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MANAGING THE DEMANDS OF THE CLASSROOM AND A YOUNG FAMILY.
By Presha Barnes
Being an educator and managing a young, growing family is not always the easiest task. Do not get overwhelmed. There is a way to make everything coexist and for everyone to be happy. With all the responsibilities that you must adhere to, a little time management, can help to meet the demands of work at home.
Be Organized
Getting organized is not the easiest task, especially for a young and growing family. Before you begin to think that the task is daunting, get a pen and paper. This may seem like a rather ancient way to do things, but it still works. What you want to do is create to-do lists. One list is for home, while the other is for work. Tasks with the highest priority take place at the top of the list, and as you complete each, tick them off the list.
Effective Time Management
Yes, there are 24 hours in a day, and it seems like we need more. A lot of our family-work balance comes from effective time management. A quick solution for effective time management would be a calendar dry erase board for work and home. Each month take a minute or two to write down important dates, and events. For example, that play date for the kiddos you wanted to schedule, or extra lesson planning you want to get done. The key is to ensure you have time for everything.
Make Promises You Can Keep
A promise is a promise. This holds true especially when you promise your children that you will do something. They have excellent memories, so be sure to say what you mean and mean what you say. Also, the commitments you make at work are promises. You want to be sure that you can meet the demands of work and home without overextending yourself. It is totally fine to make promises, but be sure to look at your to-do lists and calendar before doing so.
Less is More
You’ d be surprised how a quick search on the web is beneficial for young families. Craft ideas, family games, and even ideas for staycations can be found that are economical for a growing family. If you have a packed schedule, begin with short craft ideas that can be completed within 30 minutes. Everyone in the family will have an opportunity to participate, and take something meaningful away from the experience. While on that drive home with your little ones, a good game to play is,“ I Spy.” You all take turns describing things along the way home, and if guessed correctly, you are a winner. Keep it simple, and they will love you for it.
Just Breathe
Take time for yourself to relax. Having a young family, and working full time can be tiresome. Throughout the day take a minute or two, to just breathe. This can include short breathing exercises to soft music, a minute to eat your favorite snack, meditation, and so much more. A quick way to select an activity would be to get some craft sticks or index cards and write short ways to relax. Place them in a bin and mix for a speedy selection of fun spontaneous relaxation. The objective here, is to not think of your priorities, but focus on yourself.
You can prioritize, and make the time you have seem like more. Everything you have planned and scheduled can meet the demands of your family, and everyone will have a smile on their faces. Don’ t get overwhelmed, and remember to take time to breathe.
PreSha has been an educator for the past seven years. Originally from Houston, Texas, PreSha is passionate about empowering other educators. She is also a Teach Middle East Magazine Blogger.
After The Bell | | Sep- Oct 2017 | 47