I'm finding it hard to balance my time for work, my teenage kids, household chores. I'm studying at the same time (masteral), and chuch obligations (bible sharing group, church service). My husband isn't living with us anymore.
2007-07-20 18:14:41 · 8 answers · asked by T'cher D 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
When I was in your situation we had a chore list. Split into categories: Kitchen, bathrooms, floors, dusting garbage and putting away laundry, etc.... I posted it on the fridge and we all had out turns, and the list rotated weekly. It took 4 of us about 20-30 minutes a day to do our chores and the day to day things were easy to keep up with. If one of them could not do their chores because of work, school activity, etc.. they could ask someone else to take their day and then do that persons chores another day. I had a place on the list that they both initialed so there were no disagreements about it in the future. I could do laundry in between studying and fixing dinner, etc... I also cooked enough food to freeze an extra couple of meals to free me up on busier days. As for spending time with the teenagers, I took time with each as they came home in the evenings or on weekends to spend a little one on one time, and we set aside time for a couple of sit down lengthier dinners/lunches/breakfasts a few times a week, too. Having the kids help out is good for them as well as it takes some of the load away from you. Good luck and hang in there!
2007-07-20 18:36:45 · answer #1 · answered by TC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The key to this is to cut back your activities. While some people can balance many activities, someone (or more) always suffers for it. You would find less stress and much more joy in your life if you centered around only that which is necessary at this point in time. You can finish schooling when the children are gone (they really suffer in these situations) and cut down on outside activities such as church groups. The thing to understand about those who appear to be balancing all of this kind of stuff is that they are not happy, too proud or whatever to admit it, and eventually regret it. Do yourself and your children a big favor and cut down on what you do and enjoy the time you have with your children before they leave to build their own lives. You don't have to do it all.
2007-07-20 18:27:24 · answer #2 · answered by sm427hr 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I too was a single mom for years. We just do what we know has to be done for the kids.
Make up a schedule. On the nights you don't have bible group or other things to do, set those evenings aside for things like laundry, bathrooms, floors, what ever. Also, you have some able bodied teens who can pitch in, delegate some chores to them as well. Sundays afternoon/evenings I would prepare the meals for the week. That way when I got home from work I had very little to do to fix dinner.
Best of luck to you! You can do it!
2007-07-20 18:24:36 · answer #3 · answered by justme 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Single Moms & Time Budgeting 101. I wish I had written that book, LOL! I've been a single mom for over 27 years now, natural, adopted, fosters, lots of kids coming and going. We have a rule here, if you live in the home treat it with love. Everyone helps and everyone shares. I work full time on the graveyard shift, drive the kids to school in the morning when I get home (when school is in session), have a 1/2 hour of indulgent (bubble bath) me time, sleep, wake up when they start coming home from school. Some of the older children, actually adults now, still live at home because they go to college, and they really are wonderful too. All for one and one for all! I wish more families worked like mine, I am blessed!
2007-07-20 18:25:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears and the occasional outbrake of cursing I have no doubt. But then again I am not a career mom
2007-07-20 18:36:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know how they do it. You sure have it rough. I am happy though that you are staying with your church activities; you need the connection to other spiritual people and the support it gives you.
Good luck.
2007-07-20 20:08:38 · answer #6 · answered by Patti C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
time management, budget your time, prioritize.tell your kids to help lighten the load. make every time with your kids quality time, bonding time.
2007-07-20 18:19:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't know, but i used Microsoft Outlook calendar and grew to it on by planning my day out on my celluar phone or notebook computer.
2007-07-20 18:17:59 · answer #8 · answered by Andrew 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