JUGGLING YOUR LIFE…
WITHOUT DROPPING ALL THE BALLS

Do you ever wonder how you’re going to get it all done and still have quality time for your kids? These days Dads are playing a much more active role in their kids’ lives and doing so while balancing a full time job, community involvement, maintaining the house, getting healthy food on the table, keeping fit, and if you’re really bold, a social life. Is it possible to do it all and maintain some level of sanity?

YES!

Step 1: Make a List
Make a list of all of the things that need to get done in the week including everything that happens from Monday to Sunday from the time your family rises to when they go to bed. Include it all: getting the troops up, breakfast schedules, getting the kids to school, your work day, soccer/ piano/ band/ art/ dance practice, homework, dinner prep, dishes, making lunches (I highly recommend doing this the night before not in the am when everyone is in a rush), evening activities, story time, bed times, quiet time for Mom and Dad, cleaning, grocery shopping, chores, etc.

Step 2: Prioritize
Are there some things that are ‘falling off’ the list? How about your fitness program? Or how about your quiet time at the end of your day? Prioritize your life. Make sure you are MAKING time for what matters to your life (including your kids- they will thank you for it!).

Step 3: Schedule it!
Take an hour of your time and sit down at the computer and make a schedule for your family’s life on a weekly basis. Make sure you schedule the important things you prioritized in Step 2. Make copies of your Monday to Sunday Schedule and post it somewhere everyone can see it and where you can make necessary additions to it (ex. doctors’ appointments, meetings, etc). I recommend printing it off a month at a time and posting it together.

Step 4: With a Little Help From your Friends
No one ever said you had to go it alone! Does Susie take ballet with another girl friend from school? Why not ask Susie’s mom if she can take the girls to ballet on Tuesday and you will on Thursdays? Wherever possible minimize running around.

Step 5: K.I.S.S.
Keep It Simple Stupid. This saying goes a long way. I’m talking simple things like making 4 food menus for the week and a grocery list that coordinates, then recycling them once per month. Post the menu on the fridge. This way everybody knows what’s on for dinner and whoever is home first can get things started. How about making all of your meals in bigger batches then freezing the leftovers for another night (especially handy on a night you don’t get home until late).

Step 6: Say NO
Remember that there is only so much that is humanly possible. Sometimes we just need to say NO when it really doesn’t work in to the schedule. Your child will not hate you for the rest of your life…maybe just for tonight.

Bottom line? The key to mastering the juggling act of your life is to plan ahead and find your routine.

Gillian Goerzen, B.SC (Kin)
Personal Trainer, Group Exercise
BCRPA, SFL

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