* This post is also submitted to Alpha Thursday under “S for Stealing Time“
Balance is something very delicate. A slight step right or left would cause you to slip and fall.
It is not easy to find the equilibrium as there are constant changes in our environment and limited resources and time.
There is only so many hours a day which one can juggle with. Discounting the times spend on sleep ( I hardly sleep anyway as the baby still wakes up countless times a night) I have an approximate 16-18 workday each day.
My cut on balance is having time to spend with the kids individually, time as a family, time with hubby and time alone for myself.
It’s not easy running a household and having time to pursue my interests simultaneously. There is always a trade off which has to be made as items and tasks have to be prioritized.
My lifestyle and schedule took a drastic change when #1 was born. Way back then in 2004 my time management skills were still very raw and things were very chaotic.
Fast forward to 2011 and 3 kids later I think I’ve got this balance figured out. I’ve grown really good at stealing seconds and minutes. I guess that being at a job where multitasking and precise planning is essential has been a good training ground for me.
I have set aside time each day for each kids, some for the kids together and scheduled “me minutes” throughout the day.
Mornings are for coaching the eldest, seeing to his homework being done and getting all the chores done before he leaves for afternoon school. In the afternoon, my time is being spent mostly on the baby. She doesn’t sleep much so I get her involved in the household chores by bringing her around the house while getting things done. We do put some time aside for going through storybooks and flashcards.
At night is spending time with the 2nd boy when he returns from school. Supervising his piano practices and homework.
After the kids are all in bed it’s time for me and hubby as we chill out after a long day at work.
The kids are all involved in doing the household chores so that they can be done more effectively and we can have fun together.
I get my ” me minutes” to check my e-mail, take a 5 min power nap, reading the e-books that I have downloaded or post on this blog when the baby is napping or can be put down for awhile.
When the boys are playing with their toys in their room, or when they are seated at their study table doing their homework , I steal minutes to go online or to the kitchen to prepare their meals or bake.
I love cooking and baking and am trying to increase the number of dishes/bakes that I can do. In my “spare” time I search online for the different recipes which I would like to try out.
Another interest I have is graphic designing. I’m self learning how to create my own graphics using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. I’m trying to incorporate time for this by doing tutorials in multiple parts.
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| My 1st graphic using Adobe Illustrator |
How do you find your balance?
<a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com"target="_blank" <img src="http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac331/mamakatslosinit/workshop-button-1.png" alt="Mama's Losin' It"
17 comments
Diane
February 17, 2011 at 9:15 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Sounds like you’re doing a great job of keeping the balance over there!
Stopping by from Jenny Matlock’s. Have a wonderful day!
Paula Kiger
February 17, 2011 at 9:22 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I wish I had any advice on finding balance – right now I am the poster child for IMBALANCE!
Glad you’re getting there – and it’s great that each child gets individual time with you.
Love the graphic – it’s adorable!
Dominique
February 18, 2011 at 10:05 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
@Paula,
Finding balance is always a work in progress. I hope that you will be able to find your balance soon.
Judie
February 17, 2011 at 10:00 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I remember the days of trying to steal time. Now my kids are grown, and THEY are trying to steal time. I tell them I know what that’s like!
Natalie
February 17, 2011 at 10:16 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Sounds like you’ve really mastered finding a balance in your life. I love how you categorized what was most important to you and then carved out a routine to ensure you achieved success. Great job! Love the graphic – it’s fantastic!
Miri
February 17, 2011 at 11:00 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Taking advantage of minutes is really great advice. So often I feel like I can’t start a project because I have to leave the house in 3 minutes, but you’re right, there’s a lot of little things that can get done then.
JDaniel4's Mom
February 17, 2011 at 11:11 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I love the bear. It is great to get some time for you.
Dominique
February 18, 2011 at 10:07 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I’m working on improving on the bear and maybe in the future be able to make a 3D one.
Cheryl
February 18, 2011 at 12:10 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Balance is tough. It was easier when I worked full time. As much as I like an unstructured environment, it’s not the best thing for me. Still workin’ on it.
Cheryl
February 18, 2011 at 12:11 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
This thing ate my comment! Eek!
I get lost trying to find balance. I love unstructured time but it’s not the best thing for me. The more time I have, the more I waste.
Sue
February 18, 2011 at 1:37 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Finding balance is hard with kids at home, but it sounds like you are doing a good job at it.
=)
Donnie
February 18, 2011 at 4:04 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
One day at a time and be sure to Breathe.
Su-sieee! Mac
February 18, 2011 at 5:56 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Wow! Reading about your day tired me out.
I haven’t found my balance in years. It’s not so bad, I suppose, but I find myself doing late hours now to get my work done.
Victoria
February 18, 2011 at 10:07 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
the kids are grown
it’s me, hubby, and the dog
but as soon as i get home
the dog wants HER time =)
happy alphabe-thursday
~victoria~
Teresa
February 19, 2011 at 10:00 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Isn’t it sad to have lives filled so full that we have to steal time for the things we enjoy?
Dominique
February 19, 2011 at 11:03 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
@Teresa,
I don’t find it is sad.. it just happens at this time in life things are much busier then before with 3 little kids to handle. I’m still enjoying the things that I love to do just that I won’t be indulging in it as often as I did before.
Jenny Matlock
February 20, 2011 at 6:39 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Finding balance is the never-ending challenge in my life.
I try to devote all my extra time to my Grands before they grow up and have their own lives but sometimes I wish I had just a bit more time for writing and my own projects.
I enjoyed your take on this precarious subject.
Thanks for a great stop on our little journey through Alphabe-Thursay’s letter “S”.
A+