The Busy Mom's Guide

So much to do and So little time.

Youre running a household, juggling schedules, getting dinner on the table, while trying to maintain a sense of calmand its no small feat. its easy to feel overwhelmed by all the daily details and forget that managing your family is the most important job youll ever have, no matter how many other paid or volunteer positions you hold.

Your job description includes numerous tasks, all of which fall into one of these seven departments.

Time & SchedulingYoure in charge of your familys calendar and daily schedule, making sure each person is at the right place at the right time with the right equipment.

Home & PropertyYou make sure your familys home and yard, your belongings, and your vehicles are maintained and run smoothly.

FoodYou see that your familys nutritional needs are metand that mealtimes bring your family together.

Family & FriendsYou love and support your kids in countless ways each day, and you also build relationships with other important family members, friends, and neighbors.

FinancesYou help coordinate your familys budget, bill paying, saving, investing, and charitable giving.

Special EventsYou plan significant occasions like birthdays, holidays, and vacations.

Self-Managementto ensure you have the energy and stamina to handle all your other responsibilities, you must also care for your body, sharpen your mind, and nourish your spirit.

Youre probably managing some of these areas well, but there are others that cause you a lot of frustration. its that way for every mombut now you have a trusted resource with solutions to daily dilemmas and answers to your most urgent questions. Kathy Peel, americas Family manager, is here to help!

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An Imprint of Tyndale House Publ ishers, Inc.Carol Stream, I l l inois

A FAM I LY MANAG E R R E S OU R CEA FAM I LY M

picketfencep r e s s

THE BUSYMOMSGUIDE TO A HAPPY,ORGANIZEDHOMEF A S T S O L U T I O N S TO H U N D R E D SO F E V E RY D AY D I L E M M A S

AMERICAS FAMILY MANAGER

KATHY PEEL

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Visit tyndales exciting Web site at www.tyndale.com

www.familymanager.com

TYNDALE and tyndales quill logo are registered trademarks of tyndale house Publishers, inc.

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The Busy Moms Guide to a Happy, Organized Home: Fast Solutions to Hundreds of Everyday Dilemmas

copyright 2008 by Kathy Peel. all rights reserved.

Front cover photo of timer copyright by Bill noll/iStockphoto. all rights reserved.

Front cover photo of Kathy Peel copyright 2008 by david edmonson (www.davidedmonson.com). all rights reserved.

Back cover photo of Kathy Peel copyright 2008 by michael Gomez. all rights reserved.

Back cover photo of kitchen copyright by dreamstime. all rights reserved.

interior designed by Beth Sparkman

cover designed by Ben arrowood for Righthanddesign.com

unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, new living translation, copyright 1996, 2004. used by permission of tyndale house Publishers, inc., carol Stream, illinois 60188. all rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked niV are taken from the holY BiBle, neW inteRnational VeRSion. niV. copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by international Bible Society. used by permission of Zondervan. all rights reserved.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Peel, Kathy, date. the busy moms guide to a happy, organized home : fast solutions to hundreds of everyday dilemmas / Kathy Peel. p. cm. includes index. iSBn-13: 978-1-4143-1619-2 (sc) iSBn-10: 1-4143-1619-4 (sc) 1. home economics. 2. life skillsunited States. i. title. tX15.P415 2008 640 dc22 2008006594

Printed in the united States of america

14 13 12 11 10 09 08

7 6 5 4 3 2 1

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dedication

To Genevieve and Christin

Beautiful brides and the answers to our prayers

for John and Joel

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Introduction: Creating a Happy Home Starts Here xi

contentS

ONE Managing Time and Scheduling

Step 1: Live by Your Priorities 5 Decision-MakingGuidelines7

Step 2: Set Up a Base of Operations within Your Home 8ControlCentral8FamilyIn-Boxes9DailyHitList9

Step 3: Maximize Your Moments 11 10PrinciplesofTimeManagement11SchedulingStrategies 12MakingPhoneTimeCount13MemoryJoggers 15PlanningAhead16FiveMinutesIsWorthItsWeightinGold17MultitaskingMadeEasy19 PrescriptionforProcrastination20

TWO Managing Your Home and Property

Organizing and Storage Basics 27AtticandBasement29Bathrooms32 ChildrensBedrooms33MasterBedroom 34HomeOffice35 Kitchen38 LaundryArea39WorkCenters40Garage41

Clutter 43 DeclutterinaDay43 Clutter Combat Rules 44 ConquerPaperClutter45 ClutterCombatTacticsforChildren 46

Cleaning 47 CleaninginManageableChunks47 One-DayCleanSweepPlan51ShortcutsandSmarter Cleaning 52 EliminatingSmellsandOdors56 ChildrenandHousework57

All Your Stuff 63Appliances63Bedding66 BooksandBookshelves68 CarpetCare70 ClothingCareandLaundry71

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Do-It-Yourself Decorating 72SixStepstoDecoratingonYourOwn72 DecoratingTipsfromProfessionals74

Your Homes Structure 79 GeneralMaintenance79 QuarterlyMaintenance83BuildingandRemodeling86

Moving 88 GettingReadyforYourMove88 TipsasYouPackorUnpack91

Safety 92HouseholdEmergencies92BePreparedforDisaster95FireSafety99CrimeproofYourHome 99 HomeInventory102

Car Care Basics 103WhenShouldYouCallYourMechanic?103 HowtoFindaGoodMechanic104 CarCashSavers105

THREE Managing Menus and Meals

Menu Planning 111

Meals 113Dinnertime113Lunches118Picnics120

Insider Chef Tips 120CookingCrises120KitchenTime-Savers121EverydayCookingTips122 Baking123Fruit125Freezing127 Grilling128

Shopping for Food 129 Groceries129FoodCo-ops135 Restaurants136

FOUR Managing Relationships with Family and Friends

Building Family Relationships 141InvestinginYourMarriage141 GettingAlongwithYourKidsDadandYourEx142 SimpleWaystoBeaGreatMom143 TheHomeTeam145

What Kids Only Learn at Home: Answers to Some of a Moms Toughest Questions 151 HowCanITeachMyKidsGoodValues?151HowCanITeachMyKidstoTelltheTruth?153 HowDoIGetMyKidstoObey?154 HowCanITeachMyChildrentoManageTheirAnger?155HowCanIPassOnMyFaithtoMyChildren?157 HowCanIEncourageMyKidstoEatRightandBeActive?157HowCanIEncourageMyParentstoGetInvolvedwithMyKids?159DoGoodMannersReallyMatter?160HowDoIKeeptheTVandInternetfromMonopolizingMyFamilysLife?161DoIReallyHavetoTalkwithMyKidsaboutSex?163HowCanIHelpMyChildrenthroughtheTeenYears?164

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FIVE Managing Your Finances

Creating Your Familys Financial Strategy 196YourFamilysFinancialPhilosophy196 YourFamilysFinancialPriorities197YourFamilysFinancialPlan198IdeasonCuttingYourExpenses201 IdeasonIncreasingYourIncome205IfYoureReallyStrappedforMoney208

Organizing Your Money Matters 210 BillPaying210 PrioritizingBills210 Taxes211

Money Management for Kids 213 GuidelinesforTeachingKidsaboutMoney213 EverydayEconomicLessonsforKids213Allowances214

SIX Managing Special Events

Entertaining 22010StepstoanUnforgettableEvent220 WhentoDoWhat223TipsforEntertaining226 AFewDecoratingDetails228RentalKnow-How228 CateringQueries229Quantities229NineEntertainingDisasters230 PartyIdeas232SpecialEventSeven-DayCountdown233Short-NoticePartyShortcuts 235PartyProtocolWhenYouAretheGuest236

Birthday Party Planning 236 Planning a Fun Family Gathering 238 Joyful Ideas for Overcoming Christmas Chaos 240

SeasonalStressRelief240HowtoExperienceHoliday Joy 241

Creative Gift Giving 242QuickGiftBaskets242 Last-MinuteGifts244BuyingYourChildrenGiftsThatMatter244

Dealing with the Everydayfrom Family Milestones to the Mundane 170PreparingforBaby170BabysittingCo-ops171Playgroups172 ChildCare173 Babysitters:ImportantInformationTheyMustKnow175 Education175CarpoolGuidelines184KidsatHomeAlone185ActivityOverload186SickDays187 BedtimeRoutines188

Building Other Relationships 189 MakingTimeforFriends189 NetworkYourNeighborhoodforFunandSafety 190

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SEVEN Managing Yourself

Creating Self-Care Habits 257No-CostWaystoBuildRestintoYourLife257ChoosingSelf-CareStrategiesThatWorkforYou259

Taking Care of Your Body 260GetMoving!BuildingExerciseintoYourLife261SmartEatingTips264 TurnEnergyZappersintoEnergyBoosters265 IdentifyHiddenStressors266

Sharpening Your Mind 267 WhyBother?TheBenefitsofContinuingtoLearn268

Nurturing Your Spirit 269Faith-BuildingExercises269 Affirmations272

WebResources275Index295Acknowledgments305AboutKathyPeel 307

Planning the Best Vacation Ever 245 ChoosingYourVacationDestination245Long-TermPlanning245 Short-TermPlanning246PlanningaKid-FriendlyVacation248SavingYourSanityonaRoadTrip248

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Whenyoustartanewjob,mostcompaniesprovideorientation.Youlearnwheretoparkyourcar,wheretokeepyoursacklunch,andwhatqualifiesasacceptableattireforcasualFridays.Butwhenyoutakeonmotherhood,theworldsmostimportantjob,theresnoformalorientationjuston-the-jobtrainingandtrialbyfire.

Myfirstfewyearsofmotherhood,Ifearedthatifallmomswereratedaccordingtotheirdomesticskillsandparentingknow-how,Iwouldsurelybeintheremedialgroup.Boy,didIwishthatallthesecretsofmotherhoodandfamilymanagementwerepasseddown,frommothertomother,inathickbinder,indexedandcategorizedforeverysce-nario.ThereweresomanythingsIneededtoknow,likehowtoconvinceatoddlertoeatvegetables,whentoreplacethehosesonourwashingmachine,andthebesttimeofdaytoshopforgroceriesallofwhichIhadtolearnthehardway.

Icertainlycouldhaveusedsucharesourcewhenitwastimetoenrollourthree-year-oldinpreschool.Ididsome research and decided on a school that a mom in my neighborhoodhadravedabout.ShesuggestedIarriveearlyonregistrationdaysinceclassesfilledupfast,soontheappointeddayIpulledoutofmydrivewayintimetogetthere30minutesbeforethedoorsopened.IwassureIdgetaprimeparkingspot,butasIroundedthecorner,Ialmosthitasnakinglineofwomen,hundredsofwomen,manyofthemsittinginlawnchairs,someofthemplayingcardsontopofcoolers,allofthemstoppingtostareatme(orsoitseemed).Myfaceturnedhotwithembarrassment.Oh,howIwishedIhadknownthatearlymeantbeforedawn.

