Balancing Work and Family

Avoid the Morning RushAre you frazzled when you finally arrive at work? Is your attitude at work and work performance af-fected by the a.m. chaos that occurs at home trying to get you and/or your family out the door to faceanother challenging day? If you feel you need some help with managing those crucial morning hours,why not look over these suggestions that provide advice for a morning without rushing?

I, Start Going to Bed EarlierIt may take your body a few weeks to adapt to retiringearlier, but in the long run, it will be easier for you torise at an earlier time.

VI. Have Children Make Their LunchesIf mature enough, have children prepare their lunchesto save you time and get them involved in foodpreparation.

II. Place All Items You Carryto Work in One PlaceIt's a good idea to place near thedoor your keys, briefcase, purse,school supplies, important papersand letters to be mailed. Keep apetty cash fluid handy for all thosetimes that a quarter, 800 or $1.55 isneeded for school or a parking meter,work, etc.

III. Choose Clothingfor the Next DayLaying clothes out the night beforeor thinking about what you plan towear is made easier by stockingyour closet with clean matchingseparates. Morning dressing be-comes hassle free.

IV. Pull Yourself from Your Pillow at Least 1-1/2Hours Prior to Leaving for WorkA few minutes added to your morning preparationtime can prevent frantic dressing, no breakfast, andforgotten tasks that need to be done before leaving.

V. Rise First and Dress before Waking OthersTime alone in the morning, without bumping intoothers or being interrupted, can be just what you needto get yourself together.

Ten Bright IdeasFor a Happier Morning

VIL Encourage Spouse toShare in Morning TasksHave your spouse share morn-ing tasks so that you don't bearall the responsibility.

VIII. Take Timefor BreakfastSet the breakfast table the nightbefore—a good task for a youngerchild. Sit down for 15 minutes andeat a light, wholesome breakfast. Ifyou're on the run, grab a piece offruit or cheese and crackers, anenriched whole grain muffin or asmall filled sandwich. Eat whilecommuting.

IX, Set Your Clocks AheadIt may be psychological, but having your clocks andwatches set 5 to 10 minutes ahead can keep you onschedule.

X. Reward Yourself for Arrivingat Work on TimeYou'll be surprised how good you'll feel when youarrive at work, on time and relaxed! Sometime duringthe day, treat yourself to something you would notnormally do: a leisurely bath, lunch with friends, ora new novel.

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITYUniversity Extension PM 1404a Reprinted December 1997

Head Start Morning ChartTake a minute to think about all the activities that occur prior to leaving for work. Are your homeactivities distributed fairly among family members or rotated to prevent feelings of being in a rut?Using this chart, place a check mark ( / ) indicating each person you think should do these jobs withinyour family. You may use more than one check mark for each job. All activities listed may not relate toyour family. Check the items that are applicable and add others as necessary.

TASK Mother

1 . Rising First2. Preparing Lunch3. Preparing Breakfast4. Tidving-up Sleeping Areas5. Caring For Clothes6. Taking Out Garbage7. Caring for Pets8. Preparing For Dinner9. Gathering Important Papers &

Materials for the Day10. Giving Out Money for Lunches

and Other Expenses1 1 . Making a To-Do List12. Transporting Children13. Closing Up House14. Other15. Other16. Other

Father Children Others (Specify)

Just to compare what you would like with what is presently done prior to leaving home, use an X toindicate who actually does those jobs in your home. You can learn a lot by inviting others close to youto do this with you.

File: Family Life 8

Developed by Ohio Cooperative Extension Service for the Ohio State University by Karen M. Williams. Adaptedfor use in Iowa by Virginia K. Molgaard, extension family life and human development specialist.

... and justice for allThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all itsprograms and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender,religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital orfamily status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Manymaterials can be made available in alternative formats for ADA clients. To

file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W,Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work,Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department ofAgriculture. Stanley R. Johnson, director, Cooperative Extension Service, IowaState University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa.