In his recent newsletter "Happy Kids", parenting expert Michael Grose (yes he is an expert with three kids of his own) said:
Australian parents currently rate achieving work-family balance as their greatest parenting challenge. Currently, 71% of Australian parents say they have difficulty finding time to do the things they enjoy with their children.
So what are the key relationship-builders to focus on when you are busy and life is full on?
A number of different studies show children and young people want three types of interactions with their parents:
Family rituals such as reading to children in bed, shared mealtimes and celebrations. Some activities may come and go but rituals by definition are cut in stone.
One-on-one interactions are vital for relationship building. Whether it is playing a game with a child or having a coffee with a teenager make sure you regularly spend some time with each of your children on their own. This goes double for middle children or those having difficulties in their lives.
Down-time so that spontaneous and fun interactions can occur. Family holidays and lazy Sundays provide opportunities to connect on an informal basis with children. This is particularly important for fathers who tend to communicate best when having some shared fun with their son or daughter.
The challenge for busy people is to carve out some time for these important relationship-building opportunities. Those people who can successfully balance the two spheres of work and family use similar skills at home to those they use at work such as prioritising, delegating and planning ahead. Make family activities a priority and plan around them rather than fitting them in at the end of the day or week when you are tired. It also helps if you get support from home and also have some support and recognition at work that you have a family at home that needs your energy and attention. www.parentingideas.com.au
You Can Turn Your Life Around
You certainly can turn your life around by learning to say 'no', learning how to manage your time and then taking action.
That's right. Everyone tells you how busy and how little time they have, yet most people do nothing to learn the skills that will have a dramatic impact on their work and personal lives.
Cats in the Cradle
For those of you old enough to remember, Harry Chapin recorded a song called "Cats in the Cradle". It was about a young boy whose Dad was always busy working. He never seemed to be available when his son wanted to be with him. Over the years this continued until the boy became an adult. By then his Dad had retired and had time on his hands, however his son had now become too busy to see his Dad. He too was working and had kids. The tables had turned. All of a sudden the Dad realised what he had done. He was too busy caught up in his work and missed out on his son growing up.
The Final Word
Bringing up balanced, positive and well-adjusted children is the most satisfying thing you can ever do. Whatever successes you have had in your life, nothing beats the feeling when you look at your child knowing you have made a major contribution to the way they've turned out. (Also the opposite can be true?if you're child has run off the rails, you may have to take a look in the mirror).
If you have kids and you seriously want to have more time with them, then take action today. There are many simple changes you can make that will free up your time. If you're too bogged down and can't see how, then get some help?contact us.
Whatever you do, don't do nothing. Kids grow up very quickly. I know from personal experience.. My eldest child turned 21 last week and next year my son goes off to high school. I am so grateful that I have played a major role in their upbringing and regardless of how busy my schedule has been, I have always made my family the highest priority.
You can have more work/life balance if you really want to. All it takes are a few changes to the way you currently operate your life.
Remember, nothing changes, if nothing changes.
About The Author
Lorraine specialises in working with businesspeople showing them how to dramatically boost their productivity, reduce the stress and the mess in their lives and have more time for enjoying their life.
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareOur children are our most important legacy to the world.... Read More
1 "Law of Belonging": The greatest need of teenagers (after... Read More
When we talk about attention, we are talking about two... Read More
We adopted our first child when he was three months... Read More
When I was pregnant, we knew that we had some... Read More
"In general my children refuse to eat anything that hasn't... Read More
It is not the divorce but the conflict arising after... Read More
I recall somewhere in the recesses of my aging brain... Read More
How on earth can you help your family cope with... Read More
I am a dad. I have been now for over... Read More
Having a high level of emotional intelligence in your children... Read More
There are so many learning labels floating around these days... Read More
The cruel callous remarks made by our offspring can sometimes... Read More
Few things are more completely enjoyable than becoming a grandparent.... Read More
How in the world do you get your child to... Read More
Q. We just got our daughter's progress report, and it... Read More
You need to smart to be able influence adolescents. You... Read More
What's hard for teenagersHaving people who don't understand you trying... Read More
Arabella Greatorex, owner of The Natural Nursery, reports on the... Read More
Mealtimes together deserve an important place in any family. Around... Read More
A while ago I received this story from David in... Read More
Remember when cash was a tangible commodity in all of... Read More
Teachers know that children thrive in an environment with routines,... Read More
As a hypnotherapist, I am acutely aware of the power... Read More
One of the challenges for parents with a gifted child... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Bearers of life, wipers of noses, givers of unconditional love... Read More
Children and teenagers are relentlessly bombarded with merchandise that entices.... Read More
"Home Schooling ? Look Before You Leap"Are you considering home... Read More
1. You reheated the same cup of coffee three times... Read More
"Get down from the table top right now! What are... Read More
For many years underparenting was perhaps the biggest problem facing... Read More
There is no doubt that mothers play an all-important leading... Read More
In the movie, Finding Nemo, Nemo's father, Marlyn asks the... Read More
'And all because of a damned cat! It's only a... Read More
Here are ten simple pleasures you can enjoy with your... Read More
In elementary school it's pretty straightforward: bringing in cupcakes to... Read More
I don't know how people raise daughters because I have... Read More
I am sure that this list can be jogged and... Read More
"Good parents give their children Roots and Wings." --Jonas SalkThe... Read More
What parent hasn't gone into a son's or daughter's room... Read More
I was in the life insurance sales industry for over... Read More
Raising a pre-teen or teenage daughter (or son) is not... Read More
Backpack? Check. Notebooks? Check. Ink-pens? Check. Clear Skin? Mommmm!If you... Read More
I WAS AMAZEDI could hardly believe what I was hearing.... Read More
This may come as a surprise.But despite all the advances... Read More
What are the easiest things citizens can do to prevent... Read More
One of the few decisions you'll make during pregnancy that... Read More
Q. My teenage son is turning 16 early next year... Read More
"I WON'T DO IT!" "YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!"Whether parent or... Read More
Child Party Planning Guideline #1)Pick the ThemeYour child is going... Read More
Parenting |