Parenting Tips for Your 11 Month Old Baby

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.