Teach Middle East Magazine September 2014 Issue 1 Vol. 2 | Page 40

Leisure

ALL WORK & NO PLAY … HOW
TO CREATE WORK-LIFE BALANCE
By PreSha H. Barnes

P

rofessional
development
sessions, setting up the
classroom, getting to know new
students and colleagues; these
are just a few of the myriad of things
that educators are faced with during the
first few weeks of the new school year.
It is not surprising that during this time,
some very important people are left in
the background, the families.

fun! If you are staying in, get the entire
family involved by assigning each
person with a responsibility that helps
to make the evening run smoothly.
Tasks could include, but not limited to;
purchasing or preparing the family’s
favourite snacks, blanket gathering
duty, or setting up the technology for
streaming the movie.

It is fairly easy for educators to
become consumed with daily routines
and procedures. While consistency
to procedures is quite important to
maintaining an efficient professional
life, it is also necessary to ensure that
this does not negatively impact on the
amount and quality of time spent with
your family. Spending quality time with
your family should be ranked equal to,
if not higher than our professional life.
The following activities are designed to
remind you of the people who will; cheer
you up after a long and challenging
day, hug you when you least expect it
and support you unconditionally.

Do you remember those days when
everyone simply got together and
battled it out playing their favourite
games? Your games night can consist
of good old-fashioned board games or
some newer electronic games. This
not only brings your family together
physically but it also promotes a spirit of
friendly competition. Be sure to select
board games that all family members
can enjoy. For the more difficult games,
partner younger family members with
an adult or older sibling so as to make
them feel more involved.

Movie Night

Plan a regular movie night and keep
the date. It helps to create a list of
movies that cover the different genres
that your family enjoys watching. Votes
can be taken to determine the order of
the viewing schedule. This will ensure
that everyone is accommodated
fairly. Whether you plan a night out
at the local cinema or having a movie
marathon via your favourite online
video streaming service, just make it

38

September 2014

Games Night

Fun Dinner Night

Plan at least one night per week where all
family members s