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We're still in the dawn of this young century, but it's pretty clear that the burdens on the modern parent have increased�particularly as it pertains to the time we have to be a parent. And as we look at some of the social problems that plague America from border to border, it's evident that this issue of parents spending more time working than offering their children the supervision and guidance they need is beginning to have an effect. But what are you to do? After all, we can't just stop working now, can we? Well, parents simply have to find ways to be more productive and do more with less time. It's a skill that takes constant improvement, but here are 5 small tips to help you out.
1. Cook in Bulk
An easy way to save time that many parents don't bother with is cooking in bulk. Have a few set days for cooking every week, and during this time, you can cook big meals that can't possibly finished at that time. Some great Tupperware can stretch this out and mean you don't have to slave over the stove every night just to make sure the kid's get healthy, nutritious food. You'll also find that you save money and cut down on waste.
2. Collaborate With Other Parents
Working with other parents who have the same goals as you can help a lot as well. Carpooling, taking turns hosting recreation days, and sharing responsibilities like going to the dentist can really offer a lot of convenience. This also fosters a healthy social life, for you and your children, and it is invaluable to have friends who are facing the same life struggles as you.
3. Team Sports
It probably sounds counter-intuitive when you imagine the clich� soccer mom (or dad), but getting your children involved in team sports can actually lead to saved time. Why? Because it means your kids are in a supervised situation - that is a positive influence on their lives, I might add - saving you the trouble of having to pick them up from school or welcome them home.
Many coaches also realize the needs of a parent and will go to great lengths to ensure your kids get to and from practice or games if you can't always manipulate your schedule.
4. Reorganize Your Schedule
While most parents just think of ways to save time and "fit" their kids around their busy schedules, sometimes we need to re-evaluate the time our career takes up. It might be time to make some professional and financial sacrifices and spend a little more time being a parent.
Money is not everything, and more kids need a present parental figure in their lives. It's not always practical, but it's something to consider.
5. Bring Recreation Home
Another way to save some time from running your kids all over the place, whether you decide to cut back on work or not, is to provide recreation at home. It's still nice to get out, but you can save a lot of time by making the home environment more fun.
Invest in some board games. Stock a bookshelf and teach your kids to love the art of reading for pleasure.
How about more active ideas that get them out of the house? Put up a basketball hoop. Set up some playground equipment. Some well placed equipment can turn your yard into a heaven for kids and keep them happy and active while you're handling responsibilities around the house.
| About The Author If you are interested in learning more about setting up a kid's activity area in your yard, you should take a look at some of the great play set models or Dallas swing sets, go to http://www.treefrogswingsets.com.
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