Hi there! 👋 I am Mary, a busy mom of two energetic kids and married to a wonderful husband. Juggling work, family, and household duties can be quite a challenge, but since my family is my top priority, I have developed some habits that have helped keep my life in order. Here is what I have learned about the habits of highly effective family prioritizers.

💡 Habit 1: Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is essential to stay on top of your family’s needs. Keep a calendar or planner where you can write down important dates, appointments, and other commitments. You can also use apps to help remind you of upcoming events, deadlines, and tasks. This will ensure that you don’t forget anything important, and you’ll have enough time to prepare.

A calendar and phone with reminders

💡 Habit 2: Communicate Effectively

Communication is key to any successful family. Always listen to what your spouse and kids have to say. Encourage open and honest communication with your family members, and make sure everyone shares their thoughts and feelings. Use positive language, show empathy, and validate their concerns.

A family sitting at the table having a conversation

💡 Habit 3: Prioritize Time Together

Quality time with your family is essential. Make it a habit to spend time together doing things you all enjoy. Whether it’s watching movies, playing board games, or going on family outings, prioritize time together. Put away your phones and other distractions and enjoy each other’s company.

A family outside throwing a frisbee

💡 Habit 4: Be Proactive

Being proactive means anticipating and preparing for potential problems before they arise. You can do this by anticipating your family’s needs and having a plan in place. For example, have a list of emergency numbers, backup babysitters, and other essentials ready.

A family creating an emergency plan together

💡 Habit 5: Foster Healthy Habits

Promoting healthy habits is crucial for your family’s well-being. Encourage your family to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Incorporate these habits into your daily routine to ensure that they become second nature.

A family eating healthy together

💡 Habit 6: Embrace Flexibility

Being flexible is essential in family life. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and you need to be able to adjust. Be open-minded and willing to compromise. Learn to adapt to unexpected changes and turn them into opportunities.

A family taking a spontaneous road trip

💡 Habit 7: Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your family. Make time for self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, reading, or pursuing your hobbies. When you take care of yourself, you become a better spouse and parent.

A mom taking a yoga class

🎉 Bonus Tip: Celebrate Achievements

Celebrate every family member’s achievements, big or small. Whether it’s a child’s good grades or a parent’s job promotion, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate together. This will help build a positive family culture, where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

A family celebrating a child's graduation

That’s it for now – the seven habits of highly effective family prioritizers. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to family life. Find what works best for you and your family and stick to it. Good luck, and happy family time! 🎉