About 20 years ago multi-tasking was the way to get things done. Books were written on the subject about how to multi-task effectively. More recently we hear multi-tasking is ineffective and inefficient. Avoid it. Don't do it. Did they talk to any mothers? I say it is our only way of life! Keith is always telling me not to multi-task that studies have shown it doesn't work. What? Do you want a home-cooked meal? Clean clothes? Your children fed and bathed? Let alone be able to walk in the house!
For example: I can hardly talk on the phone without folding the laundry. Laundry! I love my washer and dryer! They keep working when I walk away, if I could only get the clothes out of the dryer before they sit and wrinkle! Cleaning the house is always vacuum a floor here, pick-up a room there, wash that mirror so I can see myself! Not to mention all while looking out for, interacting with, feeding and taking care of the kids.
And then there's dinner. I can hardly make dinner without helping with homework, feeding the baby and getting the family ready for the evening's activities. I can't wait for water to boil! And I can't help but see everything that needs to be done. It's a huge first-born tendency, I know. I am distracted throughout the day by things that want my attention or demand it, like a potty-training 2 year old or a 4 month old to hold.
What do we do? Multi-task! I don't know any other way.
5 comments:
Well Aliece, I'd have to agree that multi-tasking is the life of a Mom. I still do it to a degree. As much as I'm able to.
Men have compartmentalized brains and this is why THEY cannot multi-task. Women, however, could not survive without it!
You know what I have been thinking about this very thing. I have noticed if I focus on just one task at a time (being mindful), I am personally more productive. Maybe it's just me but I find when I am multi-tasking too many tasks at one time, I don't remember what I was doing or take longer to do them if I just focused on that one task. I don't know, give me a few more kids, and that all might go out the window. :) Love ya Aliece.
I really don't think I can multi-task. Sometimes when I am watching tv or a movie, Dan tries to talk to me and I get so absorbed into whatever I am doing. I really zone in there. However, Tara has taught me that I need to do dishes while talking on the phone and sometimes I do. Yeah I don't think I will have a choice if I have more kids. Love you.
PS-Mich left that last comment.
Post a Comment