Sincethattime,Ivecollectedthousandsoftipsandmotherhoodsecretsthathelpmomssavetimeandmoneyandsometimesembarrassment.The Busy Moms Guide to a Happy, Organized Homeisthequick-readversionofthebigbinderIdreamedofwhenIwasayoungmother.Itsfortodaysmoms.Theirlivesarecomplex.Theywork,chauf-feurkidstomanyactivities,bookvacations,buybirthdaygifts,kissboo-boos,andwhipupnutritiousmeals.Theymanagetheirchildrenseducationsandsociallives,decoratetheirhomes,andprovidecleanlaundry.Armedwithcellphones,theInternet,doubleovens,

intRoduction

cReatinG a haPPY home StaRtS heRe

When you take on motherhood, the worlds most important job, theres no formal orientationjust onthejob training and trial by fire.

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grocerystoresthatdeliver,andcasualofficeattire,theyareworld-classmultitaskers,buttheyarestillthemosttime-strappedgenerationever.

Maybeyoupickedupthisbookbecauseyoucanrelate.Youmaycountyourselfamongthe95percentofmomswho,accordingtoAOL,areonlinetwohourseveryday.Youwantinstantinformation,soyouheadtotheWebwhenyouneedanswers.Youcompareprices,searchforcoupons,respondtoblogs,andsolicitadvice.Oftenyourresearchnetstoomanyresults.Findingideasoropinionsiseasy;knowingwhichsourcestotrustisnt.

Thatswherethisbookcanhelp.GrowingwiserandworkingsmarteriswhattheFamilyManagerwayofdoingthingsisallabout,anditcantransformyourlife.Inmyownquesttobeagoodmomandsuccessfulmanagerofmyhome,IdevisedtheFamilyManagersystem.Itsbasedonthepremisethatthestrategiesthatrunanyorganizationorbusinesswellthingslikecastingvision,creatingstandardoperatingprocedures,practic-ingteambuilding,anddoingadvanceworkwillhelpyourunyourhomewell.Trustme:Thesetacticscanmakeyourhomeandliferunmoresmoothlythanyoueverdreamed.Theyllhelpyouorderyourdayandablyoverseethecountlesstasksthatcomewithyourjob,including...

creatingaplacewherefamilymembersfeelgoodaboutwheretheylivelivingabalanced,fulfillinglifeknowingwhatmattersmosttoyouandlivingaccordinglyreducingstressbygettingorganizedandkeepingupwithhouseworklearning to operate as a family teamencouragingfamilymemberstobetheirpersonalbestandsharetheirskills,resources,andlovewithfamily,friends,andcommunityplanning memorable occasions that strengthen family ties appreciatingandlearningtoworkwitheachfamilymembersuniquegiftedness;helpingfamilymemberslearntolovethemselvesandothersinmeaningfulwaysgivingeachpersonincludingyourselftheroomandtimetogrowinmind,body,and spirithavingmoretimeforfunandenjoyinglife

Ofcourse,creatingahappy,organizedhomeandbeingagreatmomrequiremorethanwhatisprintedonthepagesofthisbookorcanbedownloadedfromtheWeb.Youvegottoknowwhatyouwantforyourfamily,includingyourself.Inoneofthoseraremomentswhenthekidsarenttuggingatyourshirttailandyourenotplayingbeat-the-clocktoyournextevent,Iencourageyoutofixyourselfacupofteaandtakesometimetothinkaboutwhatahappyhomemeanstoyou.

Whenourboyswereyoung,IwrotethefollowingdescriptionofwhatahappyhomemeanttomeandwhatIwantedtoaimforasourfamilysmanager.

I want my home to be a place where the members know they are valuable, where they feel loved for who they are as unique individuals, where they feel like they belong and can grow in their separate interests. I want our home to

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be a friendly place for everyone, those of us who can stand clutter and those of us who like everything in its place. There should be a balance in the com-mon areasthe family room and kitchenclean enough to be healthy, messy enough to be happy, so as not to offend either type. Every persons personal space should be his or her own personal space. Their personal belongings are theirs to enjoy, to share, and to take care of.

I want our house to be filled with laughter. I want to have plenty of time to share our daily hurts and joys with each other, but we all have busy schedules. Therefore we designate certain times to spend together. Breakfast in the morn-ingstarting the day off on a positive noteis a must. At least three nights each week I want us to sit down as a family and eat together. Well share the cooking on those nights, as well as the cleanup, and use the time to talk about each others worlds. Well have family meetings to iron things out, talk about schedules, or work on specific projects or problems. Each week well go some-where fun as a family, and well plan a fun weekend outing once a month. Well take two family vacations each year. Well look forward to growing up and growing old together.

I want to be my best so I can do my best. Therefore, Ill take time to take care of myself as well. Ill work time into my schedule to read books, take classes, learn new skills, and exercise my body; and even if everything else falls apart, I resolve to take time to think about my life.

Iadmitthoseareloftygoals,andIcertainlyhaventachievedthemall.Buttheexerciseofgettingmydreamsdownonpaperhashelpedmetorememberwhatsmostimportantandtostayoncourseovertheyears.Althoughmomstodayfaceuniquechal-lengeswhenitcomestomanagingtheirhomesandnurturingtheirchildren,manytellmetheywantthesamethingsIdid.Simplyput,theywanttocreateahappy,organizedhome.Ifyourethinking,Thats what I want too! keepreading.Thisbookwillhelpyoumakeithappen.

ButpleasedonotthinkthatIamtellingyouexactlyhowyoushouldrunyourhome.(Youllseeinthesepagesthatthatsnottrue.)Ido,however,wantyoutobenefitfrommyexperienceandavoidlearningthingsbytrialandlotsoferrorslikeIdid.Yousee,theFamilyManagersystemhelpedmemakeourhomeagoodplacetobe.Wemaintainahealthybalanceoforganizationandorder,flexibilityandfun.Ourfamilyisateamevennow,afterourthreeboysaregrownandtwoofthemaremarried.Werestillcom-mittedtoworkingandenjoyingtheblessingsoflifetogether,andtohelpingeachotherdevelopourindividualpotential.Theresnogreaterblessingonearth,andIwantthisforyouandyourfamily.

Girlfriends,hearthis:Weplayaverypowerfulroleinourfamilies.Atsomepointweallrealizethatourinfluencegreatlydeterminesourhomesenvironmentcertainlythephysicalaspects,butemotionalandspiritualaspectsaswell.AndtypicallyMomisthegluethatholdsthingstogetherathome.Thismeansthatwhenwepersonallycomeunglued,awholelotofthingsbegintocrumble.

I n t ro d u c t i o n / x i i i

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Ipraythatthisbookwillbeavaluableresourcetoyoulikeatrustedfriendyoucanturntoforpracticaladvice,provensolutions,andtheinspirationyouneedtoholdthingstogetherandcreateahappy,organizedhome.Forthistohappen,youneedtounderstandsomethingsaboutyourverybigjobasyourfamilysmanager.

Getting Down to BusinessYouoverseeaneconomicinstitutionthatincludessuchservicesasfacilityandresourcemanagement,mealpreparation,childcare,education,andtransportation,tonameafew.Usingthestrategiesandtacticsofsuccessfulbusinessmanagerswillhelpyourealizeyourdreamforahappy,organizedhome.Herearethe10mostimportantthingsyouneedtoknowaboutyourjob.

1. Think like a manager. Youoverseethemostimportantorganizationintheworld.TheFamilyManagerCreedsummarizesyourrole.

the FamilY manaGeR cReedI oversee the most important organization in the world

Where hundreds of decisions are made dailyWhere property and resources are managed

Where health and nutritional needs are determinedWhere finances and futures are discussed and debatedWhere projects are planned and events are arranged

Where transportation and scheduling are criticalWhere team building is a priority

Where careers begin and endI am a Family Manager

2. Manage by department.Tokeepfrombeingoverwhelmed,youneedtodevelopawaytomeetyournever-endingFamilyManagerresponsibilities.Theycanbebettermanagedwhencategorizedinsevendistinctdepartmentsandsupervisedaccordingly:

Time & Schedulingmanagingthefamilycalendaranddailyschedule;dispatchingtheright people to the right place at the right time with the right equipment

Home & Propertyoverseeingthemaintenanceandcareofallyourtangibleassets,includingyourbelongings,yourhouseanditssurroundings,andyourvehicles

Foodmeeting the daily food and nutritional needs of your family Family & Friendsfulfillingrelationalresponsibilitiesasaparentandspouse,andwith

extendedfamily,friends,andneighborsFinancesmanagingthebudget,billpaying,saving,investing,andcharitablegivingSpecial Eventsplanning and coordinating occasions that fall outside your normal

routinelikebirthdays,holidays,vacations,garagesales,familyreunions,andcelebrations

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Self-Managementcaringforyourbody,sharpeningyourmind,andnourishingyour spirit

3. Know your mission and values.Itsimportantthatyoutaketimetoconsiderwhatsmostimportanttoyouandyourfamily.Yourprioritieswillhelpyouasyoumakedecisionsallday,everyday.

4. Cast vision and communicate benefits. Successful managers must inspire and attract employeesaroundacommongoalandcommunicatehowthatgoalaffectseachpersonsbestinterests.Itsnodifferentinafamily.

5. Build a family team.Allgoodmanagementisaboutsharingresponsibility,helpingpeoplefindtheirniches,andempoweringthemtosucceed.

6. Create a base of operations.Asyourfamilysmanager,youneedaControlCentralfromwhichtosuperviseyourfamilyscomingsandgoings.

7. Use a Daily Hit List.SelectivelychoosingeachdaywhatyouwillDo,Delete,andDelegateineachdepartmentwillhelpyoumanagetasksandalleviatestress.

8. Manage according to how youre wired.Familymanagementdemandsasetofskillsthatnoonepersonhas.Therewillalwaysbejobsyouhate.Thetrickislearningtoworkwithyourstrengthsandworkaroundareaswhereyouarenotgiftedandthroughpeoplewhoare.

9. Be prepared.ItstheScoutmotto,butitsalsoagoodmottoforFamilyManagers.

10. Lean on God.Hecreatedthefamilyandwillgiveyouthewisdomandstrengthyouneedtobeagreatmother,wife,andFamilyManager.

Inthechaptersthatfollow,youwilllearnmoreaboutthese10principles.Youllalsopickuptipsandtacticsforeachofthesevendepartmentstohelpyouaccomplishallthetasksyouhave to do faster and find more time and energy for the things you want to do.Youwillalsofindhelpfulchecklistsandforms.1Forabitofquickencouragementwhenyoufeeloutofcontrolinoneofthedepartments,IinviteyoutoreadTheMostImpor-tantThingstoRememberatthestartofeachchapter.Itseasytogetoverwhelmedbylifesdetails,butIvelearnedthatcreatingasmoothlyrunninghomereallycomesdowntoafewkeyattitudesandactions.Finally,theWebsiteresourceguideandtopicalindexattheendofthebookwillhelpyoutoquicklyfindinformationyouneedtoknowforyourfamily.

1MembersoftheFamilyManagerInnerCirclecandownloadtheseinteractiveforms,aswellasanumberofothers.Seehttp://www.familymanager.com.

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Whetheryoufeellikeyouhaveallthetimeyouneedandthingsatyourhomearerunningfairlywelloryourebeyondchaosandneedallthehelpyoucanget,attimeseverymomneedsafewtricksuphersleeveandinspirationtokeepgoing.Youcanspeed-readthisbookandtagthepageswithideasyouwanttoremember,oryoucankeepitinahandyplaceforthedaysyouneedsomeinstantadviceonhowtosurviveafamilyroadtriporgetyourkidstodotheirfairshareofhousework.Eitherway,youllfindhelpforgettingonthefasttracktoahappy,organizedhome...soyoucanslowdownandenjoytheblessingsoflife.

