How Technology Is Changing Cars from the Inside Out

by Mandi on January 18, 2012

source: Mandi Ehman

Last week, Sean and I traveled to Detroit, Michigan — courtesy of Ford — to attend the North American International Auto Show as well as Ford’s Design & Innovation Fantasy Camp. Throughout this week, I’ll be sharing some of the things I learned with you, not only about Ford as a company, but about the changing face of new media and innovation and creativity as well!

Seeing the technology that Ford is using — both in their cars and behind the scenes — was a bit like seeing into the future. Except it’s not the future; it’s the technology of today!

Truthfully, the geek in me loved the behind the scenes stuff the most, and I’ll tell you more about that in a minute, but first, let’s look at some of the consumer technology in their new models:

Ford SYNC and My Ford Touch

Ford SYNC lets you do more with voice-activated technology so that your hands stay on the wheel and your eyes stay on the road. With Ford SYNC, you can:

Make hands-free calls
Play your favorite music
Get turn-by-turn directions
Find businesses
Ask for traffic updates
Connect to your favorite apps
Hear the weather, stock news, etc.
Get vehicle health reports
Adjust the thermostat
Track your driving efficiencies
And more

In addition, My Ford Touch offers an 8″ color touch screen so that you can access your radio, thermostat and more easily.

Safety

Technology isn’t just being used to keep us connected or add fun features; it’s also being used to make Ford cars safer.

MyKey
The MyKey system may be my most favorite development, especially as the thought of our four girls driving is already likely to give me a panic attack. With MyKey, which comes standard on most Ford vehicles, parents can actually limit the radio volume as well as the car’s speed. While speed and volume are not the only causes of teen accidents, they certainly play a role in many of them, and limiting these can help teens be more aware and safer on the road.

Lane Departure Warning
In addition, the 2013 Ford Fusion will include Lane Departure Warning technology that uses a dash-mounted camera to detect lane markers. When the driver drifts over those markers, the steering wheel will rumble — like classic rumble strips. In addition, if the lines are crossed too often, the car will actually sound an alert and suggest via a coffee cup symbol on the dash that the driver take a break from driving!

source: Mandi Ehman

That’s all really exciting stuff, and I can only imagine what other features will be released in the years to come, but getting a glimpse behind the scenes revealed some pretty incredible technology as well!

Digital Design & Testing

For instance, the car on the screen above is actually a digital model. You wouldn’t know that by looking at the smaller screen, and you still couldn’t tell when it was projected on the huge screen at the front of the room. In fact, many car commercials today use digital renditions of vehicles! I know I’m not the only person who is tempted to see if I can figure out which are which on TV now.

source: Mandi Ehman

It was also really interesting to see how Ford is blending new and old technologies in the development of their cars. They have digital labs where designers sketch cars, play with colors, test reflections digitally and more, but they also still use clay to create initial designs as well as full-size models of the cars they’re working on.

The clay cars (which we were unfortunately not able to take pictures of) seemed primitive compared to the digital lab, and at the same time, there’s an incredible artistry that goes into designing a car by hand, shaping it with tools and seeing it come to life in front of you.

On the other hand, the digital tools we saw were mind-blowing. For example, we were able to see how they use incredibly powerful cameras to capture light, colors and reflections so that they can see how the cars they design will look in various environments.

There’s no doubt that technology is having a huge impact in this industry — both from a consumer’s standpoint and a designer’s — and I’m not sure I’ll ever look at a car quite the same way again!

What technology do you think we’ll see in the cars of the future?

Ford invited us to Detroit and provided travel and accommodations. In exchange, they asked us to cover the event on our blogs; however, I walked away with so much more to share with you than I expected. All opinions — and the decision to write an entire series about our experience — are 100% mine!

	Mandi Ehman is the founder and publisher behind Life Your Way and the co-author of All in Good Time, as well as a wife and the homeschooling mom to four beautiful girls. She lives with her family on a little slice of heaven in wild, wonderful West Virginia and loves coffee, chocolate, easy meals, beautiful things and minimalist spaces.

Laura

I wonder if your mother-in-law will be reading this? Good Luck! Living with in-laws is difficult in it’s own, let alone having different lifestyles

http://www.athankfullheart.blogspot.com Miranda

Ha! I also wondered if she will be reading this. I’m not an insane-green person but I’d definitely compromise out of respect and their generosity.

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Laura,
Luckily, they don’t read my blog. But I hope I didn’t seem uncharitable! We truly are thankful they are putting us up for so long and hoping to be more of a help than a hindrance. I think it will all work out well, as long as we communicate. Thanks! katie

Angie Ballard

I had to laugh reading this! My mother-in-law insisted on using the china and silver for all family gatherings, and all my sisters-in-law complained bitterly about washing dishes and made fun of her for not using plastic plates and utensils, but she never backed down I’ll never forget the first time I tried to get my son to eat from a paper plate at home. I never use them at home, but I had some left over from a recent cub scout camp out. I was running late with supper, and it became obvious he would have to eat his supper on the way to band practice. I plopped his burger on a plate and handed it to him. His jaw dropped, his eyes widened, and he gasped, “What IS this?” I hope everyone involved can keep their sense of humor during this (hopefully brief) stage

http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

LOL, that is so cute about your son!

My grandmother always used plastic at family gatherings, but she washed and reused them anyway, even going so far as to stand guard over the trash can to make sure none got thrown away! I miss her!

Aimee

I feel for you, Katie! This is a tough one. I try to give helpful tips to my parents when I visit them in Florida. Thankfully, they recently got curbside recycling in their neighborhood, but I still find them throwing things out that can certainly be recycled. The last time I pointed something out, my mom actually said something to the effect of “We’re probably putting some poor people out of work by recycling things instead of letting them get paid to do it at the landfill.” What?!?! I don’t think I even had a response to that. And their garbage gets picked up twice a week. How much trash do they think 2 seniors (they are in a 55 and up community) will make in a few days? Plenty I suppose if no one is recycling. At least my in-laws live in the same city I do (Cedar Rapids), where garbage is limited to one container a week and you pretty much have no choice but recycle everything you can in the big blue “curbys”. I think I would probably make the same compromises as you. I can’t bring myself to go back to smelly laundry detergents – I love my soapnuts! And I might even sneak my soap (we use Cleanwell because I love having foaming soap for my 4 year old – less waste) into the bathroom we use most. Oh, and my parents use paper plates, too, but usually just for lunch. Maybe you can help them come to some sort of compromise like this? Why else do we have dishes? Might as well show them off! Good luck to you! I’m sure you will have a good effect on them, even if it is small. Mostly, I hope you find your perfect house really, really fast!
Jennybell68

For recycling, we do option b. We have two huge rubbermaid type tubs – one for plastic and glass (kept in the kitchen pantry) and one for paper and cardboard (kept in the home office). When they get full, DH takes them to the recycling center, which is at the local firehouse and not too far away.

http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

This is what we do as well, except ours is about 20 minutes away. At least it’s right off the main road we have to take “to town” anyway!

