Kroner Ministries: equipping the saints for the work of the minsitry

Another great “stolen” post from my pal Sprad over at epicparent.tv (who just got a brand new website, so check it out, too!).
Enjoy.

DK

6 Tips For Parents That Miss Family Time Due To Work
Published on June 30, 2011, by ChrisSprad – Posted in Demons Of Parenting, HOME 1

Do you miss out on family, memories and special time with your kiddos because you work schedule is extremely demanding?

I have been there, done that and still sort of doing that!

Here is what I have learned…

STEP INTO THE PAIN: I encourage all parents to come to grips with the reality that this is the way that many live their lives.  We live in a fast paced, quicker, bigger, better, stronger, more efficient culture and that will never change.  So, we must stop When – Then’ing our life away.    “When I get this promotion”  “Then I will spend time with the family”.  The harsh truth is that the “then” never comes.  So parents, step into the pain and realize that you will live most of your life in the tension of spending time with family and getting the job done.

SEASON OF IMBALANCE: You hear many self help guru’s talk about balance.  You need to balance your time, balance your schedule, balance your diet and balance work and family time.  My encouragement is that you would be imbalanced!  If you have a season at work when it’s hot, you need to strike now and make it happen…communicate with your family and let them know that you are entering a season of work imbalance.  However, you must make sure that this is followed by a season of family imbalance…where you are spending more time with family and less at work.  I have never found the secret to living a balanced life, so I make sure that I live imbalanced.

QUANTITY MATTERS: Yes, the amount of time that you spend with your kids matter.  My friend Craig Groeschel taught me that “I have to learn to give up something I love for something I love even more”.  I believe that parents must step into this and give up television, sports, facebook, sleep, extra jobs, coaching, etc…  what do you need to give up so that you can spend more time with your kids?

QUALITY MATTERS: Yes, quality time matters.  I encourage all parents spend time with your kids doing things that matter!

HAVE THE “TALK”: So many employees are fearful to share what they really feel in regards to family and work because they are afraid they will be frowned upon, seen as a slacker, weak or will get fired.  I will never forget a conversation I had with my boss several years ago.  I sat down and simply told him I needed more time with my kiddos and that I desperately missed them.  He listened, understood and “forced” me to get the heck out of the office to spend time with my kids.  I know not every conversation goes that way, but for many of you it is time to simply have the talk with your boss and see if he can work with you to help you spend more time with your family.

GET ACCOUNTABLE: Call a friend right now and ask them to hold you accountable to spending more time with your family.  You must give them permission to confront you, speak into your schedule and possibly control your calendar.