BALANCING WORK AND FAMILY

THE 4 D’S OF TIME MANAGEMENT

Use the 4 D’s of time management to improve your use of time.

        DO IT:

        -Make a “to do” list.

        -Rank the things that need to be done first.

        -Break big tasks into smaller ones.

        -Do big tasks when you have the most energy.

        DOVETAIL IT:

        -Do two things at once, such a folding laundry while watching TV.

        DELEGATE IT:

        -Unimportant or easier tasks can be given to other people (such    as children, spouse, or       mate).

        -Don’t expect everything to be done perfectly.

        DELAY IT:

        If it’s not important, hold off doing it.

MANAGING A HOUSEHOLD: WORKING WITH FAMILY MEMBERS

Families with good communication work well together.  Do your children help with work in your home?  How do you explain to them what to do?

        ____Tell or show them.

        ____Leave notes.

        ____Work with them.

        ____Make a list.

Do children understand your directions?  Do you let them make some of the decisions?  Do you praise them when they do a good job?

CONSIDER TIMING

For each job, consider the following questions.

        1. How long does it take to do the job?

        2. When is there the most confusion and pressure?

        3. What happens if the job doesn’t get done?

        4. Is there a time the job has to be done?

        5. Can the job be broken into smaller tasks?

        6. Can something be done in the evening to make the next day go                smoother?

        7. What has to be done in the morning to make the day go easier?

Continued