I see my son Thursday through Saturday night and sometimes Sundays. Because of my limited time with him, it’s important that I focus my time with him in the best possible way. But this is not as easy as it sounds.
Managing My Time
In addition to being a Dad, I also run my own business. I consult with non-profits and businesses on how to use social media to get more customers. There are times when my customer workload keeps me up until 1:00AM. There are also times when business is slow, but I’m still up late using the inbound marketing strategies that I teach. In either case, I’ve learned some valuable lessons about making my time with my son 100% about him – not Twitter, my Blog or LinkedIn. I’ve learned these things the hard way, which is how I learn most effectively. These are five lessons that I’ve learned that help me make 100% of the time with my son about him.
Five Time Management Tips That Work
1. Create High Barriers To Distraction
Sounds simple enough, right?
Not so easy though, as I’m sure you’ve found.
For me, closing the laptop is not enough. I need to take the darn thing on tuck it way up high above the kitchen cabinet – where it’s really hard for me to get it back down.
This essentially creates a higher barrier for me to even begin to entertain checking email or Twitter.
2. Work in Short Spurts
On the weekends, if I have to do work, I’ve learned to keep it within short bursts. This way, the majority of time is spent together – enjoying each other.
Two or three (max) mini work sessions is what works for me. My son is almost six – he needs my attention – a lot!
3. Focus On One Task
If I need to get a project done, I’ll focus my time on that one task – to the exclusion of everything else – in a couple of 30-minute blocks of time throughout the day
It seems that 30 minutes is also the limit for my son.
To help me, I use a kitchen timer, which I like because the ticking noise ads that extra sense of urgency.
4. Set Clear Expectations
When I set clear expectations, my son feels safe and loved.
If I say to my son, "I need to do some work for a while", he’s more likely to ask for my attention every five minutes.
But, If I say that I’m going to work for 30 minutes, then close my laptop, and then take him to the park, he’s much more likely to keep himself busy until I’m done.
5. Show Your Appreciation
When I do have to work, even for a 30-minute burst, I always say express appreciation to my son.
"Thank you so much for letting me get some work done."
"You’re becoming such a big boy!"
"I’m so proud of you."
Obviously this makes him feel great – and goes way beyond mere positive reinforcement. Praise builds happy confident children, which is way more important than any job or client project.
Creating His Childhood And Our Lives
Finally, I remind myself that the days I spend with my son are his childhood. How much love, connection, praise and support, can I give him during these crucial years. This is his childhood! What kind of memories am I creating with him?
Remarkable Parents Team Bio:
John Haydon is a single father of a 6 year old boy and runs his own business advising non-profits, small business and social entrepreneurs on how to implement inbound marketing strategies with the social web. If you would like to contact John you can find him on Twitter at @johnhaydon or visit his web site.
