Time Management Skills
Good time management skills can help minimize stress and make sure you don’t miss out on special moments with your child.
How to Manage Your Time
Prioritize. Make a list of everything you want to get done in a day and focus on completing what needs to be done first. If several tasks seem equally important, start with the shorter tasks – this might help motivate you to complete the longer ones. Also, be flexible because priorities can change.
Start early and limit procrastination. Procrastination happens but can be avoided if you plan ahead and start early. Procrastination just adds to your stress and can cut into family time. To help, use calendars and phone reminders to complete tasks in a timely manner.
Budget your time and limit distractions. Figure out how long it takes you to complete a task and use a timer to keep yourself on track. You can also take advantage of your child’s naptime to get things done (unless you also need a nap). If you need help minimizing phone distractions, turn off app notifications or research free apps that help limit how much time you spend on your phone.
Communication and teamwork. Be willing to ask for help and accept it when it’s offered. Discuss your tasks for the day or week with you partner or anyone else who shares childcare responsibilities, and come to an agreement. Teamwork can free up time to focus on what matters most.
Be kind to yourself. Have patience and be kind to yourself if not everything gets done. You are a busy parent. Take a deep breath and remember that tomorrow is a new day.
Practice self-care to manage stress. Stress can be a normal response to life changes. However, too much stress for a long time can be harmful to your health. Practice self-care and recognize when something is taking up more time and effort than it’s worth. Prioritize time for yourself every day – this can help you give your best to your child.
Start early and limit procrastination. Procrastination happens but can be avoided if you plan ahead and start early. Procrastination just adds to your stress and can cut into family time. To help, use calendars and phone reminders to complete tasks in a timely manner.
Budget your time and limit distractions. Figure out how long it takes you to complete a task and use a timer to keep yourself on track. You can also take advantage of your child’s naptime to get things done (unless you also need a nap). If you need help minimizing phone distractions, turn off app notifications or research free apps that help limit how much time you spend on your phone.
Communication and teamwork. Be willing to ask for help and accept it when it’s offered. Discuss your tasks for the day or week with you partner or anyone else who shares childcare responsibilities, and come to an agreement. Teamwork can free up time to focus on what matters most.
Be kind to yourself. Have patience and be kind to yourself if not everything gets done. You are a busy parent. Take a deep breath and remember that tomorrow is a new day.
Practice self-care to manage stress. Stress can be a normal response to life changes. However, too much stress for a long time can be harmful to your health. Practice self-care and recognize when something is taking up more time and effort than it’s worth. Prioritize time for yourself every day – this can help you give your best to your child.
