Time Management 101: Time Management For Families

The following time management tips for families are the
same ones I discussed as a featured guest on the television
talk show A.M. Northwest. These are simple, basic,
easy-to-follow time management tips for both parents and
children. And they are the same time management tips that
have worked for me in my business as a motivational speaker
and author:

1. Have white dry erase boards personalized for each
person: Place one in the kitchen and one in each bedroom.
The benefit of white boards in the kitchen and in each
bedroom is that you and your kids will constantly see them
and be reminded of what needs to be accomplished.

2. Write down tasks with specific time frames for each
parent and child: Set aside specific times and stick with
them. For example, you would write on the white board,
"Brandon and Chloe, homework 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m." And
for the mom or dad, "Mom/Dad cook dinner 6:00 p.m. to 6:45
p.m." and so forth. This way you are constantly reminded of
what to do and when. You will get around to completing
these tasks sooner rather than later because by "seeing"
them all the time, you'll want to cross them off your list.
Erase the tasks after completing them so you no longer have
to look at them!

3. Color code for each family member: It's easy to
visualize who is supposed to do what when each individual
has their own color. A lot of teams utilize this same
technique in the workplace to help with time management.

4. Clear off your desk or work area: This helps you and
your kids to clear out clutter so you can concentrate
single-mindedly on those projects such as paying bills or
doing homework.

Time management rule number one: do the thing you like
least first.

5. Do the thing you like least first and plan a reward such
as a fun family activity for afterward: We all have tasks
that we have to do that we don't want to do. It's easy to
procrastinate. Research points to the fact that the longer
you procrastinate, the harder it is to get motivated. The
hardest part is just getting started. And once you're done,
you feel so much better, lighter and happier. You and your
family will feel deserving of a reward afterward such as
fun time watching TV, playing games, or attending a
Saturday picnic.

6. Be a positive role model: Teach your children to form
good time management habits from the beginning. When your
kids see you as self-disciplined and overcoming
procrastination by doing things you'd rather not, it
reinforces that behavior in them as well. It sets them up
later in life to be good parents themselves, and better
leaders at school and in the workplace.

Keep in mind that everything you procrastinate today only
compounds tomorrow's pressure. Decide what you want. What
tasks must be done in order for you and your family to
accomplish your goals, dreams and aspirations? Act now.
Don't wait another day. The future is now.

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Colleen Kettenhofen is a speaker and co-author of The
Masters of Success, seen on NBC's Today Show. Topics:
leadership, management, difficult people, communication.
For free articles, e-newsletter or to order the book visit
http://www.ColleenSpeaks.com Colleen is available for
keynotes and seminars at (800)323-0683.
http://www.ColleenSpeaks.com