I am a proud stay-at-home Dad and it is one the greatest privileges in my life. However, this opportunity comes with much responsibility and sacrifice. Just making the decision to abandon the traditional work force (voluntarily or otherwise) to stay at home with your child is the ultimate of sacrifices.
As stay at home Dad’s we are faced with many challenges. First and foremost, we must adapt to our new role in the house hold. In addition to caring for and nurturing our child throughout the day, we are now responsible for all things domestic in the home (laundry, meal planning, cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning, etc.). This, in and of itself, can be a huge shock to the system (let’s face it; many of us just aren’t geared for this!). In addition, for those of us that exercise or endeavor to run a home based business, we have to find a way to include these additional responsibilities in our daily routine as well.
Fortunately, after almost one full year ‘on the job’, I can say, with confidence, that my days run smoothly and as planned about 60% of the time. I know, that is only 3 out of 5 working days. Trust me, this is huge progress! Over the course of the last year, I have learned to successfully manage my time. I have learned little tricks and techniques that have enabled me to achieve relative harmony in our household on a daily basis. Again, this is huge! So, without further or due, I would like to share with you my time management tips for stay-at-home Dad’s…
• Always put your kid’s daily needs (physical, emotional and educational) first. If you take care of these needs, they will allow you time ‘opportunities’.
• Have a daily routine and stick to it. Parenting 101 folks!
• Be consistent with discipline. Again, parenting 101.
• Do the household chores with your child. My two year old boy loves to "help out". This is quality time with your child. It takes a little longer, but you accomplish two priorities at the same time.
• Learn your child’s patterns. Every child has certain times of the day when they are more amiable (less needy). These are opportunities for your kid to engage in independent play and for you to accomplish some of your tasks. This is also important from a developmental standpoint.
• Never let them fall asleep in the car. A ten minute snooze in the car can jeopardize the productivity of your entire day. My boy usually goes down after lunch at about 1 or 1:30. So, if I am out and about anytime after 11 a.m., we are in the danger zone. I avoid this.
• Use every single minute of nap time to accomplish your tasks. Be organized and ready to launch into whatever project you have on tap as soon as his or her head hits the pillow.
• Join a play group and find parents with whom you can do ‘exchanges’. Ironically, I have had some very productive days when I am on ‘duty’. The kiddos tend to entertain themselves. In fact, as I write this, I have four kids playing in my living room.
• Join a gym with day care. My gym allows me three hours a day of care as long as I am in the building. I usually work out, clear my mind and leave, but if I am pressed for time, I will sit in the lobby with my laptop and work. Incidentally, my boy loves the gym. He plays harder than I work out and he naps especially long on the days that we go. Bonus!
• Last, but not least, make daily/weekly schedules and ‘to do’ lists. This is critical!
That’s it! In short, I approach it like a job (a very rewarding one). I stay organized, I make lists and I try to follow the same routine every day. One last parting thought, you must actively manage and structure your day and never let your kid run the show. Understand that children have needs, lots of them. Consequently, the development and wellbeing of your child should always be the number one priority in your day, but your life should not revolve around your kid (this is not healthy or productive). I know, it is a fine line, but I believe that this subtle distinction is the key to my success as a happy and productive stay at home Dad.
Want to learn more about how I make the most of every day as a stay-at-home Dad? Do you have days at home with the kiddos when you want to pull your hair out. Does your child throw tantrums and have behavioral issues? Go here to learn how to stop misbehavior and to get any child to listen… http://www.childbehaviorguide.info
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