Calliope from Greece

Oh my…!that’s a tough one!I don’t think I could live like that for months! In fact whenever I visit my parents for a month or so I make it my business to recycle everything.I even start a compost pile in the furthest garden corner!no one even takes notice!the only thing my mother cannot get over is the shameless waste of water.she washes the huge garden patio every.single.day. If I were you, I’d go my ways and do all the extra work myself.I’d even pay for the recycling company. Sanity of mind comes first!!
Kristin

We lived with my in-laws for a few weeks while our home was being built. I think you have to play by their rules (except for where your kids are concerned) while you are in their house. The way around it, similar to you laundry decision, offer to do it yourself. If you cook dinner (for everyone), you can make it from scratch and even serve it on plates if you wash them, but don’t make a big deal about it. Try cleaning the bathroom with your natural cleansers (you don’t even have to tell them what you used). Actions speak louder than words. Many people aren’t ecologically friendly because they think it will be too much work or they are overwhelmed at doing everything. Maybe something will rub off on them while they are watching you.

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Kristin,
I’m hoping I can keep my mouth shut so my actions can be loud enough! Actually, since I put a recycling box in the garage (their request on location) and offered to run it in every week, my MIL has even been tossing some bottles in there. Baby steps! Katie

http://more-than-rubies-blog.blogspot.com/ Amy

I feel for you! It is hard to live with people who have vastly different ideas about anything than you do – my family (both those I married into and was born into) feel about the way we do about waste, but my sister-in-law has very different ideas about food than I do. Going shopping for groceries while on vacation together last summer was a tense experience, at least for me.

As far as the recycling goes, I’d recommend just collecting your own and taking it in. We have to pay extra for recycling service here (or maybe it’s not even available? I haven’t don’t that much research…), so I just make a once-a-week trip to the recycling center with my box. We usually make an afternoon of it, doing any needed errands along the way. And I usually try to go between 2 and 4, because there’s a Sonic nearby and the promise of a 1/2 price cherry limeade once a week is just enough motivation to get me off the couch!
TuxGirl

if you offer to clean all the dishes, they might be more willing to go with regular dishes. I’m not super-green/crunch, honestly, and I do occasionally use paper plates, but it’s usually because I’m horridly behind on dishes, and I can’t handle the possibility of adding to the pile of to-dos that I have.

http://yourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

We’ve used paper plates during especially busy seasons as well just to save our sanity, but I can never do it for very long because of the cost. I’m too cheap for that!

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

I thought it was odd that my FIL said “disposable plates are cheap” when he was concerned that we were running the dishwasher too much. I’ve been trying to use paper more often over the last few days, but then I realized the problem with that – we run out of utensils before the dishwasher is full, which ends up not being very efficient in the long run! It’ll all work out, but boy, I’m learning a lot about how different my life is from the normal culture! Katie

http://joyceandnorm.wordpress.com Joyce and Norm

I’m not super green either, but wow, that’s on the other side of the spectrum. I don’t know anyone who would use paper/plastic dishes every single day. Neither my family or hubby’s family are as ecologically-minded as we are, and it does make me cringe when they throw stuff away that can be recycled, etc, but I guess, esp if you are living with them, you have to be respectful of the way they do things. I agree with Kristin’s comment about taking things into your own hands when you can and see if it will make a difference. What is their reason for living their lifestyle? For the recycling, is there anyway you can ask one of the neighbors if you can use their bin, and if there is a fee, to give them a little something? Hmmm…I hope things work out.
Trish

As a guest in their home, I would play by their rules. You will have plenty of opportunities to lead by example when you’re settled in your new home.
http://www.ourlittlesin.blogspot.com Kate

oh my goodness, i am in a state of shock that disposable plates are an everyday thing and a whole potato gets thrown away… we are by no means what would be termed in australia as ‘greenies’ but those are unbelievable. i really feel for you. it must be so hard to watch things that are completely at odds with who you are. i guess as it’s their house you have to play by their rules. all the best.
Narah

I got a chuckle from this. We just came from five weeks with my folks. There were some things I just didn’t touch, like recycling or composting. But when it came down to what we were putting IN our bodies, I put my foot down. Preparing most of our meals as well as doing our laundry and putting our own hand soap in the bathroom we used most often. These things affected us personally and that was the battle I was willing to fight. Good luck!

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Narah,
Good to know you made it through in one piece! Yes, doing what I can for myself quietly has been a good way to do it. I keep grabbing towels and washing them just so they can smell clean like nothing instead of clean like chemical fragrances. Sneaky, I am. Katie

MissP

I live in the UK and am shocked that it is considered quite normal to eat from paper plates and cutlery every day! I would hazard a guess that the vast majority of people in the UK will at least use crockery and metal cutlery (even if they are not cooking from scratch!). Paper plates are for parties only!

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Well…they did at least use real metal cutlery daily. Katie
Allison

MissP, I think the majority of Americans would be surprised at this as well. I’ve never known anyone who uses disposable plate for everyday meals.
guest

Trust me, MissP, it’s “not” normal to eat from paper plates daily here. =) In fact, I never heard of anyone that did that before this article! It’s usually reserved for the occasional outdoor Summertime bbq…
http://www.facebook.com/susanadale Susan Anadale

I stayed at my Mom’s house (just me, not the kids, while she was ill) for a few days and got a reprimand from her friend who lives there because I used a real plate to eat my lunch. And I was perfectly willing to wash the plate myself (it was only one plate). We don’t use paper or plastic plates in our home all unless it’s for a party (and I have a family of 6, we use a lot of plates). I also get weird looks from both sides for using cloth napkins. Apparently cloth is only for special occasions.;0)
http://twitter.com/quirkyjessi Quirky Jessi

While it’s not the norm, I do know some people who use paper plates on a daily basis and not just for picnics and parties like some others mentioned. The “types of people” are generally split in two main groups…. older generations who spent years washing dishes and such, and now, just prefer not to have to deal with it…. and the other, actually tends to be lower income, working families, who somehow manage to afford the plates and convenience food, but work such long hours that washing dishes takes time they can’t seem to “afford” time-wise. It’s still not the norm, but it definitely does happen a fair bit.