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Wecanalllearnalessonfromattorneys.Nodoubtyouveheardplentyofjokesaboutlawyersandtheirbillablehours.Actually,thewaytheyseetheirtimeasveryvaluableisthewaywe,asFamilyManagers,shouldlookatourowntime.Whenyouviewyourtimeasacommod-ity,likemoney,youcanlookatyourdaysandidentifywhetheryouspendtoomuchinonearea.

Ifyouconstantlyfeelbreathlessandbehind,thischapterisagoodplacetobeginreadingtofindwaystorestoresanitytoyourlife.Thinkbackonyesterday.Didyouloseanhouratthegrocerystorebecauseyouwentatahigh-traffictimeofday?Didyoutalktoolongonthe phone with that friend who bends your ear about her problems when you really needed tospendtimewithyourson?Wereyoulateforanappoint-mentbecauseyouspentanhourlookingforyourdaughtersballetshoesbecauseshehadntputthemintheirdesig-natedplace?Canyouthinkofotherwayspreciousminutesslippedthroughyourhands?Ifso,dontgetdownonyour-self.Recognizingtheproblemisthefirststeptosolvingit.

Takingsometimetothinkabouthowyourtimeisspenteverydayisanimportantexercise.Itwillhelpyouidentifyyourprioritieswhetheryourelivingaccordingtoyoursorsomeoneelses,forwhateverreasonanditsthe first step necessary for becoming a good manager of theminutesofyourday.

Minutesisthekeywordinthatlastsentence,becausetobeagoodmanagerofyourfam-ilyscalendaranddailyschedule,youmust,likeanattorney,seenotjustthehoursbuttheminutesofyourdayasvaluable.Wouldntitbehelpfulifsomeoneinventedawaytostoptheclockforafulldaysowewouldallhavealarge,uninterruptedblockoftimetocatchupwitheverythingwerebehindonoraccomplishabigproject?Thismightmakeagoodstorylineforafilm,butwhenitcomestoreality,wehavetocatchupandkeepupinrealtimewhichformostofusmeansseeingsmallbitsoftimeastreasure.Youdbesurprisedhowmuchyoucanaccomplishwhenyoustartusingthesnippetsoftimeyougrabhereandthere.Granted,youmaynotbeabletoscrapbookeveryageandstageofyour10-year-olddaughterslife,butyoullmakeprogresseverytimeyouworkonapagewhichwillmakeyoufeelbetteraboutyourselfandeventuallytheprojectwillbefinished!

manaGinG time and SchedulinG

chaPteR 1

When you view your time as a commodity, you can look at your days and identify whether you spend too much in one area.

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Itsalsoimportanttoliveinthepresentaswellasthefuture.Thatsright,weneedtoliveintwotenses.HereswhatImean.

Livinginthepresenthaseverythingtodowithlivingonedayatatimebeingpreparedforthedaysresponsibilities,usingthemin-utesofthedaywisely,andbeingalertforandenjoyingeachdaysblessings.Livinginthefuturemeansthinkingaheadaboutwhatyouwanttohappentomorrow,nextweek,ornextmonthandwhatneedstohappenforagoaltobemet,usingsmallbitsoftimealongthewaytoprepareforthefutureevent.

Forexample,letssaytodayisMondayandyourscheduleincludestakingyourtoddlertothepediatricianforacheckup,thendroppinghimbythehouseofafriendwhosaidshedwatchhimwhileyoudocafeteriadutyatyourthirdgradersschool.Youalsohavearoofercomingtogiveyouabidintheafternoon,sowhenlunchisoveryougobacktoyourfriendshouse,pickupyourtoddler,gohome,andputhimdownforanap.Yougetthemail,checkyoure-mail,andhopethattherooferispunctualbecauseyoucantbelatetopickupyourthirdgrader.Ifyourenotnearthefrontofthepickupline,youcantgetherhomeintimetohaveasnackandgetherchangedintohersocceruniformbeforeyourneighborpicksherupforpractice.

Letsstopheretolookatwhathastranspired.Youdefinitelyneededtobepresentinthepresent,givingyourfullattentiontodriving,car-ingforyourtoddler,listeningtothedoctor,givingyourfriendinstruc-tions,andmakingsureyouputtherightfoodsonthetraysatschool.

ButletssayyoualsolookedatyourcalendarthismorningandsawthatyourdaughtersScouttroopishavinganovernightcamp-outonFriday,andyouneedtoremindhertostartgatheringthestoredcampinggearshellneed.Youalsonoticethattheannualneighborhoodgaragesaleistwoweeksaway(youremindyourselfhowthatextra$200cameinhandylastyear),andyouneedtostartastashofitemsyouwanttosell.AndyouseethatyoumadeanotethatThursdayisthelastdaytosignupforthewomensretreat,andyouhaventregisteredyet.Yougetthepicture.Weallhavetocon-sciouslyworkontodayandtomorrowatthesametime.

Onemomwiththreecloselyspacedchildren(gradesonethroughthree)toldmeitwashardforhertothinkabouttomorrowandthenextdaybecauseshecouldbarelymakeitthroughallshehadtodotoday.Shewonderedhowshecouldpossiblyaddanyfuturetaskstoheralreadyoverstuffeddays.Whatshedidntrealizegivingbirthtothreechildreninthreeyears,whocanblameherforrespondingslowly?isthatbylookingaheadanddoingwhatshecouldtopreparefortomor-row,shecouldmakeeachtodaygoalotbetter.Whenshedidstartlivingintwotenses,shenoticedbigdifferencesinherlife.

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The Most Important Things to Remember

1. unless you set and resolve to live by your own priorities, youll wear yourself out trying to meet the demands and expectations of others.

2. Youlike everyone elsehave 60 minutes in each hour, 24 hours a day. time is made up of moments, and moments are manageable.

3. the minutes of your days come with a choice: only you can decide how youll spend them.

4. dont let the things that matter least to you rob time from the things that matter most to you.

5. there is no such thing as unimportant time. each moment is a gift.

6. as you become a better manager of time, youll begin saving hours. and every hour you save is an hour added to your life.

7. Be flexible. unexpected events can interrupt the best routines. Bend with the interruption instead of resisting it.

8. When you say yes to something, youre saying no to something else. dont let it be your family.

9. When you are more efficient at performing the tasks you must do, you have more time for the things that matter most to you.

10. how you carry out each 24-hour day can make the difference between a household in constant uproar and one that hums along smoothly.

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Morningshadbeennothingshortofmadness.Sherefusedtomakelunches the night before school because there were too many other end-of-the-daytaskstotackle,nottomentionhelpingherkidsfin-ishtheirhomeworkandgetinbedatadecenthour.Herroutinewastopacklunchesinthemorning.Yetshefeltasiffromthemomentherfeethitthefloor,shewastryingtobeattheclock.Oftenshehadtomakeanadditionalmidmorningtriptoschooltodeliverthekidslunches.(DidImentionthismomsotherroutinewashittingthesnoozebuttononheralarmthreetimesbeforegettingoutofbed?)

Sheknewthatmadnessisnotthebestwaytostarttheday.Afraz-zledmommeansfrazzledkids.Nomomlikessendingherkidsoffwithoutsmilesontheirfacesandsandwichesintheirlunchboxes.

Sinceitwasclearthatmorningswerentworking,shestartedtoexperiment.Whatifshecutupextraveggiesforthekidsluncheswhencookingdinner?Whatifshegavehereight-year-oldthejobofcleaningoutthelunchboxes,buildingandbaggingturkey-and-cheesesandwiches(holdthemayountilmorning),andstoringtheminthefridgetopackthenextday?Andwhatifherseven-year-oldwasinchargeofreadyingeachlunchboxwithanapkin,plasticutensils,andawaterbottle?Thissimplechangeinroutinegavehermoretimeinthemorning.Havingmoretimeinthemorningmadeherrelax.Oncerelaxedshecouldconnectwithherkidsinsteadofyellingatthem.Shewashappier.Theywerehappier.Andsheevengottohaveacupofcoffee.Shebecameastaunchbelieverinlivingintwotenses,doingwhatsheneededtodotodayandgrabbingafewminuteshereandtheretomakeprogresstowardtomorrow.

Onceyoustartlivingintwotenses,yourealizetheimportanceofprotectingyourtime.Whenyouanticipatefutureneedswhilemanagingthoseroutineyetvitaltasks,younaturallywanttoguardyourminutesandspendthemonwhatsmostimportanttoyouandyourfamily.

Yetevenwiththebestofplanning,weallcanendupfrustratedwhenprojectsandpeoplewhowerentevenonourradarscreenstakeuptimewehadntplannedtospend.Beingamomrequiresflexibilityandguaranteesinterruptions.Inmanywaysourtimeisnotourown,andthatsoneofthesacrificesandprivilegesthatcomeswithbeingaparent.Childrenandlifeeventsarepredict-ablyunpredictable.Everyhourofeverydaybringsevents,episodes,andexchangeswecannotcontrol.Butsomewecan.Beforewecangetahandleonthemthough,itisimperativethatweknowwhatsmostimportanttous.Thissectionwillhelpyouorganizeyourday,identifytimewasters,takeadvantageofsmallchunksoftime,anddiscovernewwaysofmultitasking.


GOOD TO KNOW

Forty-four percent of adults say that having a satisfying family life is their highest priority in life, according to a 2005 Barna poll.

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Strategies and Solutionsfor Time and Scheduling

Asayoungmom,IcollapsedintobedmanynightswonderingexactlywhatIdaccomplishedthatday.Inessence,theFamilyMan-agersystemdevelopedoutofmyownsenseofdesperation.Overtheyears,Idiscoveredthreekeystomanagingmytimeratherthanlettingitcontrolme:(1)recognizingandlivingbymypriorities,(2)settingupaControlCentralabaseofoperationswithinmyhome,and(3)learninghowtotakebackcontrolovertheminutesofmyday.

STEP 1: LIVE BY YOUR PRIORITIES

Everybusinessleadersetsthecourseforhercompany.Shedecideswhatsmostimportantandestablishesguidelinesthingslikereturnpolicies,hoursofoperation,andemployeeincentivepro-gramsthatreflectthevaluessheconsidersmostimportant.Run-ningahomeandafamilyshouldbenodifferent.Ifyouarentclearonyourmostimportantobjectivesforeachofthesevendepart-ments,itislikelythatyoullendupfrustratedandfindthatlifeiscontrollingyou,ratherthanviceversa.

Forexample,letssayyouwantedtotakeyourseven-year-oldbuddingpaleontologisttothetravelingdinosaurexhibitatanearbystatepark,butitsnowbeenshippedtothenextstate.Whathap-pened?Perhapsyoubelieveitsveryimportanttonoticeandencour-ageyourchildsinterests,butyouveneveractuallystatedthatasoneofyourpriorities.SowhilethedaytriptothestateparkwasanoptiononseveralSaturdays,catchinguponlaundryandclearingtheweeksclutteralwaysseemedmoreurgent.Asaresult,youmissedtheopportunityforanunforgettabledaywithyourchild.

