"Balancing Acts" by Anna Muoio and "Does You Job plus Kids equal No Time?" by Katharine Meiszkowski.

The two articles above offer a variety of suggestions to meet the dilemma of work-family relationships. In the article by Muoio, she refers to balance as "the Holy Grail in the new world of work". In discussions with co-workers, we feel balance is not possible and has negative connotations. We prefer "integration of work and family".

In the case studies provided by Muoio there were several places where I could see the integration of home and family actually provide needed skills building. Some examples involve balanced leadership, priority setting, delegating, understanding signs of overwork, taking trade-offs, making choices, listening, and creativity. People in the article either developed the skills mentioned due to work and family roles to survive and avoid burn-out or the skills were present and that is how they could stay on top of everything.

One person mentioned people were better managers if they had multiple commitments because they were realistic in their expectations of co-workers. Another person mentioned the dual roles helped people be more interesting because they werent overconsumed in one area of their life.

In the article by Mieszkowski, several Internet web pages were explained which help speed chores and errand. Several of the examples did not fit with our very rural community. For example, there is a place to look for nannies across the United States or to find suitable day care centers. The child-care providers in Traverse County advertise in the weekly newspaper or by word of mouth if and when they get an opening.

One site grabbed my attention and could prove to be very useful in meal preparation and moving out some of those grocery items in the back of the panty. The Better Crocker Web site has a "Whats on Hand?" feature where you type in the ingredients you have on hand and it shows you meal options to use those items. That could prove to be real time savers in my household. Ive actually passed the web site address (http://www.bettycrocker.com) to several people I have mentioned it to who were very interested.

Other sites could help with running errands, find weekend activities with the kids, grocery shopping, movie screening, a place to watch children at day care, and networks for working parents to share ideas and tips. All of which could save time and provide more enriching time together as a family. I discussed this with a working mother who didnt have access to the Internet but she was very interested in some of the sites. After we talked a while, we realized that she could take 10-15 minutes as the public library to look up a site and her kids could pick up books or movies at the same time.

I think the challenge of integrating work and family can be a chore if we make it so. I know what gives in my integration attempts is "my" time, and thats a whole other article! The two articles reviewed were very positive and gave real examples and testimonies to how people are making it work for them. The sharing of stories and informal networking helps offer techniques and helps people to know there are other people in a similar situation.

-- Anonymous, February 28, 1999

Answers

Melissa, I just had to respond! I really relate to the point about having empathy for others when you are in their same situation. I know when I work with young people and their families, I truly understand where they are at because I am also a mom working full-time and trying to do the best I can with my home and family. That gives me a realistic view of the expectations I have of others. I'm also going to try the Betty Crocker website! Kari

-- Anonymous, March 04, 1999