Djintheburg

I truly admire your passion for green/clean living, but 3 months is so short a time in the grand scheme of things. I would focus more on the fact that they’ve generously opened their home to you and your family and focus on the relationship with your childrens’ grandparents, than that they use plastic or throw away potatoes. I would DEFINITELY stick with your personal laundry preferences, and even the soap issue if it affects your child’s eczema, but really, let the rest go and just enjoy this time with your in-laws. There is a season for all things. I’d give anything to have my cookie-baking (with white flour and sugar), plastic-using, candy-giving, good-smelling anti-bacterial lotion using mil back. The memories we have of her are not what she used in her home, or what she fed us, but what beautiful times we spent in her company. =)

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Thank you for the positive encouragement! I’m trying hard to focus on the good parts about having 3 generations under one roof, like reading bedtime stories and the grandparents finding out what life is really like when the kids aren’t having a “fun weekend” at their house! Katie

Michelle S.

I agree with most of the posters. Do what you can (without making it “a thing) and let the rest go as you are a guest in their home. If you choose to recycle I’d quietly collect it and take it in yourself (again without making a big deal about it). Nobody likes to feel judged… especially when they are doing a REALLY nice thing for a person. Good luck!!

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Michelle,
Yes, we are sooooo thankful that they opened their home to us! Katie

http://www.raisingz.blogspot.com RaisingZ

Yikes! My in-laws are very eco-conscious it is my mom who is learning. Thankfully I feel very comfortable with my mother and can make suggestions freely. If I were you, I would offer to pay for the 3 months of recycling. Explain that this is something important that you are trying to teach/instill in your children and if it is okay with them, you’d like to subscribe to the service. Who knows, you might end up teaching them a valuable lesson and they might continue once you have left. Good luck with everything!!!
Cristy Johnson

I would pay for recycling through their waste service. That way it will become 2nd nature for everyone in the house and maybe after you leave they will keep it. We didn’t recycle until we moved somewhere that included it with our waste service and now it’s so 2nd nature to us that I bring home cardboard from my mom’s house to recycle it our bin.
melissa blair

I agree with some of the other commenters who said you should take a hard stance when it comes to things that affect you physically (and towels that smells like chemicals definitely fall into that category for me!) and maybe be a bit more lenient about other stuff. I can’t really give advice about the recycling, since the nearest recycling program to where I live is almost an hour away, but the idea about offering to help with the dishes in exchange for not using paper or plastic plates every night is an excellent one. I remember as a little girl helping my grandmother do dishes by hand, and I still look back on those memories with fondness. With any luck, your kids will have nothing but good memories about the summer that they lived with their grandparents ^_^
Mschwarberg

I say “c”. This would of course depend on your relationship with her. I think that would not be offensive and maybe by the time you leave some of your ways will stick and she will be more Eco friendly because of you. You cant change who you are, once its in you you can’t get it out.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1153634003 Lori R Sacks

Tough one Katie, especially since the arrival of the new family member may make b a viable choice. You can’t be sure how up and at ‘em you’re going to be for the next few months, right. Offering to pay for their curbside recycling is the one that seems like the lesser of evils but of course there may be comments about the waste of money from them, and it’s clear they don’t get why recycling is so important to you.

Is there ANY chance you can help her see why you are so passionate about it and use your children’s future as guilt/leverage to get them to take it to the recycling center if you collect it and get it ready?

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Lori,
Good point on life getting crazy after no. 3′s birth! Yikes! The recycling center in this community, which I didn’t know about, is at least *almost* on my husband’s way to work, so I might be able to sweet talk him into delivering once a week. We’ll see how it goes in a month! Katie

Bethany

“A” would be a good option if it didn’t involve cringing. I like Djintheburg’s thoughts on the matter. If you go this route, don’t just skip & cringe; let it go for the time being and focus on all of your blessings. “B” seems like a good option as well. “C” seems like a hassle for your in-laws and a little pushy. I’ve had people stay over and try to do things their way instead of honoring my way, and I didn’t appreciate it very much. Good luck with whatever you decide!
Sweetness

ask Jesus what He wants you to do in this situation and then do that. He’ll tell you what He thinks is best.

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Good call for sure~!
Jordan Munroe

Jesus recycled, you heathens.

Stephenie P.

Don’t forget the Biblical command to honor thy father and mother that thy days may be long upon the land. (My paraphrase) I truly believe that command has more standing than all the “healthy” choices and lifestyles that we choose. Just my two cents, but maybe there are lessons to be learned for everyone in the situation. I’m sure it’s as difficult for them as it is for you.

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Stephenie,
A very good reminder, and thank you. I am certainly trying to be honest and not uncharitable toward them and in the post, but I can see how I might be pushing the envelope a bit. More prayer never hurt anyone! Katie
http://profiles.google.com/honeynbennkids Honey Rowland

While I definitely believe in honoring our parents one must also remember to honor the world God created to house his favorite creation. I know you went with option B but, you can do dishes, you can purchase an eco friendly detergent for when you load dishes, you can bring your own soap with you to the shower, you can even gift your MIL with a lovely, healthy, safe gift basket of yummy scented soap. Is she crafty? Why not make some together?

Also, there are recyclable paper plates, cups and silverware. And, paper plates can be composted. Does FIL like to fish? What about making a worm bin for him? Free bait.

We lived with my IL’s when DH lost his job at GM. We were trying to save the house and moved in with his parents but still lost it. All four of us were in DH’s childhood bedroom. We were vegan and they were carnivores that ate vegetables by accident . I would cook as they ate out a lot but I always made extra just in case they wished to eat. Sometimes they did and mostly DH had excellent work meals. We had issues with who is in charge of the children. I refused to budge on what I believed was best for our children. Healthy food, healthy bedtime and natural consequences. But, I stopped becoming irritated with them using our cookware to cook meat in and just gave everything a good washing before I used it. Somethings you just have to let go of…like her recycling or composting. But, somethings you can’t…soap that will irritate your children and your skin.

