Time mamagement?

[NaturalWoman]

Does anyone have any tips for time management? I work full time, have 4 kids & a husband. My kids are 8, 5, 2, & 3 months. My daily schedule gets very hectic - what do yuo suggest?

[JamieC]

Originally Posted by NaturalWoman

Does anyone have any tips for time management? I work full time, have 4 kids & a husband. My kids are 8, 5, 2, & 3 months. My daily schedule gets very hectic - what do yuo suggest?

Maybe you and hubby could get together and workout an everyday routine because I know all too well what it (was) like maintaining the household.

1. Set a designated time for dinner together.

2. Make sure the 8 yr old gets homework done on time and although school will be out in a week or two, keep the little ones occupied.

3. Make time with the family on weekends and bond. What I mean by this is being that several families are skepital about taking vacations due to high gas prices, invite family or friends over and do a BBQ. Or take the kids to the local zoo or amusement park.

4. When time permits give the 8, 5, and 2 year fun projects to do because kids love it when they make a mess for mommie/daddy and being that we are gluttons, we hang their masterpieces on the frig.

5. Take time out for you and hubby. Do relaxing things and like hang out at the spa or hot tub or maybe just a walk in the park with the 3 month old.

I've got 5 children and it know what it's like. Just glad two of them are grown up and the rest are teenagers. Girl!!! get out there and do you.

[NaturalWoman]

I had a very good routine before my last son came along. I just thought I would go right back into it after I had him, but it's been 3 months already. I guess I'm just venting but I may need 2 washers & 2 dryers! LOL

--JamieC, did you ever feel like a maid? Because that's how i'm feeling

[JamieC]

Originally Posted by NaturalWoman

--JamieC, did you ever feel like a maid? Because that's how i'm feeling

I finally figured out what my mom meant when she said once you get married and have children, your life no longer belongs to you. It's all about them and I've come to terms with this reality because from they day they were born I no longer considered myself selfish and let god work his magic.

Can't say that I've ever felt overwhelmed because my two teenage daughters were born 13 months apart so everyone thought they were twins and I was on double diapar duty at that time but it didn't drive me nuts. I finally came to the realization that I'd take time out for ME and relate, relax, release and not sweat the small stuff because each time I look into their eyes and realize how blessed I was, it was all worth it.


You'll be ok sistahgirlie. Hang in there.

[NaturalWoman]

Thanks so much for your replies. I will surely take your advice!

[JamieC]

No problem lady. And if I didn't mention it before welcome to AC. Enjoy

[MadameX]

Originally Posted by NaturalWoman

Does anyone have any tips for time management? I work full time, have 4 kids & a husband. My kids are 8, 5, 2, & 3 months. My daily schedule gets very hectic - what do yuo suggest?

Sistagirl, Blackwoman have been the backbone of the Black Familial Infra-Structure for centuries. I'll say bunk to all that media propaganda, get the real from the elders.

[T Bone]

Something I did several years ago that really helped was chart your activities (I know it seems hard but it WILL help) for a week. Keep track of what you do every 15 minutes of each day. Example: 8am - 8:15am made breakfast, 8:15am -8:30am washed dishes...... If you do it in the form of a chart with spaces for each 15 min time slot you can simply use ditto marks for things that go over longer periods of time. What this did for me, and many others who have done it, is show EXACTLY how you are currently spending your time and it can help you see where changes can be made.

[NaturalWoman]

That is a very good idea! I'll try that too. I'm always so busy, sometimes I feel like I'm really going crazy. Hopefully I can find a happy medium, with what you all have suggested.

[Chinky]

Originally Posted by T Bone

Something I did several years ago that really helped was chart your activities (I know it seems hard but it WILL help) for a week. Keep track of what you do every 15 minutes of each day. Example: 8am - 8:15am made breakfast, 8:15am -8:30am washed dishes...... If you do it in the form of a chart with spaces for each 15 min time slot you can simply use ditto marks for things that go over longer periods of time. What this did for me, and many others who have done it, is show EXACTLY how you are currently spending your time and it can help you see where changes can be made.

So true! This strategy is also often used by financial planners when they assist consumers with improving their money magangment skills.