Mom Talk: How Keeping Margin in Our Day is Our Secret Weapon

<p>The key to creating margins is being intentional and saying no to things that may interfere with creating margins. The last people we want to be short with is our family, friends, and those closest to us, but oftentimes, this is who gets the brunt of our lack of time and energy.</p><p>Parents sign kids up for so many activities, but do these match the goals that the kids have? Ask children what their end goal is and if what they are doing is what they want for their future. If not, move on, and add more margin to focus on what they want to do.</p><p>Where do we want to be a year from now with our family's time and with our level of patience and stress? What can we change and talk about in our family today that just feels doable to get more time back to spend time together?</p><p> </p><p>April Whiting is a mother of 4, a TedX speaker, author, and founder of <a href="http://www.thescreensafeproject.com/" target="_blank">www.thescreensafeproject.com</a></p><p>Jennifer Zumbiel is also a mother of 4, author, and founder of <a href="http://www.togathermoments.com/" target="_blank">www.togathermoments.com</a></p><p><strong>Learn from Smart Social's resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: <a href="https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/">https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/</a></li><li>Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: <a href="https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/">https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/</a></li><li>Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): <a href="https://learn.smartsocial.com/" target="_blank">https://learn.smartsocial.com/</a></li><li>Download the free Smart Social app: <a href="https://smartsocial.com/app" target="_blank">https://smartsocial.com/app</a></li><li>Learn the top 100 popular teen apps: <a href="https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/" target="_blank">https://smartsocial.com/ap