Leading by example is the only way to go and…if it doesn’t affect them then you’ve no worries as you have lead a life true to you without infringing on the rights and life of others.

We were with my in laws almost a year. We bought the first house we could afford (which I hate) but…it was getting nasty with ‘my house so kids are raised by me’ …and WE’RE the parents. I did purchase a beautiful antique china set I knew she would love as a thank you for allowing us to stay. I am grateful for that year as it really gave me the opportunity to know what/why I believe and want to do certain things.

Oh…and also…some things do sound annoying but really…I would LOVE to have been dealing with wasted potatoes and such. My mil called CPS on me because I put my 4 year old in a corner while I sat behind him. It was cruel and unusual punishment and I should have spanked him. CPS actually said I should place a character suit against her but…yeah. So, I do hope you know how great you currently have it unless you’re not sharing everything!

Don’t sweat the small stuff…’cause the big stuff involves Children’s Services and that’s just horrible.

Honey

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Oh, my. That makes me look like I’m living at Disneyworld! I do know my in-laws are great, and they’ve been more than gracious. I’m such a wimp! Thanks for putting it into perspective. Katie

Lgstlaurent

Just relax, your families time with them is far more important then any of this petty stuff. The memories you are making will last forever, your children will always remember this, and remember they won’t always be here. Relax, enjoy this time, it is truly priceless.
Sonia

I am shocked to hear they use disposable (plastic even ._.) plates at every meal. Yikes! That would be a hard one for me too. Even the wasting food.. esp. since she says she always makes extra and always throws it out. ?!?! I agree either b or c, or as another reader said ask if a neighbour recycles where you could use their bin in exchange for money or even baked goods. As for the hand soap thing.. I think I’d secretly bring my own soap with me each time I went to the bathroom.. lol
Andrea

You have some really tough choices. We spend each summer split between my parents and my in-laws homes, and while they are each reasonably eco-concious they eat food we don’t eat, use chemichals we don’t use, and throw away stuff we don’t. Somtimes these things make me cringe, but, when it comes down to it, it is their home, their rules. I put my foot down about the foods my children eat when I’m around, but I know somethings I wouldn’t allow at home are eaten on outings with Nana and Grandma. They don’t do it on purpose, they just aren’t the intense label readers I am. I let it go. Unless there is a true food allergy, the repeated use of icky foods and cleaners ect. is the big issue; a few months won’t matter. Lead by polite example where you can, quietly use your own products, and recycle where possible, offer to do the dishes and cooking as much as possible, but if you can’t deal with the way someone else runs their home, then you probably need to find a short term rental. Maybe you can make a difference in their habits, that would be awesome, but maybe not.
Heather

I’m with those who say to make what goes into and ON your bodies your top area of concern. You’re less likely to butt heads with your in-laws, and those are the issues with the greatest potential impact. Offer to wash the dishes and use the real ones, but this is seriously the time to not sweat the small stuff. We had to stay with my in-laws winter before last, and it was very tough that way. I put my foot down several times over what my kids needed to eat, and we used our own skin care and laundry stuff, and I was more than willing to provide info when asked, but keep foremost in mind that you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink. The funny thing is that, now, my in-laws have heard some of the same things hubs and I have been telling them for years from other people and have at least started trying to do without the aspartame and the HFCS.
When you do have your own place again, BioKleen makes the best dishwasher soap EV.ER. Better than the best grocery store stuff, and green! And not unreasonable price-wise. I buy mine from Azure Standard. I’ve liked all their other products that I’ve tried, too.

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Heather, Biokleen DW detergent was my favorite for 18 months, too, and then all of a sudden this winter/spring it just stopped working well. Left film on the glasses, powdery white stuff on the plastic lids, and grease/smears on the plates. ??? I am kind of glad we get to try again in a new dishwasher b/c maybe we just gunked it up too much with our habit of not pre-rinsing at all. But I know, Biokleen could always handle it before this! Katie

Cathy

I’d be house hunting constantly! ;P Seriously, I hope you find THE place for you quickly.
Cherylrector65

I would have to go with B also. Since it IS their home, I wouldn’t bring up anything I disagreed with, with them (at least about things like this). I would use my own soap, ect, if it’s a big deal, but quietly. I don’t see the need of trying to change someone to a “better” way of doing things, since they may not see it as better at all. It is all a matter of perspective anyway, and in the case of relationships, the better perspective is the eternal one. Really, when we all are in heaven with Jesus, will this matter? NO. What WILL matter is how well we loved each other and how well we honored each other….not whether the in-laws used plastic plates, or recycled their garbage. I hope I’m not sounding mean, I’m really not trying to, but truly, we need to focus and what is most important here. Relationships, and the future of them, and how well we can let others know that we value and honor them, even when they make choices we don’t agree with.

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

You don’t sound mean at all! These are good reminders and helpful in reining in my mama bear instincts. I hope I didn’t sound mean, actually!

Thanks for the important reminders of priority and perspective. : ) Katie

simply heidi

Katie, I’m with all the other commenters who are choosing B. Living with family will change your relationship. Humility and Christlike love will help ensure that the change is for the better.
Flower

You’re Catholic, right? We know that God instructs us to defer to others & serve them. We know that if we sow seeds of discord with loved ones that our children will take on those burdens and carry them even longer than we do. This thought gives me great pause. I will be held responsible for how my children relate to their grandparents and how I have handled the gift of family relationships. For this short time (in the big scheme of things) that you are desperate for their generosity, I would err on the side of doing things the way that serves the hosts personal desires and interests best. And, do it happily. Show that you are really grateful by putting your peripheral beliefs to the side. You are under their roof so the game rules are different. Serve them by making all of these “issues”, NON-issues. Focus on making yourself create a “better than ever” relationship with these important people. As soon as you’ve got your own domain, pick up with living the way you feel is right. In the meantime, rest in God’s ability to love and hold all your family in His hands – and keep looking for the similarities, not the differences, between you. So, I guess my answer would be “A”, but without the cringing bit.

