When you pick up any magazine, it's easy to find an abundance of articles to help you organize your life. Most offer tips for cleaning out the closets, shuffling the papers on the desk, finding ways to organize the kid's toys. But, here's a different twist. We'd like to help you organize your time to find some precious, extra moments to spend with your family.

Many parents are frantic because there doesn't seem to be enough hours in a day to manage their work, home life, and kid's activities. They're frustrated when they see others who seem to do it all. The number one question parents ask us is, "How can I find more quality time to spend with my kids?"

Stay focused on what's really important.

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Do you waste valuable time?
Clear the clutter in your life. Do you buy lots of toys and gifts to compensate for your lack of family time? What your kids really want is you, not the latest, greatest toy. How much time is wasted cleaning up the clutter? If the junk has taken over, pitch it.

How much time do you spend carpooling?
Do you really need to sign your kids up for another after school dance lesson? Is your cell phone off? Or, are you wasting your time on endless phone conversations while running your kids from one activity to another?

Do you eat dinner together as a family?
Are phone calls and other interruptions allowed during dinner? Is the television off?

Let everyone help.
Do members of your family share in the household chores and responsibilities? Even the youngest children can help by making their beds, putting away toys, and setting the table. Insist that each task is done before moving on to another activity.

Set small goals and be specific.
Resolutions are made with enthusiasm. But, very often they're forgotten in a month. Making a resolution for the entire year is difficult to keep. Saying that you want to spend more time with your family is too vague. But, promising to spend 1/2 hour each night reading aloud with your children is much more achievable. Start with small goals. They're easier to accomplish.

No one can give you more than 24 hours in a day. But, it's your choice in how you choose to spend that time. Even an extra 10 minutes a day is a worthwhile goal. Once you see the benefits, you'll be motivated to set additional goals.

Enjoy your family and your new found time.

About the Author
Rondi Hillstrom Davis is the co-author of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out her website of family ideas, visit Together Parenting To subscribe to her online newsletter, click here

Related Articles: 10 Frugal Ways to Show Them You Care | Achieving Balance in Your Family | Backyard Discovery Zone | More Leisure Time

From Our Family Funbook: Mystery Bag | Tongue Twisters | Memory Game | Form a Book Club | More Funbook Ideas

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Recommended Reading: Collaboratively compiled and written by Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes, Together: Creating Family Traditions is a 131-page compilation of fun activities for adults and kids to undertake together, all splendidly illustrated with full color photography. Holiday themes are spotlighted in this delightful guide to making homemade paper, granola, gingerbread man garlands, and so much more. Enthusiastically recommended for parents seeking to bond with their children, Together: Creating Family Traditions is a simply wonderful, thoroughly "user friendly" activities how-to book which the entire family can enjoy -- from generation to generation. (Courtesy Amazon)