by Shannon Lawrence

Created on: September 30, 2008   Last Updated: October 07, 2008

Many marriages have been strained because of an overworked spouse. The same can be said for parent-child relationships. This doesn't have to happen, though. We all have choices, and there are things someone can choose to do in order to balance home with work, while finding success at both. It's a delicate balance, sure, and sometimes one is going to get more attention than the other, but if you balance in both the long- and short-term, things can truly work out.

At work, you tend to have specific goals to accomplish, things that need to be done, as well as deadlines. This is why it is home that often suffers; the honey-do list, dating and family time can all wait until later. When a professional doesn't see a deadline, they often put that item on the back burner, thinking they will get to it later.

Don't do this anymore! If you have to, make deadlines and schedules at home. Of course you can still grab time when the opportunity presents itself, but scheduling a date night for you and your spouse or a special family night with everyone can make a big difference. As can setting a deadline for one or more items from your honey-do list. If you make family priority in the same way that works for you in business, you will find that it is easier to remember. You will also find that making that time for your family will make everyone happier, even you.

You can start with baby steps, if need be, but long-term goals can include an annual family vacation or camping trip, as well as completion of projects in your home. Find a way to take that time for your family. If this is impossible for you, see if you can't at least have a full week where you come home early (or even on time, if you happen to work a job that keeps you late most of the time). Even if you have to go in early that whole week, you will find it is worth it.

Short-term goals for family togetherness can include a weekly or monthly date night with your spouse, a weekly or monthly family movie or game night, or a specific time set aside each evening to spend with your spouse and children, preferably separately. For instance, make the bath and bedtime routine yours, which gives your spouse a break and allows you quality time with your children. Everybody wins! Make sure you also budget time, at least a couple times per week if daily isn't an option, to spend time with your spouse. This can involve watching television, exercising, or eating a late dinner together, just the two of you.

Finding time with your family does not have to be complicated. If you must, treat it like a job in how you schedule it and you will ultimately find that it starts to come naturally. Most of all, enjoy your family-they grow up so quickly.

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