Balancing Work and Family

Leading a Double Life

Virginia K. Molgaard
Family Life Specialist
Human Development & Family Studies
Iowa State University

Copyright/Access Information

Are you frustrated by a lack of time to do the things you want? Or even to do the things you have to get done? Managing a household and finding time for family activities is not easy for an employed parent. Routine family and household activities may average six hours; sleep averages seven hours; commuting uses one; and work on the job takes eight. That leaves only two hours for activities of choice! Many times those hours are spent doing jobs that need to be done instead of those we would like to do.

It's About Time

How is time spent? Keep a time diary for a few days, noting specific activities and the amount of time they take. Then examine the activities and compare them with personal and family goals. If activities and goals don't blend, it may be time to re-evaluate the situation. If some special activities (such as volunteer work) are missing from the list, the time plan must allow for this too.

How the average American spends time during a week.*

*Balancing Work & Family Publication, "Time: A Precious Commodity," Hogarth & Dean, Cornell Cooperative Extension Service, 1987.

Dividing the Family Tasks

Families may use a variety of methods to divide household tasks:

Resource method: People with the resources (time, energy, skill) do the job.

Rotating chores method: Chores are rotated among all members. Everyone tries all tasks, although some training may be needed and standards will vary from week to week.

Each-person method: Each person is responsible for his/her own food, clean-up, and laundry. Some family jobs still need to be considered (such as yard work and household repairs).

Substitute method: Goods and services (convenience foods, cleaning help, dining out) are purchased in order to "save" time.

Tips on Surviving the Day

• Organize closets, drawers, office, and home. This will take time but it's worth every minute.
• Set goals and develop a plan. Keep priorities in mind as you determine your daily and weekly schedule.
• Invest in a few good calendars. A large one with the month-at-a-glance may be best for work.
• Don't expect perfection. It may be necessary to adjust standards so you have time to spend elsewhere.
• Try the salami technique for jobs to be done-slice big jobs into smaller ones that are easier to accomplish.
• Learn when your prime time (time for peak performance) is and use it wisely. Determine prime time of other family members and delegate tasks according to person and when those tasks need to be accomplished.

Take Time for 10 Things

1. Take time to Work- it's the price of success.

2. Take time to Think- it's the source of power.

3. Take time to Play- it's the secret of youth.

4. Take time to Read- it's the foundation of knowledge.

5. Take time to Worship- it's the highway of reverence and washes the dust of earth from our eyes.

6. Take time to Help and Enjoy Friends- it's the source of happiness.

7. Take time to Love- it's one sacrament of life.

8. Take time to Dream- it hitches the soul to the stars.

9. Take time to Laugh- it's the singing that helps with life's loads.

10. Take time to Plan- it's the secret of being able to have time to take time for the first nine things!

source unknown

Who Does This Now? Who Could Do It?

Try this activity with other family members. Is a review of responsibilities in order?

Who usually...

_____prepares the meal?

_____does meal clean-up?

_____washes the car?

_____does the yardwork?

_____does the grocery shopping?

_____plans the menus?

_____attends appointments and events with child(ren)?

_____pays bills and balances the checkbook?

_____does household repairs and maintenance?