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Time management for parents
MIkael Lindberg | Oct 10 2007
The excellent news that Merlin is joining the parent flock prompted me to write this post. I became a parent about a year ago and I've been battling the "loss" of about 8-16 hours of every day to parenting and the unpredictability element that babies bring to your schedule. I'm interested in hearing what other parents have done in order to keep a grip on their schedule and their lives. For me, the most extreme effect was that I decided to change jobs in order to do something I really like, despite having to take a 50% pay cut. I just can't afford to waste hours doing things that doesn't make me happy. I've also taken a few hints from Merlin and now carry a small note pad (sort of a hipster PDA) in my pocket at all times for capture purposes. I think my previous attempts at GTD has failed just because I havn't needed it enough. Now, I can't survive without it. As for handling the unpredictability element of children, my wife and I have a system where we try to never replan the current day schedule but instead handle exceptions as far into the future as possible. This keeps our schedules reasonably stable. What are your experiences? 58 Comments
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 Forget GTD just GSSSubmitted by JohnnyB on October 10, 2007 - 10:34am.
That would be Get Some Sleep. Seriously, I have two girls, 3 and 1 1/2. I've heard rumors about kids that sleep well, like all through the night. My kids are not among them. Sleep. And don't just sleep, but sleep in. Enjoy sleep. Relish it. I am not overstating this. Ok, as far as being productive, if you work primarily from home, good luck to you. I have a semi-flexible job that let's me work out of the office some days. Since I'd rather work at home than from my local Starbucks, I had to set up an office in my garage. I have a cheap desk, a lamp, and a printer, oh and the new iMac keyboard. When I go out there I have to tell my kids (read, my wife) that I'm at work. I can't play, can't change diapers, can't help when the little one's crying. Oh, and it doesn't work. Here's my biggest Dad advice: When you're home with your wife and kid, make it about them. Don't worry about email. Don't try to work while you play with your newborn, just enjoy it. It goes super fast, and to be honest, your kid doesn't care if you're super productive or if you suck at it. Right now, he only cares that you're around and you're spending time with him (her?). Being a dad rocks, it's my favorite job. » POSTED IN:
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