11 Time Management Tips for the Busy Single Parent

A wise man once said that counting time is not so important as making time count. Good time management and making time count is a must for busy single parents. While there are many books and articles on time management, here are 11 time management tips, boiled down, that I believe you will find useful:

1. If you feel that you don't have time to complete things, break the job into smaller units. No time to read a book, set aside 15 minutes a day to read a few pages or a chapter, or better yet, try a short story.

2. Once you determine exactly what is most important to accomplish any given day, do not allow yourself to be interrupted until it is done. Don't take calls, don't take a coffee break, and don't put in that load of wash. Do what you have to do, and then get on to other things.

3. Making lists is a crucial way to organize your life and keep things simple. But always make a list you know you can accomplish. At the end of the day you will feel good about what you've done rather than overwhelmed by which you haven't done. Failure can be exhausting.

4. Keep a list of short calls you need to make (such as calls to arrange appointments) and make them early in the day. You can cross off several "to do" items from the list - and start your day off right.

5. Every now and then you will think of someone you haven't spoken to in a long time and have an impulse to call. However, if it's too late, write those names down and you'll be more likely to get to them.

6. Don't over schedule your children. Children (and adults for that matter), need downtime to do absolutely nothing. This kind of downtime is every bit as important as piano lessons, Little League, and gymnastics. Maybe even more so.

7. Telephone calls are something we all could do a lot less of - - so set certain times of the day when you simply don't answer the phone. Use that time to cook dinner in a peaceful, mindful way, or just hang out with your family.

8. Think about the people you spent time with on the phone or in person. How many of those relationships seem fulfilling? How many feel like habits? Think about time as a valuable commodity, and don't waste it in company that isn't pleasing.

9. Consider not making social plans for more than two weekends in a row. It's important to give yourself time every now and then on the weekend to have no plans. If you feel like pulling something together at the last minute, you can always do it

10. Whenever possible, take your children along on errands instead of arranging childcare. It is educational for them, and it can make a dull task interesting. Of course some errands are fun with children in tow, but others are nearly impossible.

11. Set your alarm clock for a half hour early every morning, and think of that time as all yours. Lie in the bed, listen to the radio, meditate, exercise, soak in the tub, or do whatever you need to do to prepare yourself for the day ahead.


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