Maybeyoucanrelatebecauseyourealizethatyou,too,havenotbeenlivingbyyourpriorities.Allofusfacenumerousobstaclesthatkeepusfromsettingprioritiesandorderingourlivesthewaywewouldlike.YoumayrelatetothebigthreeIfightinmyownlife:

1.Circumstances.Untilwedecideitsvitallyimportantthatwetakeanhourorsotogosomeplacequietandthinkaboutwhatsimportanttous,thenaturalcourseoflifewillcarryusoutofcontrolalongapathofminimalaccomplishments,meaninglessactivities,frustration,andmediocrity.

2.Expectations and pressure from others.Weareallpronetosuccumbtotheagendasofothers,appropriatethegoalsof


GOOD TO KNOW

as internet use grows, americans report that they spend less time with friends and family, shopping in stores, or watching television, and more time working for their employers at homewithout cutting back their hours in the office. (Stanford university)

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ourculture,andcompromise.Letsbehonestpeerpressureisnotjustateenagersproblem.Itsalifelongissue.Anditsnevertoolatetostartstandingonyourownandsupportingyourpriorities.

3.Love of the comfortable.Wetendtoarrangelifeasbestwecantoavoidpainandtomaintainpersonalcomfort.Theprob-


What Are Your Priorities?imagine yourself years from now taking time to look back on your life. What one or two accomplishments in each of these seven areas would give you the most satisfaction? Remember, there are no right or exceptional answers. You dont even need to share this list with anyone else.

the following verbs may prompt your thinking.

time & Scheduling ______________________________

home & Property ______________________________

Food ________________________________________

Friends & Family _______________________________

Finances ______________________________________

Special events _________________________________

Self-management _______________________________

advanceadviseadvocateanalyzeassemblebalancebrightencoachcollaboratecollectcommunicatecomposecomputeconnectconstruct

contributecoordinatecreatedeliverdemonstratedevelopdirecteducateencourageengineerenhanceestablishexperienceexplorefacilitate

guideillustrateimproveinfluenceinnovateintroducelaunchlearnnurtureorganizescheduleteachtransformwelcome

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lemisthat,untilwestepoutofourcomfortzones,weexperi-encenosignificantchangeforthebetter,nopersonalgrowth,andnorelationaldevelopment.Itmaybetimetosacrificenowforalong-termpayoff.

Ifyouwantthingstochange,theresnobettertimethannowtobeginincorporatingsomenewtacticsandactivitiesintoyourlifethatwillproducepositivechange.

First,foreachofthesevendepartments,youneedtochooseyourprioritiesanddecidetolivebythem.Howyouspendyourtimeineachdepartmentspeaksvolumesaboutwhatyourtrueprioritiesareandifyourenotspendingtimethewayyoudlike,youhavetoaskwhoseprioritiesyourelivingby.

Maybeyouagreethatlivingbyprioritiesisagreatideabutyoufeeltoooverwhelmedbylifetositdownandfigureoutwhatsmostimportanttoyou.Perhapsyourethinking,Im so busy I cant even take time to sort them out, let alone live by them. I urge you nottofallintothistrap.

Isuggestyouthinkaboutonedayatatime.Youmightevenwanttouseasmallnotebookinwhichyouwriteyourtoppriorities.Then,asyoumakechoicesduringtheday,simplyjotdownafewwords about the choice you made and how it did or did not fit your statedpriorities.Yourenotdoingthistobeatyourselfup.Youredoingittobecomeconsciousofyouractions.

Decision-Making GuidelinesEstablishingyourprioritieswillgiveyouayardstickagainstwhichtomeasurethemanydecisionsyoumustmakeabouthowtospendyourtimeandresources.WhetheritsasmallbutimportantdecisionlikewhethertojoinaPilatesclassoraskaneighbortowalkwithyouthreemorningsaweek,oranimportantlifechoicelikewhethertotakeapart-timejobtoeasemonthlycash flow or spend more time tutoring a child whose grades areslippinginmathandscience,theseninestepswillhelpyounavigatethroughthedecisionandchangeprocessesassmoothlyaspossible.

1.Listyouroptions.Justbrainstormandlettheinkflow.Donteditatthispoint.

2.Thinkaboutyourchoices.Sortyourfeelingsabouttheoptionsyouwrote.

3.Relateyourchoicestoyourpriorities.Whatsreallymostimportanttoyou?


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4.Thinkabouthowyourchoiceswillaffectothermembersofyourfamily.

5.Makeadecisionandacommitmenttofollowthroughonit.

6.Helpyourselfsticktoyourdecisionbytellingsomeonewhatyouvedecidedbecomeaccountabletothatperson.

7.Berealisticaboutwhenyoucanmakethechangeorstartyournewhabitoraction.

8.Launchyournewpracticeasstronglyandvigorouslyaspos-sible.Makeitabigdeal.

9.Avoidtoomanychangesatonce.Wheneveryoucan,planmajorlifechangeshouses,jobs,addingtothepeoplewholiveatyourhousesotheydonotoccuratthesametime.

STEP 2: SET UP A BASE OF OPERATIONS WITHIN YOUR HOME

Control CentralEverymanagerneedsaControlCentral beitadesk,acountertop,oranoffice.Inacompany,itstheplacefromwhichheorshecallstheshots.Inahome,itstheplacefromwhichtheFamilyManagerorganizes,tracksthefamilysschedule,noteschanges,respondstomessages,makeslists,andkeepsallthoseimportantpapersintheirplaces.BysettingupyourownControlCentral,youcanbetteroverseeyourfamilyscomingsandgoingsandmanagethecount-lesstasks,responsibilities,anddecisionsthataremadeeveryday.Inshort,bybecomingmoreefficient,youllsavepreciousmomentsthatcanberedirectedtoyourlargerpriorities.

Here are ideas to consider when setting up your own base of operations:

Chooseacentrallocationinyourhome.Makesureithasadeskorcountertopyoucanworkon.Installabulletinboardinthisarea,andplaceatrashcanwithineasyreach.Ifpossible,afilingdrawershouldbeeasilyaccessible.Hang a family calendar onanadjacentwall.Recordeachpersonsappointments,activities,andimportantdates.StockControlCentral withpens,pencils,ahighlighterpen,andsomenotepadsforjottingdownideasandrecordingphonemessages.PulltogetherthefollowingsuppliesandkeepthematControlCentral:paperclips,stapler,staples,stapleremover,rubber


FROM THE HEART

When your schedule gets overloaded, take a short break. For example, take a 10- or 15-minute walk or sit quietly and read something inspirational for a few minutes. then you can come back to your tasks refreshed, more energetic, and better focused.

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bands,scissors,tape,andletteropener.Letfamilymembersknowthatthesesuppliesmuststayintheirnewhome.Putacopyofyourlocalphonedirectoryhere,aswellasalistofthenumbersyourfamilyregularlycalls.Thisisalsothehomefordirectoriesfromchurch,school,home-ownersassociations,clubs,andothergroups.Keepanongoinggroceryandpersonal-needslistheresofamilymemberswillalwaysknowwheretoadditemsyourerunninglowon.Haveaneasy-accessfilefortakeoutmenusandcoupons.

Family In-BoxesPurchasestackablein-boxes andlabeloneforeachchild.PlacethemnearyourControlCentral.Whenkidsgethomefromschool,havethemunloadtheirbackpacksrightawayandputimportantpapersandformsintheirin-boxes.MomorDadshouldgothroughkidsin-boxeseachnightandreviewcontents,signingandreturninganypapersthatneedtogobacktoschool.

Daily Hit ListOneofamomsbiggestchallengesisrememberingallthetasksthatneedtobedoneeachday.YearsagoIdesignedtheDailyHitListtomanagemyowndailyresponsibilities.Itsdifferentfromotherto-dolistsbecauseitenablesyoutocategorizeyourmanyjobsbyeachFamilyManagerdepartment.UsingaDailyHitList will:

declutteryourmindbyprovidingasystematicwaytosortthrough the myriad chores and responsibilities that you face everymorningclearyourperspective,revealingwhatstrivialandwhatspriorityclarifywhichtasksonlyyoucandoandwhichcanbedelegated or sharedimproveyourmemorythroughtheexerciseofwritingdetailshelpyourememberwhatstepstotaketodaysowhateverscoming tomorrow will run more smoothly

AsyoubegintouseaDailyHitList,acceptthatyouwontalwaysbeabletocheckoffallofthetasksonyourlistattheendoftheday.Moveunaccomplishedtaskstothenextdayslist,ordeletetheonesyoudeemunimportantfornow.

IliketofilloutmyDailyHitListearlyinthemorning.Someothermomssaythatfillingitoutthenightbeforeworksbestforthem.Whatevertimeyouchoose,therearethreestepsformakingaDailyHitListwork:


SMART MOVE

dont overschedule weekends. Plan some free time for activities that refresh you. Block it out on your calendar just as you would an important appointment.

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6:00 __________________

__________________

7:00 __________________

__________________

8:00 __________________

__________________

9:00 __________________

__________________

10:00 __________________

__________________

11:00 __________________

__________________

Noon __________________

__________________

1:00 __________________

__________________

2:00 __________________

__________________

3:00 __________________

__________________

4:00 __________________

__________________

5:00 __________________

__________________

6:00 __________________

__________________

7:00 __________________

__________________

8:00 __________________

__________________

9:00 __________________

__________________

DAILY HIT LIST DATE:

1999 Family Manager, Inc. All rights reserved.

HOME & PROPERTY FOOD FAMILY & FRIENDS

FINANCES SPECIAL EVENTS SELF-MANAGEMENT

FamilyManager TM

1 0 / T H E B U S Y M O M S G U I D E

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Do.Thinkaboutandlisteverythingthatneedstobedone.Thisincludesobviousthingslikepreparingmeals,puttinggasinthecar,anddepositingmoneyinthebank,aswellasotherresponsibilitiessuchascleaning,carpooling,andschedulingappointments.

Delegate.Lookingatyourlist,askyourself,What can I delegate? Can ateenagerstartaloadoflaundrybeforeheleavesforbandpractice?Canayoungerchildfoldclotheswhenshegetshomefromschool?Canyourhusbandstartdinnerwhenhearriveshomefromwork?Alwaysdelegateaccordingtoskills,age,andavailabilitynotgender.

Delete.Onceyouvedelegated,takeanotherlookatthelist.Aresomeofthetasksexpendable?Doyoureallyneedtomopthekitchenflooreveryday?Whatistrulyunnecessary,atleasttoday?

STEP 3: MAXIMIZE YOUR MOMENTS

Thefinalstepintakingcontrolofyourscheduleisaboutbuildingsomesmartandsimpletime-managementtechniquesintoyourlife.Thesearethingsanyoneeventhemostright-brained,creativelyout-of-controlofuscando.

10 Principles of Time Management 1. Write it down.Donttrustthingstomemory.Usinglists

andcheckingoffcompletedtasksfreesyourmindformoreimportantthings.

2. Do it now.Wheneverpossible,makethisyourmottoespe-ciallywithoneroustasksthatcouldbecomeworseifyouputthemoff.

3. Have the right tools.Theprojectsforwhichwehavethetools or resources will be finished before the ones for which werenotprepared.Ifyouschedulesometimetoorganizeyourchildscloset,haveonhandvarioussizesoforganizingbins,self-sealingplasticbags,agarbagebag,andboxestostoreorgiveawayitems.

4. Believe in buffers.Anticipatetraffic,checkoutlines,andchildrentobeslowerthanyoudlike,andadjustyourexpectations.

5. Set deadlines.Deadlinesarethebestguaranteeajobwillbedone.Jotdownonyourcalendarthetimeordayyouwanttohaveataskcompleted.Ifneeded,askafriendorfamilymembertoholdyouaccountable.

