This week's topic: Tips For Working Parents
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Tips for Working Parents
Host: As many parents know, raising a family can be a full-time job in itself. It’s even more of a difficult task when trying to juggle time between your career and your children. We’re pleased to have with us again licensed social-worker Jim Clark, who serves as President and CEO of daniel, Florida
Jim, how is it possible to have a career while also maintaining a fully functioning home?
Jim: It’s definitely a day-to-day challenge when trying to juggle both work and children and there’s no single formula for attaining a balanced life because it’s really a personal decision how one combines their career and their family. However, priorities need to be set in both areas and some of these involve serious personal choices.
Host: What type of advice do you have for our viewers who are struggling with finding time to spend with their children?
Jim:
(1) The first step to building and sustaining a connection between you and your kids is to make sure that you take some time out of every day that is time for them alone. Sometimes this might seem difficult to do with hectic lives and schedules but it is completely necessary. Your children need to know that you care, and taking a little time out of even the busiest schedule to sit down and help with homework or just listen about their day. Talk in a way that encourages them to listen and listen in a way that encourages them to talk.
(2) Designate family time doing activities that everyone loves. You might go to a restaurant or an ice cream parlor. If you’re watching your budget like many of us, having a picnic in the backyard is a fun AND affordable way to spend quality time together.
(3) When your job takes you away for long periods of time, be sure to call, email or talk daily. Even if it’s just a few minutes before their bedtime, it’s important to tell them that you love and miss them. You may find being away but maintaining this line of communication can help to make your child more willing to talk to you. Sometimes e-mailing can be beneficial because kids can often write out things they could never feel comfortable expressing verbally.
Host: What do you think the most common mistake is that many working parents make?
Jim: The biggest thing that a parent can do for their children, and the connection between them, is to maintain an open line of communication. Avoid the situation of saying "I'm in the middle of work can it wait or I'm working can we talk about this later." Take the time to pause and listen to what your child has to say. It may be nothing but there is the possibility that it may also be something important. Children are more likely to say "yes it can wait" and never bring the topic up again than they are to actually wait especially on topics that require courage to discuss.
http://www.more4kids.info/640/tips-for-working-parents/
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