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

You’re really making me think about how I might make quick comments in front of my kids about all this. Inappropriate, you’re right. Ok, heading into tomorrow with a new perspective and seeking “balance” and focusing on what’s best for my kids and their relationships with their grandparents. The little details will work themselves out! TU! Katie
http://www.facebook.com/people/Katie-Fitzpatrick-Gonzalez/669943480 Katie Fitzpatrick Gonzalez

This is pretty much exactly what I was going to say. Definitely don’t cringe because that will be received by them in spirit, trust me. The only thing I would suggest is if this situation will go on longer than 3-6 months, like, into the holidays – a very stressful time as it is, that you consider re-discussing the situation with your husband again about moving into an apartment month to month until you find a home. Blowing your relationships is just not worth it.

michiganmommy

C – offer to pay for the recycling while you are there and, if you can afford it, after that – maybe for a year? I think you could have a positive impact on your in-laws and leave feeling better for making a difference in their household.
Anna

Good luck Katie. I can’t imagine how hard it must be. I cringe whenever we are places and the host offers my kids something in the shade of a dazzling blue. It’s hard to not seem ungracious. I think the handsoap is an easy fix. While as much as you want to give the speech on it being an endocrine disruptor etc. etc., it would be easy to simply bite your tongue and cite your children’s eczema. . I do think if you paid for the recycling for a few months, maybe it would rub off on her. I would treat it as a “gift”! Just focus on their generosity. I’m sure God put you there for a reason, as hard as it is

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Ah, yes, food that is a dazzling shade of blue. You’re speaking my language! For food, we decided Sundays would be a “grandparents spoil day” when the kids get to eat their food (just no artificial sweeteners, I put my foot down on that one). The after-church donuts this week had green, red and BLACK frosting, but I zipped my lips! It’s a good compromise and gives us all something to say all week when/if the kids ask for the “other” food – “Wait until spoil day.” I’m just cringing a little with the thought of a whole donut every Sunday, especially for my 3yo, but my husband is good at reminding me that 3 months won’t kill them (“unless it does” I answer…). Katie

Sarah

I would go with (B), it sticks with your values without asking them to change anything. As long as you have a way to do it that doesn’t create a problem form them (as in they have to look at the recycling bin in a place they are not happy with) I think that is the best solution.
http://www.wholeparenting.wordpress.com Nell

Tough one, Katie. Obviously you’re appreciative of their generosity and kindness in hosting you for this layover period of your life. But blending life styles, in particular when you’re an example to your children, is tricky. You don’t want to be hypocritical and have your kids be confused about what is the best way (“paper plates are fun, mom” “GASP!”), but you similarly want to show them how to respectfully disagree with people.

Everyone’s given you great comments & feedback. I agree with sticking to your guns on things that go into your (and your children’s) body(ies), and grinning and bearing the rest. My in-laws have no eco-consciousness whatsoever and we are just in the beginning stages of figuring out how to deal with that when we visit them out of state. (We are health food people, no TV for kids, etc.)

Good luck! Lots of prayers for you!
www.thehumbledhomemaker.com

I just want to say this post made me laugh/smile because I have experienced this on a much smaller scale for the past 10 days. We travel to visit my in-laws in MS (the most unhealthy state in the Union!) every summer. I know they think my natural ways (though I just consider myself a natural “newbie”) are so weird. My husband and I always feel physically ill or at least lethargic w/ headaches, etc because of the food. I struggle because I dont want to come across as “we are too good for your food or your body products, etc”–you know?

Since it’s really a short time for us, we just deal with it. I did think it was funny when my mother-in-law used my burt’s bees facewash to bathe my girls instead of the baby wash. She called it “that organic stuff.”

My sister-in-law told her she would bring her disposable diapers to use if she couldn’t figure out the cloth.

About the recycling: I would just take it yourself–with her permission. Maybe say: “You know, recycling has become really important to our family, and I noticed that your recycling station is at such in such place.”

Our town does not pick up our recycling, so we sort and take it ourselves every week.

Blessings!
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/7PZBVFPZZ3LES35AUYE374EUZU Becky

If you use their washer, but your soap, the chemical stuff they used stays around for about three washes after you do a load. So basically to clean a washer that was using chemical stuff you would have to run three cyles of just water (hot) with a bleach or vinegar rinse (I don’t use bleach at all.) Otherwise the laundry soap she uses will be in your clothes. I only mention this because we have serious issues with skin and checmicals (excema, and more) and I can’t even let my sister use her laundry soap in my washer if she wants to do laundry here.

The other issues I find extremely difficult even without living with family. My mom insists on buying and feeding my kids full of dyes and high fructose corn syrup, that we do not buy at home. I have discovered that while eating dye foods my kids are meaner and more aggressive. My mom doesn’t believe that. Also my mom actually gets mad when she comes over and finds no paper towels. I have not bought paper products (other than toilet paper for guests) since before 2008. She actually will yell at me or bring over papertowels herself.

I don’t know how I would live with them, especially since cleaners and soaps that have chemicals and dyes actually give me extreme headaches. Even if someone is using them in another room or part of the house.

But I agree that God and Christ need to come first (I have a hard time with this when my mom blesses us with a meal, but with ingredients we don’t eat. I want her to know I appreciate her, but we can’t eat such and such.) I have to remember her motive is love. And you want to maintain your relationship with your in laws so you do have to play by their rules, however using your own soaps and things, especially behind closed doors shouldn’t rteally offend them.

I feel for you!!!

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Becky,
You know, I wondered about the soap thing. Luckily, we do lots more laundry than they do, so I’m hoping I do about 3 loads in a row before the fragranced soap gets back in there. Also luckily, my kids’ eczema is not that bad, and so far they haven’t had much problem. I’ll just keep doing as much laundry as I can! (Never thought I’d say THAT and mean it!)

Thanks for the good reminder – Katie

http://twitter.com/wwwebbs wwwebbs

Oh Katie, such a hard situation you’re in. I run into similar things when my mother-in-law visits us. I’ll have cooked an entire meal with pastured chicken, homegrown veggies and freshly baked rolls and she’ll bring home KFC and paper plates to eat it on. Being older and not having kids around to help with the chores, she considers herself “retired” from “menial” chores like cooking and dishes. My own mother can’t wait until she can “retire” from having to cook and do dishes as well.