M a n a g i n g T i m e a n d S c h e d u l i n g / 1 1

SMART MOVE

life is predictably unpredictable, so always allot a little extra time for tasks. if you think something is going to take you 30 minutes, schedule 40 minutes.

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6. Do advance workdont wait until the last minute.Ifyourehostingabigdinneratyourhome,decidewhatyoucandoaweekaheadoftime,thedaybefore,andsoon.Estimatehowmuchtimeyoullneedandwhentoscheduletasks;antici-patepotentialtimewasters.Thensetdeadlinesforaccom-plishinggoals.

7. Work with your biological clock.Ifyoureamorningperson,doyourmostimportantworkthen.Scheduletasksthatdontdemandasmuchattentionandbrainpowerduringlower-energytimesofday.

8. Create boundaries.Setyourpriorities,anddontletotherpeopleguiltyouintocrossingthem.Giveyourselfpermis-siontojustsaynotorequeststhatdenttimewithyourfamilyortimespentnourishingyourself.Whenyousayyestosomething,youresayingnotosomethingelse.

9. Take charge of your own life and schedule.Dothingsonyourtime.Dontpickupthephoneeverytimeitringsusevoicemailoranansweringmachine.Turnoffyouryouhavemailcomputeralert.Answermessageswhenitscon-venientforyou.

10. Dont wait for time to free up.Ifyouhaveabigprojecttoaccomplish,scheduleworkappointmentsforyourselfin30-minuteorone-hourblocks.Beasseriousaboutthistimeasyouwouldanyotherappointment.Beforeyouknowit,youllhavetheprojectlicked.

Scheduling StrategiesTravelingtoandfromandwaitingatappointmentscaneathoursofvaluabletime.Thesetipswillhelpyoukeeptravelandwaittimetoaminimum.

Manyservicesandbusinessesofferonlineschedulingabigtime-saver.Trytoschedulethefirstappointmentofthedayorthefirstappointmentafterlunch.Itslesslikelyyoullhavetowait. Schedulefamilymembersdentalcheckupsandkidspediatricianappointmentsback-to-backsoyoucanmakefewertrips.AvoidschedulingmaintenancecheckupsatthedoctorordentistinMay,August,orDecemberthebusiestmonthsoftheyearformoms.


GOOD TO KNOW

an average american spends 27 hours each year sitting at traffic lights.

SMART MOVE

When you get a haircut, manicure, pedicure, or facial, schedule your next appointment as you pay.

SMART MOVE

take a few minutes during the weekend to organize your work clothes for the week ahead.

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Schedulekidsback-to-schoolorsummer-campphysicalswellinadvance.Whenyoumakeanappointment,writetheofficeorpersonsphonenumberonyourcalendarsoyouwonthavetolookitupifplanschange.Ifyouveneverbeentotheofficeorlocationbefore,getdirectionswhenyoumaketheappointmentandtaketheofficesphonenumberwithyouwhenyougo.Ifyoullneedababysitterwhileyoureatanappointment,arrangethatatthesametime.Callbeforeyouleaveforanappointmentatyourhairdresserordoctorsoffice.Ifheorsheisrunninglate,usetheextratimetogetsomethingdone.Bringalongtoysorbooksforsmallchildren.Alwaystakeyourcalendarwithyoutoanappointmentsoyoucanschedulefollow-upvisitswhileyourethere.Youllhaveyourpickoftheschedules,andyouwontforgettowritethenewappointmentsdown.Ifyourerunninglateforanappointment,becourteousandcalltoletthemknowyoureonyourwayandwhenyoullarrive.

Making Phone Time CountThephonecanbeyourbestfriendorworstenemy.Youdecidethatbydeterminingwhethertoviewyourphoneasatoolunderyourcontrolorasataskmasterthatmustbeansweredeverytimeitrings.Herearesomesimplewaystosavetimeandmakebetteruseoftimeonthephone.

Setyourcellphoneorpagertovibrateinsteadofring.Dontletitinterruptwhatyoureaccomplishingatthemomentunlessafamilymemberisontheline.Settimelimitsonyourphonecallsandtakethemonlyatcertaintimesofday.Keepawatchortimerhandy.Ifyoumakeacallandareaskedtoholdbutcant,dontbeafraidtosayso.CallservicebusinessesonThursdaysorFridays,whenbusinessisslowest.(TheirbusiestdaysareMondaysandTuesdays.)Callduringtheslowerhours.Companiesbusiestperiodsarefrom10a.m.to2p.m.andfrom5:30to7:30p.m.Schedulerepaircallsonlinewheneverpossible.Consideraddingadistinctivesecondringtoyourphoneline.Foraminimalmonthlycharge,yourphonecompany


SMART MOVE

use drive time to broach a difficult subject with your child. Sometimes its less threatening to discuss a sensitive matter when youre both staring out a windshield. turn down the radio and make comments that build up your child. ask how you can help him or her move toward a goal or succeed at an undertaking. as you affirm him or her, add a light touch of your hand to your words.

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cansetupcallerIDsoyoullknowwhenfamilymembersarecalling.Programthespeed-dialfeaturesonyourhomephoneandcellphone.Cutsolicitorsshortbysaying,Thankyouforcalling,butImnotinterested.Calllong-windedfriendsorfamilyjustbeforelunchorattheendoftheday.Gentlyguidenonstoptalkerstothepoint.Remindthemthatyouhaveonlyafewminutestotalk,askthemdirectquestions,orscheduleatimewhenyoucantalklonger.Highlightallnumbersyoulookupinthephonebook .Theyllbeeasytofindagain.Createafamilyphonebook.Keeponeateachphoneinyourhouse,inyourcar,andattheoffice.Useaportablephoneorheadsetsoyoucanwalkwhileyoutalk.Storeaboxofstickers,activitybooks,andsmalltoysbythephonetodistractasmallchildwhenyouhavetomakeanimportantcall.Avoidphonetagbymakingappointmentsforphonecalls.Treatthesecallsjustasyouwouldtreataface-to-faceappointment.Putthemonyourcalendarandmakenotesaboutwhatyouwanttotalkabout.Thinkofeachasameetingbecauseitis.Bepreparedwithanyinformationyouwillneedbeforemakingthecall.Whenyouneedtocallsomeonebackatalaterdate,writethenameandphonenumberonthecalendarsoyouwonthavetolookthemup.Usee-mailratherthanthephonewheneverpossible.Itsoftenfaster.Whileyoureonhold:

Cleanoutyourpurse.Purgeyourcouponfileofoutdatedcoupons.Organizeadrawer.Dustapieceoffurniture.Polishorfileyournails.Straightenyourdesk.Cleanyourglasses.Tidyyoursewingbox.Organizeyourwallet.Cleanoutyourjewelryboxanduntanglenecklaces.


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Memory JoggersEverydayyoudealwithcountlessbitsofinformation.WhiletheDailyHitListwillhelpyoustayontopofdetails,hereare10othertipsforremindingyourselfofsomethingyoucantaffordtoforget.

1.Stickanoteonthebathroommirror,onyourexitdoor,oronthecarssteeringwheel.

2.Whenyoureceiveschedulesforanythingfromschooltosoccertodanceclass,writethedatesandlocationsimmedi-atelyonyourcalendar.Useahighlighterpentomakeimpor-tanteventsstandout.

3.HaveacalendarprogramsuchasOutlookorthealarmonyourPDAorcellphonealertyouwhenyouneedtoremem-bertoleaveforameetingorstartthegrillfordinner.

4.Whenyoureawayfromhomeortheofficeandremembersomethingyouneedtodothere,callyourvoicemailoransweringmachineandleaveyourselfamessage.

5.Carryasmallnotebookinyourpurseand/orcar.Takeamin-utetowritedownpertinentinformationassoonasyougetit.

6.Createyourownmemoryjoggerandturnitintoagamewithyourkids.Forexample,oneautumnIwashavingtroubleremembering to shut the garage door when coming home fromdoingerrands.Thismeantleavescouldblowin,caus-ingmoreworkfortheboyswhentheysweptit.Weputajaronthecounter,andeverytimeIforgottoclosethedoor,Ihadtodepositadollarinthejar.Myboysgottosplitthecontents.

7.Keepaspiralcalendarnotebooknearyourphoneandmakenotesofphoneconversationsonthedayyouhavethem.Itkeepsyoufocusedonthecall,plushavingtheinformationandthedateyouobtaineditsometimescomesinhandylater.

8.Ifyouaregoingtoaparty,writenotonlythetimeofthepartybutalsotheaddressonthecalendar.Alsolistanythingyoullneedtotake,suchasagiftoradessertyouofferedtobring.

9.Keepnotepadsandpensinconvenientlocations,suchasbyeachphoneandonyournightstand.Butdontletyourdatakeepingbecomepaperclutter.PostinformationonabulletinboardnearyourControlCentral,thenactonit,fileit,ortossitASAP.


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10.Ifyoukeepyourcarinalockedgarage,putclothesforthedrycleanerandvideostobereturnedonthedriversseatthenightbefore.Youwontbeabletomissthemwhenyouleaveinthemorning.

Timer tacticsAkitchen timer can help you regulate your schedule and reduce the needtonag.Hereareexamples:

If you want to spend only a designated amount of time on a task,setthetimertoremindyouwhenthetimeisup.Iftheresavideogameortoythekidsareconstantlyarguingover,setthekitchentimerfor11minutes(orwhateverlengthoftimeyoudecide),andwhenthetimerdings,theplayerautomaticallyknowshisturnisup.Putakitchentimerinthebathroomandtimeshowersinthemorningsoyoucankeepfamilymembersmovinginandoutofthebathroomandoutthedoorontime.Whenyouaskyourchildtodoachoreandhenicelyasksifhecandoitinfiveminutes,fine.Setthetimersohellknowwhenfiveminutesisup.Doesoneofyourchildrenloveachallenge?Putakitchentimerinherroom.Breakthemorningroutineintofive-minutetasksandlethertrytobeattheclock.Createa10-minutewarning .Setthetimerinthemorningstogooff10minutesbeforewalk-out-the-doortime.Ifyouvegotalotonyourmind,asusual,andyoudontwanttoforgetthatyoupromisedtotakeafriendtotheairport,setthetimertohelpyourememberwhenitstimetoleaveforherhouse.

Planning AheadInordertokeepahomeandfamilyfunctioningeffectively,aFamilyManagerhastopayattentiontothedemandsofthedaybutalsolookaheadtowhatscomingup.Goodfamilymanage-ment,asImentionedearlier,meanslearninghowtoliveintwotenses.WhenImadethatstatementataFamilyManagerseminar,awomanintheaudiencecriedout,Imustbedoingagreatjob,becauseImalwaystootense!Weallwelcomedthecomicreliefbutfeltherpain.

Butitstrue.Bydevelopingahabitoflookingaheadonyourcalendar,thinkingaboutwhereyouregoingandwhatyouwanttoseehappen,thenmakingplans,youllbereadyformostanything


SMART MOVE

have children load their backpacks the night before school days.

