Welcome back to Part 2 of the DifferentDream.com series about time management. In Part 1, guest blogger Melissa Gamble shared her three best time management tips. In this installment, guest blogger Amy Stout shares some of her strategies. Amy says it’s easy to keep herself organized, but things are trickier for her daughter Kylie, who experiences autism. Amy finds organization, routine, and proper expectations are keys to managing time and a child with autism. That said, here are five strategies Amy uses.
Strategy 1: www.cozi.com
Amy uses www.cozi.com to organize schedules of 2 respite providers and 7 respite caregivers who service her family. Cozi allows her to color code each one of them, put their specific information in her calendar, set up repeating appointments and also send them email or text reminders a few days/hours in advance of their work schedule! It is awesome!!
Strategy 2: Routine, Routine, Routine
If Kylie’s routine – remember routine is so important to kids with special needs – has to change or if Amy’s introducing something new, then she utilize a schedule. For an example, look at the x-ray example Amy included in this previous guest post. Amy says social stories can also be applied to this scenario.
Strategy 3: Remain Flexible
Amy tries to keep a proper mindset regarding flexibility. She doesn’t consider her own expectations as set in stone. Instead, her daughter is the most important priority. If she cant handle what is required to complete Amy’s to do list for the day then that item gets moved to a new day. (Example: If Amy need to pick up a few groceries but the lights and sounds in the store are really bothering Kylie that day, then Amy doesn’t go. Nothing is more important than her daughter’s comfort.)
Strategy 4: Work When the Kids Sleep
Amy does a lot after Kylie goes to bed and before she wakes up. Amy calls them her golden hours.
Strategy 5: Multitask
Amy multitasks as much as she can. She never just watches TV. Amy will provide examples of how she multitasks, along with five more strategies she employs, in the next post in this series. In the meantime, you can read more time savers at Amy’s blog, www.histreasuredprincess.blogspot.com.
Share Your Time Management Strategies
Now it’s your turn to share your time management strategies. Or leave a comment about which one of Amy’s tips you’re going to try or how you’ll modify it for your situation. Rest assured, your idea will help other parents trying to organize their time without losing their minds!
Managing Your Time Without Losing Your Mind: Part 1
Managing Your Time Without Losing Your Mind: Part 3
Managing Your Time Without Losing Your Mind: Part 4
Managing Your Time Without Losing Your Mind: Part 5
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Dear Lisa,
Thanks for sharing your top 5 tips. Your comment about never losing the notebook made me chuckle. I tell people that if I lose my planner, my life grind to a halt. I’m trying to put some things on my electronic calendar for that reason, but the paper planner is so much easier!
Jolene
Dear Lisa,
Thanks for sharing your top 5 tips. Your comment about never losing the notebook made me chuckle. I tell people that if I lose my planner, my life grind to a halt. I’m trying to put some things on my electronic calendar for that reason, but the paper planner is so much easier!
Jolene
Lisa I agree with your suggestions. Great ones!
Lisa I agree with your suggestions. Great ones!
My Top 5 are
1.Do housekeeping chores in 15 minute increments.
2.Buy your annual calendar in spiral notebook form. Mine has the month followed by sections for each day and week. The whole year is with me where ever I go, and I have room to make notes that are never lost and always with me when I need them. NEVER loose this notebook!!
3.Set clocks so they are 15 minutes fast.
4.Know how much time it takes to get to appointments, so you can plan accordingly and never be early or late. Call in advance to make sure doctors offices are running on time.
5.Plan your fun activities first and include surprises. Even fun has to be cancelled if trumped by bad health. Keep your plan a secret until time to walk out the door.
My Top 5 are
1.Do housekeeping chores in 15 minute increments.
2.Buy your annual calendar in spiral notebook form. Mine has the month followed by sections for each day and week. The whole year is with me where ever I go, and I have room to make notes that are never lost and always with me when I need them. NEVER loose this notebook!!
3.Set clocks so they are 15 minutes fast.
4.Know how much time it takes to get to appointments, so you can plan accordingly and never be early or late. Call in advance to make sure doctors offices are running on time.
5.Plan your fun activities first and include surprises. Even fun has to be cancelled if trumped by bad health. Keep your plan a secret until time to walk out the door.
No matter how late it gets to be the night before, I do not go to bed until everyone’s clothes are ironed and ready to go for the next day (shoes w/socks, hairbows, belts, etc). This helps to alleviate stressful situations caused by rushing around searching for everything in the morning. =)
Appreciated Amy’s tips as well!
No matter how late it gets to be the night before, I do not go to bed until everyone’s clothes are ironed and ready to go for the next day (shoes w/socks, hairbows, belts, etc). This helps to alleviate stressful situations caused by rushing around searching for everything in the morning. =)
Appreciated Amy’s tips as well!