Ask your family to help create your work schedule

Hubby was put on a new work schedule (3rd shift - 6 pm to 6 am. Ick.) and it has thrown me off completely. During the day, he has to sleep - so he can't watch kids.

Not only do I write, but I have coaching clients.

I also have kids and homeschool. (No, I'm not busy at all....really....)

So after a few days of being ready to rip my hair out, I had a meeting with The Kiddos. (Actually, the 4 year old was watching Thomas the Tank Engine, so he doesn't really count.)

"Kids," I said, "I have to work 4 hours a day. Period. But I am going to ask you for help in deciding my schedule. Which would you prefer:

• You guys keep your normal bedtime and I work during the afternoon.
• You guys go to bed earlier and I work after you are in bed."

The vote was unanimous - they would go to bed earlier and I work after they are in bed.

I said we would try it.

Well, the entire day I did not go near my computer. My house is so frickin' clean I should take pictures. I fixed a nice dinner and made a big batch of red rice for lunch tomorrow, so it is ready! I also cleaned out cabinets and rearranged my canned goods. Oh yeah - I vacuumed and did all of the other stuff, too.

The best part - the kids pitched in and we had a really cool evening.

Now, here is the clincher - I am getting ready for bed, and I did not turn on the computer until almost 10 pm.

I checked and answered all of my email accounts; had 2 coaching calls and wrote 10 articles.

I am getting ready for bed earlier than I usually go to bed. (But I started later. )

My kids are so smart. :rolleyes:


You might find a great solution together.