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andyoullavoidawholelotofheadachesintheprocess.Hereareafewwaysyoudojustthat:

Onthefirstofeachmonth,lookatyourcalendaranddecidewhicheventsyouneedbabysittersfor.Arrangeforthemnow.Keepyourlistofbabysittersupdatedandgrowing.Askfriendsandneighborsforreferralssoyouhaveplentyofoptionsifyourregularsitterhastocancel.(Keeptheircontactinformationinyourfamilyphonebook,alongwiththehourstheyareusuallyavailable.) Markyourcalendar,orhaveyourcomputeralertyou,onemonthbeforeholidaysandbirthdays.Beginearlytoplancelebrationsandbuypresentsanddecorations.StartplanningsummervacationsandcheckingintokidssummercampsinFebruary.Scheduleatimeinthesummertohavepicturestakenofyourkids.EnlargeonetogiveGrandmaandGrandpaforChristmas.Planforfun.Collectinformationandsavesomemoneyeachmonthforthattripyouwanttotakeforyour10thanniversary,threeyearsfromnow.Keeptakeoutmenusinafileatworksoyoucanplaceanorderbeforeyouleaveandpickituponyourwayhome.Keepanemergencysetofcleanclothes,underwear,andsocksforyourchildputawayfortheinevitabledaywhenyouhavetogosomeplaceandhaventhadachancetodolaundry.Keepachangeofclothesandaccessoriesattheofficeincaseofunplannedmeetingsordinnerengagements.Stockuponsaleitemsevenifyouwontneedthemforamonthortwo.Whenthewintersaleshit,buyyourkidscoats(asizebigger)forusenextyear.Keepone-dollarbillsandquartersonhand.Youneverknowwhenyoullneedthem.

Five Minutes Is Worth Its Weight in GoldHaveyoucometodreadthesightofyourto-dolist?Asamotherwhosekidsarenowgrown,Icantellyouthatthelistnevergetsshorter.(Insteadofpickingupthekidsatschool,Imnowpick-ingthemupattheairport.)ButIstillhavetofindthetimetocullbulgingclosets,reorganizedrawers,andpurgethefreezerofUFOs(unidentifiedfrozenobjects).Thelargeblocksoftimeto


SMART MOVE

Fifty-one percent of mothers plan family vacations. the Family manager Vacation Packing checklist can help. (See page 247.)

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accomplishthesetasksarefewandfarbetween,butfortunatelyIvediscoveredahiddentreasure.

Whatisthat?Five-minutesegments.Youdbesurprisedhowmuchyoucanaccomplishin300littleseconds,andhowmanyfive-minutesegmentsyoucangrabhereandthere.Granted,youwontunloadthebasementof10yearsworthofclutterinafewminutes,butyoullmakeprogresseverytimeyouworkonitwhichwillmakeyoufeelbetteraboutyourselfandeventuallytheprojectwill befinished!

In five minutes, you can . . .Sortthroughajunkdrawer. Cleanoutacoupleofshelvesinyourmedicinecabinet.Sortchildrensclothingonedrawerorshelfatatime.Purgethroughabasketofmagazinesandcatalogs;tossoldones.Removeclutterfromonesurfacearea.Wipefingerprintsoffafewdoorjambsandlightswitches.Checkthebatteriesinyoursmokedetector.Throwinaloadofwash.Foldaloadoflaundry.Sewonabutton.Emptywastecansandtakeoutthetrash.Vacuumaroom.Sweepthefrontporch.Waterplants.Checktheairpressureinyourtires,orchecktheoil.Calltomakeanappointment.Sortmail.Payafewbills.Answerane-mailortwo.Purgeyoure-mailin-boxorcleanupcomputerfiles,fiveminutesatatime.Addnewcontactinformationtoyourfamilyphonebook.MakeaDailyHitList(seepage10).PutDVDsorCDsbackintheircases.Pickupsometoysorclutterinyourfamilyroom.Dosomecrunches,push-ups,andleglifts.Takevitaminsanddrinkabigglassofwater.Moisturizeyourface.Writeathank-younote.PrayforfriendsorreadachapterfromtheBibleoranotherinspirationalbook.


FROM THE HEART

the secret to effective time management is using small bits of time well. But the idea is not just to do more. its to create time to do more that matters.

BMG.indd 18 5/14/2008 8:21:50 AM

Rest!Purposelychoosingtodevotefiveminutesforpersonalrelaxationandrejuvenationmaybethebestuseofyourtime.

Multitasking Made EasySometime-managementgurusdontbelieveinmultitasking.Theytalkaboutbeingpresentinthemomentgivingsomethingourwholeattention.Maybethatsareactionfrompeoplewhoonceworethemselvesouttryingtodotwoormorethingsatonceandtryingtogivebothequalmentalfocus.Realmultitaskingisdifferent:Itinvolvesdoingthingsthatdontrequireapersonsfullattention.Andthereareplentyoftasksthatdontdeserveourfullattention!

Doublingupontasksletsusspendmoretimeonfunandotherthingstowhichwewanttogiveourfullattention.Getstartedbylistingtasksthatcanbedonesimultaneously.Postthelistinacentrallocation.Everytimeyoucatchsomeonemultitasking,praiseandrewardhimorher!Thisisagreathabittoteachyourchildren.

Two-timing ideasNeverwalkthroughthehouseempty-handed.Pickupasyougo.Ifyouregoingupstairs,takesomethingwithyouthatbelongsupthere.Encourageteenagerstostartaloadoflaundrybeforetacklingtheirhomework.Whentheystopforasnack,theycanmovetheclothesfromthewashertothedryer.Havekidsstripbedsandtakelinenstothewasherbeforeyouchangethesheets.Requestthatkidsfoldclothes,sortsocks,brushthedog,orreuniteabasketoftoyswithmissingpartswhiletheywatchcartoonsdefinitelyanactivitythatdoesnotrequirefullfocus!Divideandconquer.Onatriptothemall,giveeachadultorteenaseparatelistoferrandstoaccomplish. Askyoungkidstowashpatiofurnitureandbicycleswhileolderoneswashthedogandthecar.Teachpreschoolerstoidentifycolorswhiletheyarecleaning,firstbypickingupthebluetoys,thenthered,etc. Cleanthebathroommirrorandshinefixtureswhiletendingyourchildsbath.Putawaygrocerieswhileyoutalkonthephone.Washdishesorunloadthedishwasherwhilewaitingforthewatertoboil.Holdontothekitchencounteranddolegliftswhileyourewaitingforwatertoboil.


SMART MOVE

use long drives to talk to your husband about important matters such as goals and priorities for your family. ask him about his worldwhat he enjoys most, whats difficult for him, how you can support him.

BMG.indd 19 5/14/2008 8:21:52 AM

Makeagrocerylist whileyoucookdinner.Checkthepantryasyougo.Havekidsswishhandsandfeetaroundthetubduringabubblebathtoloosenabathtubring.Beforeyourunerrands,considerwhatelseyoumightpickupordropoffontheway.Cooktwo,three,orfourmealsatonce.Cleancarrotsfortonightspotroast,afternoonsnacks,andtomorrownightssalad.Makesoupandstewatthesametime.Doubletherecipeandyoullhavetonightsdinnerandanotherforthefreezer.Lookthroughmail-ordercatalogswhileyoureontheexercisebikeorstepmachine.Planpurchases;gleangiftideas.Bathethedogwhileyouwaterthegarden.Buytwoorthreeofeachhouseholdstapledeodorant,shampoo,soapsoyouwonthavetomakeaspecialtripagainsoon.DuringTVcommercials,haveeveryonepickupandputawayclutter.Steamwrinklesfromclothesbyhangingthegarmentinthebathroomwhileyoushower.

Prescription for ProcrastinationAttimesweallneedajumpstarttogetusortokeepusgoing.Butifprocrastinationisaconsistentproblemforyou,trytounderstandwhyyouputthingsoff.Ifyoufeardoingapoorjob,rememberthatdoingyourbestnotachievingperfectionisyourtruegoal.Ifyouthinkyouthriveunderpressure,considerwhetherthestressyougothroughpreventsyoufromdoingyourbestwork.

Tryoneortwooftheseideastohelpyouaccomplishataskyouvebeendreading.Remember,timeaddsup24hours,1,440minutes,86,400secondsadaywhetherweuseitornot.Alittleactionnowcanadduptoabigresultattheendoftheday.

Getting startedGearupforataskthenightbefore.Ifyouplantotackleaprojectthenextmorning,setoutthesuppliesortoolsyoullneedandtheclothesyoullwear.Gotobedalittleearlierthanusualsoyoullwakeuprefreshedandreadytogo.Makethestepstocompletingthetasktangible.Listeachoneyoullneedtoaccomplish.Asyoufinisheach,giveyourselfthesatisfactionofcheckingitoffinredink!


SMART MOVE

While youre waiting for your food to be served at a restaurant, have everyone in the family dream aloud about what theyd like to see happening in their lives five years from now.

BMG.indd 20 5/14/2008 8:21:53 AM

Havetherighttoolsavailabletotackletheproject.Ifyouaregoingtoexcavatetheclutterinthebasement,buyplentyofplasticstoragebinsinvarioussizes.Savethereceipt;youcanreturntheonesyoudontuse.Decidebeforehandhowyouwillrewardyourselfwhenyoucompletethejob.Asksomeoneyouhavefunwithtohelpyouwiththeproject.Speedupyourmetabolism.Beforestartingthetask,takeabrisk,20-minutewalk.Ifallelsefails,starta15-minuterule.Spend15minuteseverydayonsomethingyouvebeenprocrastinatingabout.Beforeyouknowit,youllhavethedreadedtasklicked.

While youre workingDotheworstpartfirst.Therestwillseemeasier!Putonsomepeppymusicthatmakesyouwanttomove.Listentoamotivationaltape.Stopandpatyourselfonthebackwhenyoufinishasegmentofthetask.Ifyouhavesixdrawerstocleanout,congratulateyourselfeachtimeyouconquerone.Askafriendorfamilymembertomonitoryourprogressandencourageyoualongtheway.Giveyourselfthefreedomtostopandrestifyouneedto.Visualizehowyouwillbenefitfromfinishing.

Reward yourself!Buyalittlesomethingtomakethetaskmorepleasant.Ifyoudreadspendingadayinthekitchencookingandfreezingaweeksworthofmeals,buyyourselfacheeryapronoranewpotyouvehadyoureyeon.Fixyourselfatreattokeepyougoing.Onatticclean-outday,put a plate of enticing fruit on a counter or table near the door leadingoutsidetoyourgarbagecans.Whenyoutraveltoandfromtheattic,youcangrababite. Postinspirationalquotesinyourworkarea.Readthemwhenyourmotivationstartstowane.


GOOD TO KNOW

in 2006, watching tV was the leisure activity that occupied the most time for both men and women, reports the Bureau of labor Statistics.

BMG.indd 21 5/14/2008 8:21:55 AM

ThesesiteswerelastaccessedinMay2008.Whileallthesesitescontainhelpfulinformation, inclusiondoesnotimplyendorsementbytheauthororpublisherofallthecontentonanyoftheWebsites.

