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Prioritize schedule to keep work, family life separate

Provided by Business Psychology Associates
Idaho's Employee Assistance Program provider
Many people assume that “moms” bear all the responsibility for keeping a household running. In today’s busy world, dads are becoming more and more involved with parenting and housekeeping. Unfortunately, it has been a challenge for our jobs to keep pace with our changing society, and this shift can cause a real strain – particularly with fathers who work full-time.

How do you fi t it all in? How do you earn a good living to support your family and help keep your home in order and still have time left over to spend with your children? This month, we offer those valiant dads who are trying to “do it all” a few practical organizing tips.

Start with your priorities.

If you tell your kids they are a priority, but you work nights and weekends and never see your family, what message are you really delivering? Something has to give because one person cannot do it all. Prioritizing is about trade-offs -- you have to give something up to have what you really want the most, time with your family.

As often as possible, before scheduling anything else, plan your kids’ activities into your calendar first. Learn to say no when a request butts heads with your family obligations – whether that conflict is with work or another activity. We all know unexpected situations come up and create conflicts with our schedules but, regardless of whether it is at work or home, don’t be afraid to ask for help! The key to getting better organized – delegate.

No matter what your family composition, everyone should help out. Divide up responsibilities so that everyone has a fair share of chores and free time. Contact your EAP for a referral to a local counselor who can help you with suggestions, ideas or referrals to community resources that can help you with managing your multiple responsibilities.

For additional information or assistance, please contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or
consult a mental health professional.