If you manage daily life for your kids (alone or with your partner), we call you a Family CEO.

That stands for ‘Chief Everything Officer,’ and we think it’s a pretty important role to play. In fact, we think it matters more than anything else!

Great Family CEOs spend their time and energy shaping a great future for all of us – through the people their children are becoming.

Unfortunately, we find that too many parents diminish this role one way or another. Some will sheepishly tell us that they’re just a stay-at-home parent. Others carry this huge responsibility in addition to working full-time or part-time jobs – and bear all the weight alone instead of sharing the load with partners, helpers and kids. Either way, these Family CEOs can learn a lot from the way effective corporate CEOs manage the business. Here are a few tips to help you improve the way you run things at home:

Stay focused on the big picture.

Not everything is worth getting fussed over. Pick a few key areas where it will really make a difference to establish some routines, and get these working consistently.

Get good technology.

It helps to have your own computer and handheld email device so that you can keep on top of things without waiting your turn for the family computer. Learn to use electronic organising tools. We strongly recommend synchronized electronic calendars for managing multiple schedules easily. Please ask us for help with this!

Draw lines between activities.

Try to do your computer work when the kids are at school or sleeping. Then stay focused, and work efficiently. Learn to manage your email, calendar and to-do lists effectively. When you’re with the kids, be fully present – mentally as well as physically. Build in time for yourself as well as time to nurture your relationship with your partner – and then get good at protecting this time.

Delegate.

You don’t have to do everything yourself. In fact, it’s bad for your kids if you do everything for them. Find things they can manage independently, and praise them for doing so. Learn to help your helper help you better. Have a discussion with your partner about how you can share the load.

Systemise.

Look for as many things in your regular routine that you can template as possible. Examples include a rotating meal plan, a cleaning schedule, and packing checklists for weekly activities. Think it through really well once – with everyone’s input – then put the whole thing on auto-pilot.

Don’t get emotional.

I know, I know…easier said than done. But does it ever actually help? Not so much. Remember what matters. Remember that you can’t un-say anything.

Communicate effectively.

If you apply even half the techniques in this book, your relationship with your kids will improve tremendously. Shouting doesn’t work.

Develop your team.

Take classes on parenting, organising, communicating, etc. Invest time in each other. Have meaningful conversations. Set goals together and celebrate your successes. Have fun together!

Filed under: Family