Managing time with young children when both parents work

If you have young children, you know that you have to be very good, very fast at time management. Unfortunately, for many parents this is a constant struggle. It becomes much more difficult when both parents work outside the home. Those sweet babies you’re constantly posting about on Facebook come with a host of worries and issues that need to be addressed on a daily basis and can’t easily be put off for another day. Babysitting, preparing lunches, collecting toys, playtime, bath time, homework are just some of the concerns of a modern parent. These are pretty tough, but then there are the exceptions: what if a child gets sick, what if the babysitter can’t make it, what if the budget doesn’t allow for new clothes or events. Most parents are familiar enough with managing a family calendar and usually have their child’s school schedule posted on the refrigerator. Unfortunately this only covers the important stuff. There are a few other things a busy mom and dad can do to make life with those munchkins that much easier.

For starters, the parents will want to find a way to split the workload between the couple. Many parents find a chore chart helpful in facilitating this. Posting it on the fridge alongside the other calendars will keep everyone on the same page and accountable for the tasks assigned to them. It’s important to check in this month to make sure tasks are getting done and everyone is happy with the division of labor. Most families have to deal with many of the same tasks week after week. Planning ahead makes life less crazy and reduces stress, since everyone will know someone is assigned to take care of each item on the list.

In addition to scheduling tasks, it’s also important to schedule some personal time. A life filled with one task after another is unsustainable and will lead to the total collapse of the system. There must be time for each member of the family to work on their own projects, or simply engage in some recreation. Parents should also plan some time together, as this is often the last thing parents make time for when life gets crazy. You have to be a couple if you hope to work together to have a family.

Finally, it is important to involve the children in the process as much as physically possible. I know 3-year-olds aren’t the most helpful members of the family when it comes to keeping up the house, but there are things they can do. Mine loves to fold towels and blankets. My 4 year old likes to help load and unload the dishwasher. They are all required to pack their rooms as much as they can. Obviously, children often have problems with verticality, so hanging clothes and reaching high shelves is out of the question. It would be helpful to talk to your children often about homework and what they can do to help. Kids usually want to be a part of what’s going on, and if they see you’re having fun, they’re likely to join in.

These simple changes can make dealing with exceptions much less of a crisis. Life with children is unpredictable. Make room in your life for such inconveniences by staying on top of things you can control.