As soon as you have kids, it might feel like you never have
five minutes to yourself; especially if you’re a working, single parent. You
have to juggle your day job with childcare, school, clubs, activities,
cleaning, cooking, and general upkeep of the kids. And all that’s before you
get to have a social life of your own. Is there a way that you can organise
your schedule better, to make the most of your time with your kids? Let’s find
out.
Prioritise
Talk to your kids and assess what’s important to everyone.
Do you need a few hours on Friday night to hang out with your friends (to
maintain your sanity)? Does your youngest passionately love her piano lessons?
Keep what matters, but cut-down on time-consuming excesses, such as multiple
clubs after school and trips into town.
Discuss this with your children, before you make any
decisions. Explain that you’re trying to free up your schedule, so you can
spend some time together as a family, and that you can’t do that if your
weekend is spent running around various lessons and extra-curricular
activities.
Limit TV Time
This may cause a riot, depending on what your kids like to
do best. Rather than turning the TV off altogether, we’d recommend coming up
with family activities and tasks that have to be completed before free rein of
the TV. If it’s possible in your family, leave the TV off, except on one or two
days during the week. Try to be more active with your kids, rather than sitting
on the sofa all day.
Make It About The
Family
Do you go jogging? Take the kids with you on their bikes.
When cooking, assign each child a task. This will teach them useful skills, as
well as speed up dinner. Think about everyday tasks that can be improved and
shortened with some quality family time. Drag your kids away from their
computers, if you have to.
Go Out!
Make memories! Staying at home can be fun, after a long week
at work, but getting out to exciting venues, such as Knowsley Safari Park, or your nearest adventure centre, can
bring you closer together as a family. Don’t forget to take your camera with
you!
Family Night
Every week, assign a day to family night. Let each member of
the family take it in turns to decide what you do during this evening, whether
it’s watching a movie or playing a board game. Jump into your PJs and chill out
together!
Make Goals
Decide what you want to aim for as a family and do your best
to reach those goals. Do you want to be better readers? Have a week where every
day, 30 minutes is assigned to poring over a book. Common goals make you
stronger! It’s easy to reach your target when you have the support of your
whole family.
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