Perhaps you could approach it like a service/ministry opportunity. “Mom, I’m going to take the paper to the recyclers, do you have anything I can take for you?” “Mom, I’ll do the dishes tonight. Can we bless you with a meal on regular dishes?” Remember, they tell us that every decision is an opportunity to improve our world. Beginning “green” folks recycling ONLY glass are doing better than they did yesterday. If we only eat all-local one meal a week, we’re impacting our communities and diets for the better. I would pretend you are just newbies again and instead of approaching it like a negative, use it as a chance to minister without judgement.

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

You know, it’s actually running much more smoothly than I thought. (Phew!) I love the perspective on “one step better” – just like KS baby steps! Thank you for the encouragement! Katie

http://twitter.com/wwwebbs wwwebbs

Got this inspiration in the shower: Babies learn to walk with baby steps, right? Then they grow up and walk, and run, etc. You are a marathon runner. But if something happens and a leg is amputated, you have to go back to baby steps, right? Your house has been (temporarily) amputated. So, Baby Steps, Katie!

Terah

Ha! That is TOO funny! No wonder I love reading your site, Kitchen Stewardship, because we live with our in-laws too! Yep, we’ve got 3 little boys and we all squish into their bedroom, while they took another bedroom. And it has been over 2 years that we have been here, while my husband is building a dome house for us their property, maybe 300 steps away. They really are very giving, letting us stay and they believe in the work we are doing, so I can’t complain. And not to mention, it can be a very maturing process to learn how to live and get a long with people. All-in-all, everything is pretty good, but, like you, there are some things that can really get under my skin too. Living under someone else’s rules and not able to live the way you feel is right can be difficult. This can include things like raising children, food (which theirs is on the total opposite side of the spectrum), tv (being on ALL the time), laundry (piling up because they are using the washer and dryer), schedules, and just STUFF (all of it is theirs). But, on the plus side, you know those things that you need to clean and really don’t want to? Well, sometimes those things get done and I didn’t have to do it! :) Anyways, all this to say, I am very thankful for my in-laws and find it very funny that I have LOVED reading everything on your site. Thank you so much for holding my hand through this natural process and letting me take baby steps. I have been doing things that I never thought I would. You have helped me change my life more than you know it! Thank you!
Terah

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Terah,
What a sweet comment! I was laughing about your in-laws having the TV on all the time, because that’s absolutely something we differ on, too. Both my kids keep gluing their eyes to the screen that’s always on, and I have trouble getting used to the background noise. Our house is (was) soooo quiet all the time. But I know that’s a minor thing in the whole scheme, and hey – my 6yo was enraptured by a History channel show on how various foods are harvested with his grandpa, and that was awfully sweet!

Glad KS has been a good resource for you! Katie

http://www.facebook.com/susanadale Susan Anadale

We lived in my in-laws’ house for 2 months while looking for a house.
They use mainly frozen foods and mixes (but they do use real plates), whereas we like to bake and cook from scratch.
They didn’t own any dry measure cups (hubby committed a faux pas
when he bought a set of measuring cups and added them to their
drawer, he should not have done that—mil made sure we took them with us when we
moved out, ahem).

All this to say:

As others have pointed out already, I think it’s more important to be a grateful guest and enjoy their company than to worry over differences in lifestyles for a few weeks/months. They are making a sacrifice by bringing you into their home, don’t lose sight of that. Try not to be judgmental. It’s hard, yes. It will be for them, too. But it will be easy enough for y’all to get on each others nerves just by being there for an extended period. ;0)
Kate S.

Oh my, so much to say in response to this post . . . I think you’re exceptionally brave to move into your in-laws’ home, even if it is temporary. Moving in with my in-laws is incomprehensible to me; I am quite confident that I couldn’t hold my (usually very steady) temper for a whole week. Even moving in with my own parents temporarily would prove a serious, probably very volatile, challenge for many of the same reasons you mention above.

I was reminded of an incident from just a few months ago that really highlighted for me the differences between the culture my husband and I share and my parents’ culture. After a discussion about processed foods in a Walmart Supercenter, I successfully managed to talk my mother out of buying a ‘Girl Scouts of America Thin Mint’ cake that had a mile-long list of highly processed ingredients by offering a wonderful from-scratch recipe for the same. However, she balked when she found that the recipe contained both bananas and cinnamon, ingredients she couldn’t conceive of as part of the unique flavor of a Thin Mint cookie. She ended up editing the recipe to suit her own preferences, complete with a can of chocolate frosting from the grocery store, then complained that it really tasted nothing at all like Thin Mint cookies. I really, really struggled to bite my tongue during the whole conversation. After that incident, I remember remarking to my husband that I don’t think my mother understands me at all.

So, while I fully understand your quandary, I am nonetheless amazed to hear that there are people who willingly use paper/plastic plates on a daily basis! The recycling issue aside, the expense! Oh my word, the expense! I own service for 48 people specifically so that I will never have to buy a paper plate to serve food at a party!

But, I digress, you asked about recycling . . . hmm, that would be a tough decision for me, as well. I don’t think I could stand to throw away a few months worth of recyclables. A solution would have to be found. I think I would mention the topic to my in-laws tactfully, saying, “I really prefer to recycle. Would you mind picking up service for a short while?” And, be sure to offer to pay for it. If that is disagreeable to them, which I would understand, I would simply truck it to the recycling center myself.

Now, on the subject of cooking potatoes just to throw them away. That’s abominable. Awful. That would be almost unforgivable to me. Why doesn’t she just stop making it if it never gets eaten?! Why?!
http://hollydaze-holly.blogspot.com/ Hollyl18436

I believe in recycling and natural products. Its my preference. If my children moved back home, I would expect them to follow my lead. When I visit my mom, I do pay them the courtesy of following theirs. However, if I had a laudry preference, I would do as you do, and supply my own. God wants us the value hearts over all things…your heart really won’t break if you have to throw away plastic, but that might be the last straw for you MIL. Living with adult children is difficult. Take it easy on them and relax. The earth will be fine.
Good luck!!
Holly
http://profiles.google.com/lfeb61 Lynda B

Is the issue they have water usage from running the dish washer? I’m not sure what the financial arrangements are while you’re there – but might it be possible for you all to pay the water and garbage bill for the next three months – so that you get to decide how things are disposed of and what gets washed and how (agreeing, of course, to also be handling the chores of doing the washing and any trash/recycle hauling that’s needed)… try to take it on as ‘doing your part’ rather than a judgment on whether or not they’re doing it wrong.