Applianceshttp://www.appliance411.comAppliance411.comoffersgeneralhome-applianceinformationforconsumers,includingmoney-savingpurchasingandservicingtips,informationaboutgettingrepairparts,andmanylinkstomerchantsandhelpfulWebsites.

http://www.appliance.comAppliance.comprovidesdescriptionsofhouseholdappliancesandselectedlawnandgardenequipment,aswellasproductreviewsandtipsonappliancemaintenance.Italsoofferslinkstodealers,manufacturers,andbuyersguides.

http://appliancehelp.comAppliance Helpallowsyoutoorderreplacementpartsforvarioustypesofappliances.

http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/index.htmConsumer Guide to Home Energy Savingsprovidesachecklisttohelpconsumerscon-serveenergyandreducecosts.Italsogivestipsonchoosingenergy-efficientappliancesandliststhebestonesbasedonproductdirectoriesandmanufacturersdata.ItonlyincludesmodelswidelydistributedintheUnitedStates.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances.htmConsumerReports: Appliancesprovidesreviews,information,andbuyingadviceforappliances.Paidsubscriptionrequiredforfullaccess.

http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerA Consumers Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyisacomprehensiveU.S.DepartmentofEnergysite,includingaglossary,factsheets,andenergy-conservationtipsforseveralhomesystemsandappliances.

http://doityourself.comDoItYourself.comhasmorethan36topics,coveringeverythingfromappliancesandenergysavingstoconcreteandwoodworking.

WeB ReSouRceS

aPPendiX

BMG.indd 275 5/14/2008 8:27:41 AM

http://www.pcappliancerepair.comPoint & Click Appliance Repair has a diagnostic chart on wash-ers,dryers,refrigerators,dishwashers,andranges.Thedifficultyindextakesintoaccounttheabilityoftheaverageperson,anyspecialtoolsrequired,thetimerequiredtofixtheappliance,andthedangerassociatedwiththerepair.Thissitealsoallowsyoutopurchaseparts,manuals,andaccessories.

http://www.repairclinic.comRepairClinic.comgivestroubleshootingandrepairadviceformosthomeappliances.Italsosellspartsandrepairtools.

Autoshttp://autos.aol.comAOL Autosprovidesnew-andused-carreviews,tipsonbuyingandsellingcars,insuranceadvice,financinginformation,andKelleyBlueBookvalues.

http://www.autodirectory.comAutodirectory.comprovideslinkstositesrelatedtoautomobilepricingandbuying,vehicletrendsandinnovations,insuranceinformation,andwarrantytips.

http://www.automobiles.comAutomobiles.comgivesinformationpertainingtoautomobiles,includinginsuranceinformation;suggestionsonbuying,leasing,andrenting;andtherightsofowners.

http://www.autoobserver.comEdmunds AutoObserverprovidesinformationontheautomo-tiveindustry,includinganalysisofauto-companyeventsandstrategies.

http://www.carspace.comEdmunds CarSpace allows consumers to participate in forums aboutautomobileissues,aswellaswritereviewsofcardealers.

http://www.edmunds.comEdmunds.comprovidesautomobilepricinginformation,carreviews,ratings,andadviceaboutpurchasingacar.

http://www.edmunds.com/insidelineEdmunds Inside Lineisasiteforautomotiveenthusiaststhathighlightsautoshows,conceptcars,andnewautomotivetrends.

2 7 6 / T H E B U S Y M O M S G U I D E

BMG.indd 276 5/14/2008 8:27:42 AM

http://www.familycar.comThe Family Cargivestipsonselectingacar,caringforit,andhandlingrepairproblems.Thesitealsocoverssafedrivingandstylingtrends.

http://www.fueleconomy.govFueleconomy.govgivesside-by-sidecomparisonsofuptothreevehiclesatatimeandprovidesinformationonadvancedandalternative-fueledvehiclessuchashybridvehicles.Italsosup-pliesinformationaboutgaspricesandyourcarsenergyimpact.

http://www.nadaguides.comNADA GuidesisanonlinedatabaseoftheNationalAutomobileDealersAssociationandprovidespriceinformation,reviews,andcomparisonsfornewandusedcars,trucks,boats,recre-ationalvehicles,andmotorcycles.

http://www.newcarbuyingguide.comNewCarBuyingGuide.comisanInternetmagazinethatprovidespricinginformation,reviews,andguidesforbuying,leasing,andmaintainingnewandusedvehicles.Italsosuppliesinformationonautoinsurance.

http://www.vehix.comVehix.comisanonlinesolutionforbuying,selling,andresearch-ingnewandusedvehicles.

Babieshttp://www.aap.orgAmerican Academy of Pediatricshasarticles,generalhealthtop-ics,professional-educationresources,andaparentingcorner.

http://www.americanbaby.comAmerican Babyoffersinformationaboutconception,adoption,pregnancy,andparenthood.Readadvicefromanob-gyn,apediatrician,amidwife,andanutritionist.Italsohasafetal-developmenttimeline,adue-datepredictor,ababy-namesearch,arecipecenter,andmuchmore.

http://www.babycenter.comBabyCenteroffersinfoandadviceaboutpregnancyandbabies,includingadoption,breast-feeding,childcare,familyfinances,postpartumhealth,andsleep.

We b R e s o u rc e s / 2 7 7

BMG.indd 277 5/14/2008 8:27:44 AM

indeX

Aactivityoverload 186187advanceplanning 1617affirmations,fromthe

Bible 272274air conditioner

filterreplacement 53,82maintenance 85

alarmclocks,forchildren 181allowances 214215anger,teachingkidsto

manage 155157appliances 6366

averagelifeof 64cleaning 50,66extendedwarranties 6365manuals 63,66repairorreplace 6364Webresources 275276

appointments,schedulingstrategies 13

artichokes 117ArtsandCraftsCenter 40artwork

cleaning 54storing 47

atticdecluttering 3031pests 31storage 3031temperatureandhumidity 31

automobile.See car

Bbabies,Webresources 277278BabysitterInformationForm 176babysitters

scheduling 17See also child care

bakingsubstitutions 125tips 123125

BakingCenter 41bakingsoda,uses 49,51,56,

57,92bananas 121bartering 205basement

flooded 9394odors 31organizing 32

bathroomcleaningshortcuts 5556ventfans 50

BeattheWinterBluesBeachParty 232

bedding 6668bedrooms

organizing 3435rulesforchildren 4647

bedtime,childrens 188189BillPayCenter 40billpaying 210211birthdayparties 236238blinds,dusting 48,50books

careandorganization 6870childrens 33log 69storing 31

boundaries,setting 12breakfast 119budgeting 198200bufferzones 11,257buffettips 225butter

creaming 122substitutions 123

buttons,securingtoclothing 71

BMG.indd 295 5/14/2008 8:28:08 AM

Ccake

bakingtips 123125decoratingtips 123125

calendar 8cannedgoods,storing 38car

gasolinetips 105leakage 104maintenance 103,105savingfor 199warningsigns 103104Webresources 276277

carbonmonoxidedetectors 80carpet

beetles 34deepcleaning 70eliminating odors 57loosethreads 70padding 81purchasing 77

carpool 184185catalogs 4546cheese,shoppingtips 131CheesyPotatoBoats 116children

activityoverload 186187age-appropriatechores 57,

6163allowances 214215anger management

for 155157artwork 47assigningchores 19bedroomorganizing 33bedtimeand 188189bookstorage 33choresand 145147cluttercontrol 4647disciplining 154155faithbuilding 157finickyeaters 115118grandparentsand 159160homealone 185186homework 182183honestyin 153154Internetand 162163mannersand 160161physicalfitnessand 157159sexeducationand 163164

teaching about money 213215

teachingvalues 151152test-takingskills 183184TVand 161162

chimneycleaning 82choices.Seedecisionmakingchores

age-appropriatetasks 57,6163

benefittokids 178delegating 11,145147kitchen 113115

Christmas 240242circuitbreaker 94clean,familydefinitionof 146cleaning

10-minutetasks 4850abrasivecleaners 81five-minute 18one-daycleansweep

plan 5152one-hourtasks 50shortcuts 5256treatingstains 70,71whileyousleep 5051ClosetCleaningDay 33

closetscedar 34childrens 33masterbedroom 3435

clothingattic or basement

storage 3132caringfor 71closetstorage 3435drawer storage 35shoppingtips 202204

clutterattic 2931basement 2932bedroom 3435childrensroom 33conquering 4347contest 47controllingchildrens 4647controlplans 4347declutterinaday 4344garage 4143homeoffice 3538


BMG.indd 296 5/14/2008 8:28:10 AM

jail 47kitchen 3839laundryarea 3940paper 3738,4546preventing 4447

co-opsbabysitting171172dinner 112food 135

comforters 67contractor,selecting 8688ControlCentral 89cooking

eliminatingodors 5657everydaytips 122123fixingblunders 120121teachingkids 113114time-savingtips 121122

countdown,toanevent 223225,233235

coupons 133135Webresources 279280

crawl space 83creditcards 200201creditors

repaymentplan 208209Creed

FamilyManager xivcrimeprevention 99102curtains.See window treatments

DDailyHitList 911deadlines,settingand

meeting 1120decisionmaking 78decorating 7279

forevents 228furniture and accessories 75painting 7779planning 7274resource/ideabook 73tipsfromprofessionals 7879Webresources 279

delegation 11,145147,221departments,Family

Manager xivxvdesk,organizing 37DessertDrop-In 232

details,remembering 911dhurrie rug 77dinner

co-op 112family 114115menuplanning.See meals

disasterpreparation 9598disciplining 154155dishwasher,cleaning 84documents,storing 31downsizing,financial 209210drains

backupprevention 95clearingclogs 51eliminatingodors 5657

draperies.See window treatmentsdrawers

childrensroomorganization 33

desk 35,37dividers 53organizing 35sticking 35

dryerlint trap 66maintenance 85

dust 48,82duvets 65

Eeatinghabits,healthy 264265eatingout 136economics,everydaylessons

forkids 213214eggs

inbaking 124storing 54

electrical fire 93electrical problems 79electricity

breakerbox 84outage 9495

emergencieschoking 231family communication plan 97household 9295preparingfor 281supplykit 98

energyboosters 265266

I n d e x / 2 9 7

BMG.indd 297 5/14/2008 8:28:11 AM

entertaining 233eventplanning 222exercise

fittingin 261262reasonsfor 262.simpleideas 262

Ffabricguard 52faith building

atChristmas 242inchildren 157personal 269272

FamilyandFriendsdepartment 189190

FamilyBowl-GameParty 232FamilyCommunication

Card 97family management

Control Central 8Creed xivteambuilding 147148

familyreunions 238239familytriviagame 143filing

for children 47system 3638

Financedepartment 196finances

billpaying 210211budgeting 199200crisissituations 209210cuttingexpenses 201202organizing 210212philosophy 196priorities 197198teachingkidsabout 213

finickyeaters 115118fire

electrical 93grease 92safety 99

fireextinguisher 92,99five-minutecleaning

tasks 1819fiveminutes,maximize 1719flammablesubstances,

storage 32,99floorcoverings 77

foildinners 119food

co-ops 135coupons 133135organization 3839storing for emergencies 98

Fooddepartment 111freezer,buyingtips65freezing

bakedgoods 125fruit 125126sandwiches 119tips 127128

friendships,findingtimefor 189fruit

cookingwith 125126pickingberries 126127

furnacefilterreplacement 82maintenance 7980malfunction 95

furniturearrangement 7475selection 75

Ggarage

eliminatingoilstains 51organizing 4143safetyinspectionchecklist 42

garbage disposaleliminating odors 56jammed 94

gardening 281282gas

heat,outage 95leaks 94

Gift-WrapCenter 40gifts

baskets 242243last-minute 244meaningfulforkids 244

grandparents,fosteringrelationshipswith 159160

greasefire 92GreenBeanPackages 115116grilling

cleanup 128lighting 129tips 129


BMG.indd 298 5/14/2008 8:28:13 AM

grocerycoupons 133135list 20,114,134money-andtime-saving

shoppingtips 133packagingphrases 133

gutters 82

Hhangers 34,71heaters,portable 99herbs,incooking 123holidays

listof 222planningfor 240241shoppingfor 204205

homebuilding 8688crimeprevention 99102decorating 7279emergencies 9295inventory 102maintenance 284286moving 8892remodeling 8688safety 99102workingfrom 206208

