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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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 Amen to what I have read, and...Submitted by Beerzie on October 11, 2007 - 3:43pm.
Yep, I agree that the kids are job #1, and you have to learn to let go of what often passes for High Priority items. Most of them are passing fancies anyway. If you can manage it, I would have to say having a stay-at-home parent is a great thing. We have done it in my house with my three boys, and now that the youngest is entering Kindergarten, my wife (and it was her choice to be the houseperson, I would have voted for ME) can start working for a living again. Another thing to keep in mind is that the infancy to year old age, despite the radical changes and the difficulties, is what my wife and I refer to as the "honeymoon period." They are still light enough to carry, nonverbal enough to not have a real voice in decision-making, and easy to cart around. Once they start walking, talking, and having a strong will, life is more challenging. And don't get me started on the soccer practice and homework stage, which is my life right now. It makes the toddlers and diaper era seem like a breeze. On that note, I find it amusing that many expectant parents dread the diaper stage so much. After changing many diapers and wiping countless fannies, I can tell you that it is something you get used to fast. And traveling is a lot easier with a kid in nappies -- I'd rather change a kid in a airport lobby than take two squirming, hands-on-everything toddlers to a filthy public restroom. Don't get me wrong. All stages are great, and just like my parents told me, it definitely goes by too fast, so enjoy it. I'm sure you will. » POSTED IN:
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