The Busy Couple's Guide to Sharing the Work and the Joy ~ Book Review

The Busy Couple’s Guide to Sharing the Work and the Joy
By Kathy Peel

Seems like on all the home improvement channels there is a need for organization. I’ve got countless shows that promise to help a family find a place for things, keep their home more organized and less cluttered, but honestly how close is that for most of us.

Actually with this great, outstanding book I had the opportunity to review for Tyndale Publishers, I think it’s possible for all of us. The best part I love about the book is that it is written from the male and female perspective for accomplishing certain tasks. Whether your more the go with the flow kind of things and he is the micro manager who can master finding places for everything, or somewhere in between or just the opposite, then you will love this book.

Here is an example of just one of the ways this book has helped me personally. We all have a computer in our family. My youngest has hers for homeschooling, my teen for college classes, I have mine for paying bills, blogging and book reviews and my hubby has one for work. So how does a family manage the amount of hours we spend on these computers so we can still have a life with one another?

Did you know that the average child today spends 45 hours a week with some form of media, according to Common Sense Media, compared with just 30 hours in school.

Here are some suggestions from the book:

1. Take time now to establish limits on computers and cell phone devices.
2. Keep your computer set up in the open so you can monitor your kid’s usage and you and your spouse will be less likely to spend inordinate amounts of time on it if family members are nearby.
3. Turn off the computer when it’s not being used. You’ll be less likely to think, I’ll just take a minute to check my email if you have to restart your computer to do so.
4. Turn off the computer at the same time each night. At the end of a long day, it’s often easier to mindlessly surf the internet than to get ready for bed.
5. Set and enforce the limits of time your kids spend watching TV or playing video games. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children spend no more than one to two hours with any form of media each day.
6. Honestly assess whether you’re relying on the computer or video games to keep your kids busy so you can work around the house or get needed downtime. If so, talk with your spouse about how you can spend more time interacting with your kids and how you can encourage them to occupy themselves whether by playing outdoors or doing chores for extra spending money.
7. Use a timer and keep track of the time. It is easy to let that get away from you and the kids.
8. Don’t automatically answer the phone or respond to text messages. Talk and respond to people when it’s convenient for you. (Page 30)

As you can see the book is filled with so many great topics, that I thought I would share just a few with you that are covered in this book.

Managing Your Time and Schedules
Managing Your Home and Property
Managing Menus and Meals
Managing Relationships with Family and Friends
Managing Special Events
Managing Yourself

I was provided with a complimentary copy to review by Tyndale House Publishers and would highly recommend this book to anyone!