A thought on that too – it can be hard as the parent of adults to hear from your grown children (and children-in-law) that how you live is wrong – and sometimes you hear that even when it’s not being said. Sometimes even seeing something done differently feels like a challenge to your experience… so as you make changes that might be taken that way, see what you can find about what they know and do that you don’t know so much about – find ways for them to share their knowledge and experience with you. First, because it helps them accept your changes when it doesn’t feel like a challenge to their own skills and experience, but also because odds are they DO have some things to teach you that might otherwise be lost to time.

This is an opportunity for you and your kids to soak up some of your husband’s family heritage in a way that might never be possible again – make it a fun challenge to find out what treasures they have for you, and maybe at the end of three months you might be able to show them that washing dishes for a month raised their water bill by less than the cost of one pack of paper plates.

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Lynda, I think my FIL is worried the DW will wear out. ??? I will be curious to see how much water/electric increases, too. Clearly adding 4 people to the household will simply up those costs, but how much?

And the funny problem with not using plates all the time? You run out of forks and spoons before the DW is ready to run. Mwah. Katie

http://www.facebook.com/people/Charissa-Potrafka/814033851 Charissa Potrafka

While I wouldn’t try to get them to change their ways necessarily, I don’t think there is anything wrong with option C. Obviously don’t make a big deal about pulling their stuff out of the trash to recycle, just quietly recycle your own waste. And perhaps if they see how easy it is, they may join in and keep recycling after you are in your own home.
Lizimamabear

katie, God bless your in laws and God bless your family sounds like you are all facing challenges and hopefully some lessons learned in there too. i can tell you are really gracious for their generosity. i think you probably act with good Christian love most all of the time (hey nobody is perfect!). i can relate we visit our in-laws once a month and it is always hard to know how to express my thoughts on certain things- especially junk food (artificial colors, HFCS, trans fat, MSG, etc). i have learned to step back and chose my battles, for instance potato chips are an okay TREAT but there are more acceptable snacks than MSG laden day glow orange hydrogenated cottonseed oil cheezy puffs.
i agree- plastic plates everyday sounds INSANE. i think using them on occasion is weird enough, for parties maybe okay, but everyday? really? that is so disconnected. i digress, i am not here to judge, but i just wanted to say that it is okay to compromise but i don’t think you have to throw up your hands about everything in order to be a gracious guest. although easier said than done! it is tricky, not to offend your hosts, but not to go crazy.
i would still recycle, i think it is crazy not to and it offends me even more that i have children. it’s like really, you don’t mind trashing the earth that your darling angel grandchildren inherit from you? offering to pay for the service is a good idea, or collecting it to take it in town is fine too. if there is a facility that pays for cans and bottles maybe you can collect that money for the kids to buy a toy or treat?
you can always try not to offend your inlaws, but lets be honest they are probably already open to be offended based on the nature of your differences. just as you are open to be offended by them. as hard as you may try, it may still happen inevitably- but i could be wrong. nevertheless i do believe if you may an effort to show them respect and love (which i am sure you do), and even if you reach out beyond your comfort zone, i think it will pay off for all of you.
also you want to teach your kids to make healthy choices, or at least at this age you want to make healthy choices for them. but you also want to teach them how to be a good Christian. what would Jesus really do? i think sort of a middle path. you don’t have to condone bad decisions, but you don’t have to condemn the person of course.
but i agree with others, moving out may be a good option if you can afford to but life presents us challenges so that we may learn and grow.
God bless you mama with your new to be baby. I will be praying for you!

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Thanks, Liz! My son (6yo) is so green that he can’t imagine not recycling either, so when we take the stuff to the recycling center he’s been helping, and I think he’s excited to teach Grandma how to do it, too.

I have had to put my foot down about artificial sweeteners, that they can never be a treat for my kids, even on Sundays – we decided that on the Sabbath, the kids have “grandma spoil day” and can eat as they would if they were sleeping over at Grandma and Grandpa’s. The cereal and donuts nearly kill me, but I keep my mouth shut…mostly. Katie

Miranda

I see that almost everyone who commented suggested that you focus on the good – the relationships w your in-laws & kids, their generosity etc, and I have to agree . . . but let me say also, I feel your pain!!!

I live overseas and when I visit the US I always stay with my parents for 2-4 weeks. LOVE them, but their non-green ways drive me CRAZY. I have caught myself digging through their trash (when they’re not in the room) for recyclables many many a time. I just try to be very discreet about it. I hate their laundry soap, dish soap, shampoo, etc, so I just buy some good natural stuff whenever I visit and leave it for them when I go. I’ve got my mom using fragrance & paraben free body lotion, some natural cosmetics, and drinking water kefir because of things I bought while visiting that I just ‘forgot to pack’ or ‘didn’t have space in my luggage to bring back’.

Getting them to eat traditionally and toss the diet coke, flour, sugar, and vegetable oil is a totally different story!

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Miranda,
Wow, I can’t imagine anyone keeping up with water kefir “on accident” – you really made a good impact!!! And yeah, I’ve rescued a few recyclables from the trash, too! Katie

waggie

I live in a multi generational home and LOVE it! It really makes life easier. I cook very differently than my mom. I focus on real and traditional food methods as well as more Asian than american; she likes casseroles and Schwan. To keep my kids well fed I volunteered to cook every night for dinner. I would normally so why not, plus my mom doesn’t like to cook. She then is happy to help with our laundry, her favorite house chore) and watching the kids. It’s a wonderful win win situation. I am guessing that your MIL doesn’t love plastic, she just doesn’t like to wash dishes. So, agree that if she will be willing to use glass plates you will wash the dishes. It takes no extra effort on her end and since you are already use to doing dishes no extra effort for you either. Recycling is the same thing. She doesn’t want to bother with washing and sorting. So, since you already do it, you do it for her. She might see how easy it is and change her ways.

