Leisure
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