After the chaos surrounding Ajax against FC Groningen, former member of the Supervisory Board and professor Marjan Olfers draws a hard conclusion. According to her, the club is no longer able to guarantee safety in its own stadium. The government should also help the people of Amsterdam.
“Ajax is not the boss at home,” says Olfers AT5. Last Sunday, Ajax against FC Groningen was stopped after just a few minutes by massive fireworks from the F-Side. According to director Menno Geelen, rioters entered through a forced emergency exit. Olfers calls it a sign that clubs cannot meet their safety responsibility. “When we look at chants, racist expressions, objects on the field and fireworks, we see that clubs cannot handle that responsibility,” she says.
The criticism is mainly aimed at the board. “You rarely hear of tough measures being taken. There is a lot of justification,” said the former RVC member of the Amsterdam club. “We also see that the board does not always dare to stand up to this group of supporters.”
She believes that Ajax should invest in professional security. “How is it possible that there are good security guards at boxing galas, for example, and we have to make do with stewards here?” Olfers also calls on the government to contribute. “It is also a task for us to ensure that the next images that go around the world are of a winning Ajax and not of a rioting Ajax.”
How can proactively scheduling family meetings improve interaction and collaboration within the household?
Regaining Control: Empowering Yourself to Lead in Your Own Home
Identifying Areas of Lost Control
Many of us reach a point where our homes, instead of being sanctuaries, feel… chaotic. This isn’t about messiness; it’s about a loss of control over the daily rhythms, finances, or even the emotional atmosphere. Recognizing this is the first step towards reclaiming your space and your peace of mind. Common areas where control slips include:
* Household Finances: Unclear budgeting, mounting debt, and a lack of financial clarity.
* Household Chores & Responsibilities: Uneven distribution of tasks, leading to resentment and overwhelm.
* Time Management: Feeling constantly rushed, unable to dedicate time to personal needs or hobbies.
* Decision-Making: Feeling like your voice isn’t heard or that decisions are consistently made for you, rather than wiht you.
* Emotional Wellbeing: A home environment that feels stressful, negative, or draining.
The Power of Strategic Organization
Effective home organization isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a powerful tool for regaining control. It’s about creating systems that work for you, not against you. Consider thes strategies:
* Decluttering: The cornerstone of control.Start small – a drawer, a shelf – and systematically remove items you no longer need, use, or love.Donate, sell, or responsibly discard.
* Zone-Based Organization: Divide your home into zones based on activity (cooking,relaxing,working). Organize each zone with its specific purpose in mind. This streamlines tasks and reduces clutter.
* Vertical storage: Maximize space by utilizing shelves, drawers, and wall-mounted organizers. This is particularly helpful in smaller homes or apartments.
* Digital Organization: Don’t forget digital clutter! organize files, photos, and emails to reduce mental overload.Consider using cloud storage for easy access and backup.
* implement a “One In,One Out” rule: For every new item that enters your home,an old one must leave. This prevents clutter from accumulating.
Financial Empowerment: Taking Charge of Your Home Budget
Home budgeting is crucial for regaining control. It’s not about restriction; it’s about awareness and intentional spending.
- Track Your expenses: For at least a month, meticulously track every penny spent.Apps like mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget) can automate this process.
- Create a Realistic Budget: Based on your income and expenses, create a budget that allocates funds for necessities, savings, and discretionary spending.
- Prioritize Savings: Make saving a non-negotiable part of your budget. Even small, consistent savings can add up over time.
- Automate Bills: Set up automatic payments for recurring bills to avoid late fees and maintain a good credit score.
- Review Regularly: Your budget isn’t set in stone. Review it monthly and adjust as needed to reflect changes in your income or expenses.
Communication & Collaboration: Leading as a Team
Regaining control isn’t a solo mission, especially if you share your home with others. Open and honest communication is key.
* Family Meetings: Schedule regular family meetings to discuss household issues, share responsibilities, and make decisions collaboratively.
* Active Listening: Truly listen to the concerns and perspectives of other household members.
* Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate your expectations regarding chores, finances, and behavior.
* Compromise & Negotiation: Be willing to compromise and negotiate to find solutions that work for everyone.
* Gratitude & Recognition: Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of other household members.
Establishing Boundaries for a Healthier Home Environment
Setting boundaries is essential for protecting your time, energy, and emotional wellbeing.
* Saying “No”: Learn to politely decline requests that overextend you or compromise your priorities.
* Dedicated Personal Time: Schedule dedicated time for yourself, free from household responsibilities.
* Digital Detox: Disconnect from technology for periods of time to reduce stress and improve focus.
* Physical Space: Create a designated space in your home that is
