10 Organizing Tips for Road Warrior Parents

Parenting is always a challenge, but particularly so if your work requires that you travel. Don't be too hard on yourself or on them when you find it difficult. Here are some tips you may find helpful:

1. Communicate with your family regularly about your travel schedule. If possible, post your itinerary in a prominent place, such as the refrigerator.

2. If your spouse also travels, exchange itineraries. Create a method for a daily "check-in."

3. Whenever possible, establish a regular "check-in" time with the family so they can expect your call. Encourage every family member to have a file folder and/or checklist for "things to discuss" when you call.

4. If you have small children, send a postcard from the airport when you depart so it will arrive the day after you leave.

5. If you use a computer, and have one at home, send a daily e-mail message to the family, or a more personal message to each member of the family.

6. Let your child know you think education is important by participating. For example:

? If you like to give presentations, offer to speak to your child's class on a topic related to your work or interests that might interest him

? Send a postcard to your child's class at school. The teacher may appreciate the opportunity for a geography lesson.

7. Create a checklist to prepare for travel. Keep photocopies near where you store your suitcase, so you can use one each time you pack.

8. Ask your children to give you a photo you can carry with you ? it will remind you of why you are working so hard! Be sure to leave one for them.

9. Streamline housekeeping, yard maintenance, housekeeping, and shopping. Consider using outside services for some routine tasks, so you'll have more family time when you are home.

10. Have a discussion with your children about your travel.

? Barbara Hemphill is the author of Kiplinger's Taming the Paper Tiger at Work and Taming the Paper Tiger at Home and co-author of Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever. The mission of Hemphill Productivity Institute is to help individuals and organizations create and sustain a productive environment so they can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives. We do this by organizing space, information, and time. We can be reached at 800-427-0237 or at www.productiveenvironment.com

In The News:

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
Apple recently notified a small number of iPhone customers in 92 countries that their phones may be under attack by mercenary spyware.
An artificial intelligence-powered home security system can fire paintballs and tear gas at trespassers. The camera identifies human faces and animals.
Technology expert Kim Komando gives her tips and tricks on enhancing your user experience a smartphone and other devices you use everyday.
A new camera called NUCA uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away clothing in close to real time.
The Kimberley Kube trail-ready camper has a compact but spacious design and combines luxury, functionality and ruggedness for a weekend getaway.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Emails instructing you to reset your password for an account may be legitimate, or they may be scams. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.
Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle aims to revolutionize undersea missions — it glides through the ocean without human assistance.
Learn how to work Google's calendar application to streamline and organize your daily tasks from technology expert Kim Komando.
If you do not want Facebook to have automatic access to your private photos, follow our tips to protect yourself. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson goes into detail about Apple’s recent iOS update that allows iPhone users to instantly translate spoken language simply by using the Action Button.
Safeguarding your digital life with a reliable physical backup isn't just a precaution, it's a necessity. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides the essential backup checklist.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how a Redditor exposed false recycling claims at their apartment, highlighting a report that only 21% of U.S. recyclables are processed.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers a travel toolkit featuring five technology tools to help you with booking flights and hotels for your summer vacation.
The bubble behind the clock on your iPhone can appear in different colors. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what each of those colors mean.
Scammers are using the power of artificial intelligence to mimic voices of people and are using the fake voices to commit crimes, like kidnappings.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the science behind the Invisibility Shield, a 6-foot shield that makes people become invisible.
The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.
Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.
Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.
The Land Aircraft Carrier combines an all-terrain, six-wheeled vehicle with a two-seat aircraft, which features electric vertical takeoff and landing.
The European Union has sent TikTok a "request for information" on the video sharing platform's newest app, TikTok Lite, under the Digital Services Act, with the aim to clean up social media.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Clutter Campaign - Commit Your Time

Decide When And Where To StartDecide when and where to... Read More

Organizing Your Day

One of the hardest things for most individuals working from... Read More

Letting Go of Clutter In Your Office

Some people would say I'm the last person in the... Read More

Identifying the Rocks: Organizing Your Priorities

In one of my favorite books, First Things First, written... Read More

Mental Clutter- Is It Taking Over Your Life?

Chances are, most of you have a lot you need... Read More

Kids Clutter: Organizing at Every Age

Our children are probably the biggest clutter creators we have... Read More

Organize (and Decorate) Your Home on a Budget with Baskets

What's an item that can help you organize every room... Read More

Ending The Morning Madness

Back-to-school time ? what does that mean to you? For... Read More

Can Someone Step Into Your Job Or Role And Function Effectively?

Working for one of the top Marketers online (David Ledoux)... Read More

The Organized Move: Unpacking with a Plan

(This is the third in a series of three articles... Read More

Organize Your Children & Save Your Sanity

It may be difficult to relate saving money with organization... Read More

Organizing Lessons from a Bookstore

The store reminded me of a well-worn slipper ? tattered... Read More

Get Organised and Transform Your Life

It takes effort to get results, and not just any... Read More

Organizing Tips to Help You Conquer the Laundry Monster

Laundry. You sort, you wash, you fold, you blink ?... Read More

Can You Make a ?Torpedo? Out of Personal Junk? How to Optimize What You Have

"Junkyard Wars," a TV series showed two teams of experts... Read More

10 Easy Maintenance Tips vs Piling on the Chaos

Whether you are in your own business or an employee... Read More

Making Life Easier, with NLP Chunking!

You know, in psychology there is a rule, especially within... Read More

Spring Makeovers: Organizing Tips for the Home and a Virtual Makeover for You

Winter is starting to retreat, and hints of Spring are... Read More

How Clutter Affects Your Love Life

Clutter in any area of your home is a sign... Read More

10 Easy Tips for Digging Out Your Desk Today

Has your polished mahogany (or modular plastic) desk been buried... Read More

Spring Cleaning

Spring is such a refreshing time- we are filled with... Read More

Compartmentalize

The word "compartmentalize" means to separate into distinct parts. I... Read More

The Balance of Balance

Life is about maintaining a balance of all aspects. At... Read More

Organize Your Desk ? Live Longer!

It may seem far-fetched, but by organizing your desk, your... Read More

What Momma Never Told Me About Housekeeping

A lot of us grew up with Mom taking care... Read More