc's or an activity where your child is not under your thumb at the moment, pull out that notebook and continue writing, reading or doing your own homework.
6. Finally, when your children are napping or gone to sleep for the night pull out your notes and hook into the computer. This is your best time because it is your quiet time away from kids' distractions.
I haven't mentioned workout time for yourself, because I found I could combine it with the child's active and awake times, i.e. walking together, pushing a jogging bike, going to the gym and using their daycare.
While your kids are growing up these are ways to nurture your body, mind and soul. I hope some of my hints will click with you. Take time to do some good for yourself each day for balance and harmony.
And just before falling asleep, take a few moments or minutes to reflect and meditate.
My closing thought - the example of taking care of yourself teaches your child how to live a balanced life.
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The Best Things Parents Do by Susan Isaacs Kohl
Article by Susan Kramer
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