Tips for Working Parents: Managing Your Time

These days, it's not easy finding the time to do it all. For working parents, it's even more of a problem. Try these basic time management tips. They can help you make the best use of your time at home and on the job. And that can help you feel more relaxed and in control.

Each night, make a list of the four to six most important tasks for the next day. Sometimes you'll need to compromise. If your child's school wants you to bake cookies, you might buy them instead. Try to set aside some time to relax, too!

Break up a large project, such as writing a complex report, into smaller, easier chunks. List the main parts and the time you will need to do them. Then plan out specific blocks of time in your schedule to do each part.

Sometimes you can do two things at the same time. For instance, you might have a business call while exercising on a stationary bicycle, or during a relaxing walk. Or you can spend time with family or friends while doing repetitive chores and errands together.

Things don't always have to be done your way. Good time management also includes freeing yourself up by giving some tasks to other people. Your partner can pitch in. So can your kids, as long as their tasks are right for their age and abilities.