How to Put Family First

You are a parent with young children; in what seems like no time at all, you find that you have a family. However, you've never done this before, and the way you've lived your life up until now isn't working any more, because you're not used to not being the most important person on your life. Here's how you can change that and put your family first:

Steps

1. 1
   Do your research. Find out what makes your children happy, and what they don't like. If you're considering putting your family first, then this is probably your number one priority.
2. 2
   If you have a spouse, ask them what aspect of family life really makes them happy, and what they really don't enjoy. You may be able to suggest activities that they don't even realize are important to them, such as a good meal or time on their own. Find out what do they enjoy doing the most and you're halfway there. This is probably your second priority.
3. 3
   Think of what makes you happy. Is it time on your own? Is it time with your children? Your spouse? Or time with all of them? If you have a spouse, they may be able to help you in the same way because they're able to give you a fresh perspective on your life and happiness. This may be your lowest priority.
4. 4
   Make a plan to solve the problem. Now that you're armed with the most vital pieces of information, you have to do the clever bit. You don't need to be a genius to do it, you just have to be logical. Consider teamwork for this; asking for help is not a sign of weakness. You may be able to do this on your own, but if you have a spouse - or a close friend or family member - it's probably a good idea to ask them; they may have experience in this that you're unaware of. Consider all of the priorities. You've decided that you want to put your family first, but is your method correct? If you have a job, how will it affect your boss?
5. 5
   Get your kids involved. If this is suitable (if they're old enough to talk and express themselves), then ask them what they think. Children have incredibly creative minds, unaffected by all the restrictions adults place on them. Among those seemingly silly ideas (such as eating chocolate for breakfast) they may suggest something genuinely simple and effective, such as playing a board game, watching a film together, or playing outside (then again, perhaps chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast may be a suitably glamorous breakfast solution).
   
   
   You might remember something that you used to like doing as a child which you can introduce them to. Remember, we don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing.