8 . As soon as the school calendar arrives , add it to yours . This way you can plan around the school play and the parent teacher conference .
9 . Sundays are big for you . Plan every detail of the week ’ s schedule down to the meals and who ’ s making them . This will reduce conflict , ease stress and save time .
10 . Don ’ t get so attached to your sitter that you can ’ t see her faults . Spot-check by arriving home unexpectedly to see what happens when you are not there .
11 . Help your spouse to be a partner . Praise more than criticize and create opportunities for him to do every task you do .
12 . Divide and conquer . Being partners means sharing the responsibilities , divided by your strengths , and pitching in on any as needed .
13 . Write it all down . From the grocery list to the lunchbox ingredients , you can ’ t delegate unless you get it out of your head and on paper .
14 . Nurture your marriage with daily 20-minute check-ins . Keeping in touch with your own partner is vital to a strong bond .
15 . Synchronize your sleep schedules . Going to bed at the same time together leads to a healthy sex life .
16 . You can never show your kids too much affection . Shower them in it and watch them thrive .
17 . Triathletes win or lose races based on transitions . Keep all supplies in their place ( cubbies for each family member ) and pick clothing the night before .
18 . Foster a strong family culture by celebrating occasions big and small – birthdays , new seasons . Create rituals e . g . Friday night family movies .
19 . Expect stress and roller coasters but remember that bad moments are not “ bad days ” or “ bad weeks .” They are moments . Make this a family philosophy .
20 . Aim to have at least one focused meal a day with your children no matter how crazy work can get .
21 . If you can ’ t host play dates during the week , do it on the weekends so that you get to know your child ’ s friends and their families .
22 . Personal maintenance is not discretionary . Incorporate exercise into the “ train schedule ” and if you feel best with a weekly manicure , add it too .
23 . Keep a positive connection with your kids all week long by planning a weekend event for them to look forward to . Start talking about it on Monday ; anticipation is half the fun .
24 . Identify kid-friendly errands and make a habit of bringing them along . From the supermarket to the car wash , no need to spend this time away from them .
25 . Be proactive about what you can do . If you aren ’ t available for weekday opportunities , volunteer to coach the soccer team on Saturdays .
ARTICLE
( Continued from page 1 )
8 . As soon as the school calendar arrives , add it to yours . This way you can plan around the school play and the parent teacher conference .
9 . Sundays are big for you . Plan every detail of the week ’ s schedule down to the meals and who ’ s making them . This will reduce conflict , ease stress and save time .
10 . Don ’ t get so attached to your sitter that you can ’ t see her faults . Spot-check by arriving home unexpectedly to see what happens when you are not there .
11 . Help your spouse to be a partner . Praise more than criticize and create opportunities for him to do every task you do .
12 . Divide and conquer . Being partners means sharing the responsibilities , divided by your strengths , and pitching in on any as needed .
13 . Write it all down . From the grocery list to the lunchbox ingredients , you can ’ t delegate unless you get it out of your head and on paper .
14 . Nurture your marriage with daily 20-minute check-ins . Keeping in touch with your own partner is vital to a strong bond .
15 . Synchronize your sleep schedules . Going to bed at the same time together leads to a healthy sex life .
16 . You can never show your kids too much affection . Shower them in it and watch them thrive .
17 . Triathletes win or lose races based on transitions . Keep all supplies in their place ( cubbies for each family member ) and pick clothing the night before .
18 . Foster a strong family culture by celebrating occasions big and small – birthdays , new seasons . Create rituals e . g . Friday night family movies .
19 . Expect stress and roller coasters but remember that bad moments are not “ bad days ” or “ bad weeks .” They are moments . Make this a family philosophy .
20 . Aim to have at least one focused meal a day with your children no matter how crazy work can get .
21 . If you can ’ t host play dates during the week , do it on the weekends so that you get to know your child ’ s friends and their families .
22 . Personal maintenance is not discretionary . Incorporate exercise into the “ train schedule ” and if you feel best with a weekly manicure , add it too .
23 . Keep a positive connection with your kids all week long by planning a weekend event for them to look forward to . Start talking about it on Monday ; anticipation is half the fun .
24 . Identify kid-friendly errands and make a habit of bringing them along . From the supermarket to the car wash , no need to spend this time away from them .
25 . Be proactive about what you can do . If you aren ’ t available for weekday opportunities , volunteer to coach the soccer team on Saturdays .
If you have a topic you would like to share or an article you would like to publish , please email us at info @ DesertSwimSchool . com 5
GOT KIDZ ? MAGAZINE