Finding Time

Need to find more time in your day? Are you finding it difficult to find time to devote to your middle level child? Some people seem to fit more things into a day than others. Did you ever wonder how they do it? Here are a few tips that may help you be more efficient in using your time:

1. Set priorities: Create a list of what is truly important to you. Odds are that your kids are at the top of the list. From the list you generated, decide how to spend your time. Make sure your decisions reflect what matters the most. When confronted with choices about the use of your time, refer to the list you created where you have prioritized what is most important. Given a choice between cooking a fancy dinner or talking with your child about school…order a pizza and talk!
2. Spend time one-on-one: “Quality time” is a deceptive myth. What your child really needs is “quantity time” with a parent or parents. They need time to talk and time to see and hear how you would apply your experience and values to the problems they are encountering. There is nothing more special for a child than a parent spending time alone with them, regardless of their age. Try to set a time aside to spend alone with your child each week. Listen, listen and allow the conversation to flow toward what your child wants to talk about. Treat the time as important as you would an important business meeting. You will find using a portion of your time in this way will pay huge dividends.
3. Use the “off” button: Use the off button you actually have more time than you think but its being stolen from you and your student because of electronics. Here are some things to “turn off” that will help!
1. Turn off the TV. Record any programs that are “can’t miss” and watch them when it is convenient.
2. Turn off phones. Let voice mail or the answering machine catch calls for you and your child for a couple hours each night. This eliminates a lot of distractions and interruptions.
3. Turn off the computer. Set limits on the amount of computer time are permitted for you and your child each night. You will be surprised how much time you lose in searching the internet, emailing and texting. Use the media free time to help with homework, to read together , or to just talk.