Making the Most of Your Time

Time is a valuable resource. You can control your time or let time control you. It all depends on how you make use of it. Here are some ways to make the most of your time:

• Think about what happens most days. When can you take a few moments to do some of the tasks you need or want to do? What tasks can you do with children around? What has to be done when your children are asleep or under someone else's care?

• Write a list of things that need to be done. Make a new list every day. Rate the three most important items A-B-C or 1-2-3. Do these three things first. Cross out tasks as they are completed.

• Expect the unexpected. Be prepared to revise your list as needed. Try to reduce the time and energy you spend feeling guilty or frustrated about jobs you can't get done.

• Avoid clutter. Make a simple daily housekeeping schedule with basic, important tasks on it. Routines reduce thinking time.

• Plan ahead to save time. Plan to leave 10 minutes earlier for an appointment than you need to. Being early cuts down on stress.

• Be good to yourself. Set reasonable goals that you can achieve within your time plan. High achievers set moderately challenging goals. People who set goals way too high end up getting discouraged because they never reach their goals.

All Parents Have Good Days and Bad Days

When it comes to parenting, there are good days and there are bad days. Every parent sometimes feels positively worn out. Taking care of a young child can leave you feeling like you never have a moment to yourself unless you find it after midnight, and then you may be interrupted by a small cry. Besides that, if you’re like most parents of young children, you can hardly keep your eyes open after 8 p.m.

You may wonder if someone else has found an easier way to do the job. On bad days, you might secretly ask yourself if you are doing something wrong.

No one knows a short-cut to being a good parent. It’s common for parents’ bodies to ache a little. You may also feel emotionally bruised. Take heart, you are probably doing fine. A lot of weariness goes along with being a parent. Bad days are usually followed by good days. All these days will pass as your little one becomes less demanding.

Young children need parents who try to do their best with them every day. That doesn’t mean parents succeed all the time. When you’re not feeling OK, try not to worry about being a super parent. The more you can laugh about things and really enjoy your baby, the better for everyone.

Infants and toddlers can be demanding. When you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, call a good friend to talk and let off steam. Or call your doctor or spiritual adviser. Even though you sometimes feel overwhelmed, that doesn’t stop you from being a good parent; you still care about and love your child. Talking about it shows that you are responsible enough to know when you need to get help.