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Waggie,
I’m definitely trying to cook each night, but I think MIL feels guilty if I’m doing all the work, and I feel guilty when she does get to the dishes before I do, b/c I know they don’t love dishes. Luckily, those are good problems to have (people trying to pull more than their weight as opposed to less). I’m sure it’ll all work out as we get further into it (3 wks as of today). Thanks for the encouragement! Katie

Emily from Ready To Wait

I think you have found really nice ways to honor your own commitments and to honor their generosity. Throwing plastic plates away every day is not ok. You are providing a little education and healthy challenge to their way of living. That is what we do for each other as family. I think it really is a gift you are giving to them that you could offer some new ideas about stewardship of Creation.
http://twitter.com/granolacatholic Lisa Greenwood

Oh, Katie, I am feeling for you. Your mil sounds a lot like mine. When she was last here she asked for a napkin and I gave her a cloth one. She did not understand that we use them everyday. When I walk in her house I am bombarded by the fragrance of bath and body works at every sink and each room has a different air freshener. To tell the truth the house stinks. Well at least to me. My mil does have curb side recycling. Yet she does not bother. We do not and I have to drive my own recycling a minimum of 7 miles to the closest recycling depot.
Ksmoth

I haven’t read everyone’s comment, so this may be a repeat, but I think it all depends on what kind of person your mother-in-law is. I would not jepardize relationship. That’s no 1. If she is an open-minded person, then definitely offer to pay for recycling. This will show her your way and maybe she will concur and she will join you in eco-lifestyle after you leave.
This may be your opportunity to be an ambassedor for green living. Good luck.
Emma from www.cravingfresh.com

Such an interesting post!

I often get surprised when I stay with others and realise they still use toxic cleaning products, and eat margarine instead of butter and cook in canola oil and drink skim milk, and buy cage-raised eggs and non-free range meat and do all these things that I’ve stopped doing and don’t even think about any more.

Sometimes I hold my tongue and sometimes I talk about the changes I’ve made and why. My mother-in-law has actually switched to eating real butter again because of our conversations. Hurray! But she’s pretty cool and easy to talk to. I think I’d have a lot harder time talking to my own parents about this kind of thing as they’re very stuck in their ways.

Good luck with it. Sounds like the advice others have given is good, to be gracious and do what you can to lead by example.

I’d love an update to this post at the end of your stay, letting us know how it all went.

Cheers,

Emma

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Emma,
I think I got MIL back to real butter, too! An update is a good idea…it’s going well so far and it’s been 3 weeks, but I’m sure it would be interesting to evaluate the whole experience…than decide whether to share with the world! Katie

Pianojen5

We lived with my in-laws for about three months as well a couple years ago when our house sold. The house went into contract 1 day before I had a c-section with our third child. It was madness! The inlaws were amazingly gracious to allow us to come, but there were a few areas of dischord along the lines of food, natural stuff, etc. In the end I just tried to not make a big deal out of as much as possible and just remembered to be grateful when we got into our own house (as I’m sure the inlaws were grateful to!). The truth of the matter is that there are many people who don’t do anything natural for a lot, if not all, of their life; God will help your family get through this (hopefully) quick time! We do have many fond memories and you will too! Hang in there!
Jennie

Katie – you have got to lighten up.yes, of course do your own laundry, and yes, chooses your own hygene products, but you’ve
got to keep the gasping, the hand
over the heart, the reasoning to yourself. This is HER home, which she has opened up, for a long time, to you and your family. You are GUESTS. She deserves to be able to enjoy her life in her own way. Put yourself in her shoes…I don’t mean to sound too harsh, but you might be driving her crazy. If the environmental issues are driving you nuts, then get an apartment. Happy househunting! I hope that you find one soon!

http://twitter.com/kitchenstew Katie Kimball

Jennie,
Don’t worry, I’m quiet in person! The baked potato story was from a few years ago, so no hand over hearts happening recently. Thanks for the encouragement! Katie

Jennie

Katie – you have got to lighten up.yes, of course do your own laundry, and yes, chooses your own hygene products, but you’ve
got to keep the gasping, the hand
over the heart, the reasoning to yourself. This is HER home, which she has opened up, for a long time, to you and your family. You are GUESTS. She deserves to be able to enjoy her life in her own way. Put yourself in her shoes…I don’t mean to sound too harsh, but you might be driving her crazy. If the environmental issues are driving you nuts, then get an apartment. Happy househunting! I hope that you find one soon!
Erichsmom

Hi Mandi! I happen to be a long time reader who has not ever commented. It also just so happens that I live just outside of Detroit and work in the automotive industry with some of the technologies you are reviewing in your posts. I worked at Ford for a long time and now work for a supplier. Anyway, I am loving your Auto Show posts!!! I am glad you enjoyed it and got so much from visiting with your hubby! It is truly amazing where technology is taking us! I love your blog and wish you the best!
anonymous

“sager”, while spell-check-approved, != “safer”.

http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

Further proof that I’m only human. Thanks!

anonymous

I have read and subscribed to your blog for a while now. I did so, because I appreciated your productivity tips and parenting advice.
I do not read blogs to be sold on cars and car companies, however, so I am now unsubscribing. My family and I get enough consumer advertising every where we turn. I am learning to turn it off, as I am now.

http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

I wish you all the best!

Racermeg

do not turn on the TV! TV seems to suck in the time, attention, and motivation that I need to place elsewhere….
Anonymous

It’s challenging, but worth it!
http://lifeyourway.net Mandi @ Life…Your Way

Do you think this is just semantics…time management is just managing ourselves in relation to the time we have, isn’t it? Or do you see key differences between the two approaches?
http://alidavies.com/ Ali Davies

Mandi, I find there is an important distinction between the two, from a mindset and achieving real change point of view.

If we think we are trying to manage time, it is easy to just focus on putting time management strategies in place that really are just managing deeply ingrained bad habits or other issues.

Those issues don’t actually go away. We are just managing them with time management systems.

But if we focus on self management first, we are more likely to get to the real source of the problem and if you get to the source of why you need the time management strategy, you can take action to eliminate or reduce that issue.

I see self management mindset as a more permanent solution to the reasons we need time management systems in the first place.

For example, say you are a terrible procrastinator. Putting a time management strategy in place might manage that issue but it isn’t dealing with sorting it out. Say your procrastination is caused by lack of self confidence. No amount of time management focus is going to change that. Only working on your own personal development will.

So that is why I always say that the focus should be on self management first and getting to the real source of what is going on and tackling those issues offers a more long lasting solution than just focusing on time management alone.