Then. you work all day and what happens at 5:00 P.M.? It's rush hour again. In an effort to maintain a good rapport with your childcare provider, you try not to run past the pick up time, yet you still have a pile of deadlines on your desk that are screaming "if you could just finish one last task today!"

The kids are picked up from daycare; you arrive home to a house (not to mention a child or two) that needs attention. Keeping the children occupied while preparing dinner is not an easy task, nor is keeping up the housework through this whole process. And so it goes: going through the mail, feeding the pet, eating dinner, quality time with the children, bath time and bedtime.

But there are ways to ease the stress.
 

Hire a maid. Even if it's only 2-3 days a week, it will be money well spent. Just think of it as buying more time with your children.

Try quick one-meal dishes for dinner or soups and sandwiches. Dinner doesn't have to be a 5-course meal. Keep it simple.

Leave work at 5:00 P.M. tomorrow is another day and the work will be right there waiting for you. Think of the important people who are waiting to spend some time with you.

Start a childcare journal that both you and your childcare provider can write in. Have your provider write down the details of your child's day that are important to you. Look forward to reading it each evening. This may leave you feeling more connected with your child even though you're away from him or her for 8+ hours a day.

Take time for yourself. Light a candle and take a hot bath after the kids go to bed. Begin a new relaxing hobby: crafts, sewing, or whatever you like. Go to the movies on Wednesday night to break up the week.

Maintaining a balance between life and work doesn't have to leave you feeling hopeless. The Internet offers hundreds of thousands of parenting sites that contain tips and advice for working parents. Visit them and start conquering the battle today!

The greatest opportunity to influence the world positively is through the children you raise. Can you provide your children with the kind of healthy upbringing that will make you a proud parent? YES, YOU CAN!

5 Guidelines To Being A Better Parent

Spend at least 15 minutes each day talking to your children, to find out what's on their minds.

Lead by example. Communicate your values through your actions.

Pay close to attention to any signs of trouble and seek professional help when appropriate.

Apologize when you've hurt them and admit when you're wrong.

Reinforce positive behavior by praising it honestly.

Don't ignore your own welfare or that of your spouse, by getting totally absorbed in the lives of your children.