VANCOUVER -- It's a tough juggling act. You're responsible for the day-to-day duties around the house -- but your kids are looking for some quality time with you. We offer some tips to help manage the circus.
They shuffle their lives around to make time for each other. But -- the Eng family says they're still victims of the weekday rush.
It's the craziness that happens when we're noth working parents. So, we're always rushing off, getting the kids to school, rushing home from work, trying to get the food on the table, and homework and activities. It's the everyday craziness," says mother Shirley Eng.
Although they make time for each other on the weekends -- they admit their "family time management" could be better.
According to a recent survey -- 68 per cent of B-C parents say they feel burnt out while trying to balance it all. Parenting expert and author Kelly Nault.
"That wasn't a surprise to me because as a family councellor working in my office, I hear a lot of parents who are totally in crisis."
When children aren't getting positive attention, they will demand it through negative means."
So -- what can you do? Nault says many parents feel like household chores get in the way. Make it a team event -- instead of a solo effort.
"Being able to have children to step up and help around the house is also a great way to give them some life skills."
Also -- find a way to make dinner a "fun" time. Nault says rather than demanding conversation from your kids, especially teenagers - invite it.
"Instead of asking them, tell them what you did. Guess what happened to me today. So, you're really leading my example. Start sharing about your day and one of the best things you can do is to ask them, if something happened that day, ask them what would you have done?"
Ask to go on a date night with your child. And -- really listen to what they want to do. Nault says you may be surprised to learn that the activity they have in mind -- might be quite affordable.
For the Engs... they love the outdoors -- especially hiking. That way they're connecting -- and getting away from it all.
"Focus on the things that you control and don't sweat the other stuff that doesn't really matter in the big scheme of things."
For more tips on getting quality time and other results of the survey -- log onto www.fountaintire.com.
Wednesday June 21, 2006