HomeandPropertydepartment 27

home officeorganizing 3538withkidsathome 208

homeworkhints 182183work-space 41

honesty,teachingkids 153154houseplants,dusting 48houserules 148151housework.See cleaning

Iin-boxes 9insects

in carpet 34inkitchen 38

insulation 81International Cheese

Tasting 232

Internetsafety 162163shopping 204

inventory,ofhome 102ironingtips 71

Jjunkdrawer 39junkmail,eliminating 4546

Kkeys

hidingspare 100keepingtrackof 44water-meter 83

keysafe 31kitchen

cleaningshortcuts 5455organizing 3839scissors 122123stools 75time-savingtips 121122timer 16

Llampshades,dusting 48laundry

bag,fordelicates 34organizingarea 3940tips 71

lawn,fertilizing 85learning,asformof

self-care 268269lighting

flickering 79typesof 7576

lint trap 66locks,deadbolts 99lunch

brown-bagideas 118120club 232

Mmagazines 4546mail

holding 102stoppingjunk 4546

I n d e x / 2 9 9

BMG.indd 299 5/14/2008 8:28:14 AM

MailCenter 40maintenance

home 8386mistakes 7983seasonalschedule 8386Webresources 284286

manners,teachingchildren 160161

manufacturersinstructions 81marriage,investingin 141142masterbedroom,

organizing 3435maternityleave 171mattress

extendinglifeof 68purchasing 68

mealsdinner 113115doubling 112ethnicnight 115lunch 118120mannersand 160161planningtips 111113

meat,buyingtips 132133mechanic

selecting 104105whentocall 103104

MedicalConsentForm 177medicine,storing 33memoryjoggers 1516menus

planning 111113Webresources 287288weekly 111113

microwave,cleaning 49mildew

clothingand 31inbathroom 50,56preventinginbooks 31,69preventinginwasher 57waterleaksand 80

mirrors,cleaning 52mold,removingfromtile 56money.See financesMostImportantThingsto

RememberFamilyandFriends

department 139Financesdepartment 195Fooddepartment 109

HomeandPropertydepartment 25

Self-Managementdepartment 256

SpecialEventsdepartment 219

TimeandSchedulingdepartment 3

moth control 35motheringtips 143145moving 8892

countdown 8891packingtips 9192services 86

multitasking 1920

NNeighborhoodWatch 101neighbors,buildingrelationships

with 190191nutrition

healthy 264265improvingkids 115118

Oobedience,teaching

children 154155odors,eliminating 5657one-daycleansweepplan 5152one-hourcleaningtasks 50OperationID 99organizing

attic 2931basement 2932bathroom 3233childrensbedroom 33garage 4143homeoffice 3538kitchen 3839laundryarea 3940masterbedroom 3435

ovencleaning 51

Ppacking

formove 9192forvacation 247


BMG.indd 300 5/14/2008 8:28:15 AM

paintbrushes,cleaning 79painting 7779

calculating amount needed 77

colorselection 7778colortesting 7778exterior 80

papereliminatingpiles 3738preventingpiles 4546shredding 37

PaperClutterJail 45parenting

commonmistakes 154teachingvalues 151152teenagers 164170tips 170171Webresources 288289

parsley 123parties

ambience 226228birthday 236238centerpieces 228disastercontrol 230231etiquette 236food/beverage

quantities 229230ideas 232233one-monthplanning

list 223225planning 236238shortcuts 235236shortnotice 235236

PastaPotluck 232Peg-Board 27,41phone

book 14outage 95time-savingtips 1314

physical fitnessencouraging in

children 157159personal 260264

physical healthimproving 261267Webresources 282284

picnicchecklist 120pictures,hanging 7677pillows 6667

pipesburst 93frozen 93

pizzaparty 232planningahead 1617plumbing,repairs 82poultryseasoning,

homemade 123poweroutage 9495

freezerand 65priorities,settingand

following 58procrastination,

overcoming 2021produce 54,127

Qquantities,for

entertaining 229230

Rradon 80reading

encouragingkids 181182recipes,organizing 38,45refrigerator

buying tips 65cleaning 50,66eliminating odors 57

refundsshopping 203taxes 211212

relationshipsmarital 141142withchildren 143145withex-spouse 142withfriends 189190withgrandparents 159160withneighbors 190191

relaxation 259260remodeling 8688restaurantdining.See eating outrice,preparing 122,123roofleaks 84routines,establishing

household 2324

I n d e x / 3 0 1

BMG.indd 301 5/14/2008 8:28:17 AM

Ssafety

bathwatertemperature 32crimeprevention 99102disasterpreparation 9597essential equipment 98fire 99flammable substance

storage 32,99householdemergencies 9295Internet 162163medication storage 33Webresources 289291

sandwiches 118119schedulingstrategies 13school

homework 182183returningto 180181sickdaysfrom 187188test-takingskills 183184

securitysystem 100self-care

body 260267habits 257259mind 268269spirit 269274

Self-Managementdepartment 257

self-talk 272274septicsystem,treating 84servicecalls,scheduling 12servicepanel 94services,selecting

catering 229contractor 8688mechanic 104105rental 228

seven-daypartyplanninglist 233235

seven-minutenightlysprint 49sheets 68shoes

organizing 34,53smelly 5657

shoppinggrocery 129133holiday 204205Internet 204returns 203tips 202205

showerdoor,cleaning 54,56shut-offvalve,watermain 83siblings,preparingfornew

baby 170171sickdays,kids 187188single parenting

getting along with ex-spouse 142

teambuildingand 147sink

cleaning 50clogs 94

smokedetectors 96,97snacks,healthyideas 115118specialevents

birthdayparties 236238cateringservices 229disastercontrol 230231familyreunions 238239food/beverage

quantities 229230gifts 244organizingdetails 220221partyideas 232233rentalservices 228229seven-day

countdown 233235SpecialEventsdepartment 220spices,storing 38,120sportsequipmentstorage 29,

4142stains

carpet 70clothing 71microwave 49oven 51preventing 52removal 33,54

standard operating procedures 23

storageattic 2931basement 2932closets 3435containers 2728,4143drawers 35finding additional

space 2728kitchen 2839tips 29


BMG.indd 302 5/14/2008 8:28:18 AM

stressors,hidden 266267stress reduction

atChristmas 241ideas 259260

StudyCenter 41sunlight 83SwineFine 47

Ttaxes

organizingdocuments 211212

refunds 211teakettle,cleaning 51teambuilding,in

families 147148teaparty 232Teen/ParentContract 169teenagers

assigningchores 19,6263,167

familydinnerand 166giftsfor 244parenting 164170sexeducationand 163164

teenagersparty 232233telecommuting 206208telephone.See phonetelevisionguidelines 161162,

266ten-minutecleaning

tasks 4850test-takingskills 183184thermos,

heating 118cleaning 51

tile,cleaning 56TimeandScheduling

department 5timemanagement 1112timertactics 16toilet

cleaning 51overflowing 93

tools,storing 41toys,replacingpieces 53trashcan,cleaning 56trees,trimming 82truthtelling 153154

tub,caulking 83two-timing.Seemultitasking

Uutilityshelves

inattic 30inbasement 32ingarage 41

Vvacation

activitiesfordrive 246kid-friendly 248planning 245248roadtripmoneysavers 250safeguarding home while

away 99102Webresources 294

VacationExitChecklist 249VacationPackingChecklist 247vacuumcleaner

purchasing 70tips on using 53

valances 75values,teachingto

children 151152vases,cleaning 51vegetables

grillingand 129increasingkids

intake 115118storing 54

ventfans,cleaning 50volunteercommitments 186

Wwalls

painting 7779repairing holes 78washing 54

warning,10-minute 16warranties 6365,81washing-machinehose 66,83,94water

importanceofindiet 265leaks 80

I n d e x / 3 0 3

BMG.indd 303 5/14/2008 8:28:19 AM

pipes 93shut-offvalve 83storing for emergencies 98

water-heaterleak 94water meter 83water pipe

breaks 82,93frozen 93preventingbreaks 82

weather stripping 85Webresources

appliances 275276autos 276277babies 277278coupons 279280decorating 280281emergencypreparedness 281

gardening 281282health 283284maintenance 284286menus 287288parenting 288289safety 289291schooling 291293travel 294

WhosResponsibleforWhat?form 5860

window treatments 75window washing 54workspace

forchildren 41workcenters 4041workingfromhome 206208workingoutsidethehome 206


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acKnoWledGmentS

FormanyyearsIdreamedofwritingahelpfulreferencebookforbusymoms.Iamexceedingly

thankfulforallthepeoplewhohaveworkedtomakemydreamcometrue:

DanJohnson,presidentofTheIdeaAgency;JanLongHarris,DougKnox,KimMiller,Nancy

Clausen,SarahAtkinson,YolandaSidney,MaggieRowe,SharonLeavitt,andMikeMorrisonfrom

Tyndale;andTyraDamm,MaryDarr,andAnnMatturro,whoprovidedexperteditorialandresearch

assistance.

Mostofall,Ithankmyhusband,Bill,forhisloveandcommitmenttohelpmefulfillmycalling.

BMG.indd 305 5/14/2008 8:28:21 AM

aBout KathY Peel

KathyPeeliscalledAmericasFamilyManagerbythemediaandbymillionsofwomen.Sheis

theauthoroftwentybooks(over2millionsold),includingDesperate Households.SheisfounderandCEOofFamilyManager.Hercompanyprovidestrainingandresources

forwomenandfamiliesthroughanationalnetworkofcertifiedFamilyManagerCoachestrained

throughtheFamilyManagerUniversityonlinecampus.

KathyservesasAOLsFamilyCoachandisacontributingeditortoScholastic.com,American Profile,andHomeLife.HerarticlesandideashaveappearedinFamily Circle, Ladies Home Journal,Redbook, Womans Day, Readers Digest,Parents, Parenting, Child, Womans World, FamilyFun, Cooking with Paula Deen, Cooking Light, andmanyothermagazines.

EachyearKathyisaguestonmanyTVandradioprograms,includingrepeatappearanceson

Oprah, The Early Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CNN,MSNBC,WGN,HGTV,Lifetime,theFineLivingNetwork,theDiscoveryChannel,andFocus on the Family.

Shespeaksfrequentlynationallyandinternationallyatconferences,corporateprograms,

colleges,andchurchesaboutlifeandfamilymanagement,work-lifebalance,parenting,entrepre-

neurship,leadership,andwomensissues.

AgraduateofSouthernMethodistUniversity,sheandherhusband,Bill,havethreegrownsons.

TheyliveinDallas.

HerWebsiteiswww.familymanager.com.

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Documents

The Busy Mom's Guide