How to Be a Good Parent When You Work Full Time

It is possible to balance work and family life, but as with many things, you must have patience and put in the right effort. Plan your schedule so you can spend quality time with your little one every day. "Tuning in" to your child's interests and feelings helps build a tighter bond between you.

Things You'll Need

  • Calendar
  • Schedule
  • Storage bins
  • Books
  • Menu

Instructions

  1. Get Organized

    • 1

      Hang a calendar in a central location, like on the refrigerator. Make a schedule of after school activities so that you can plan ahead of time and be there for your child. Imagine the look on her face when she spots you in the stands.

    • 2

      Keep your home decluttered, so you won't have to spend valuable family time cleaning. Place storage bins in each room so the whole family can tidy up for a few minutes at the end of everyday.

    • 3

      Leave work assignments at your job. Complete your work after kids are sleeping if you must bring work home.

    Spend Quality Time Together

    • 4

      Lend your expertise on homework assignments or just listen to your little one read each evening. Ask questions about your child's day and listen carefully to the answers.

    • 5

      Snuggle together in bed and read your child's favorite bedtime story.

    • 6

      Learn about your child's interests and schedule activities related to them.

    Save Time on Meal Preparation

    • 7

      Write a menu that's simple to make. Shop for ingredients on the weekend. Turn the shopping list into a scavenger hunt at the local farmer's market.

    • 8

      Cook a large meal together on the weekend to freeze for several leftovers throughout the week. You'll have extra time to spend with the rest of the family this way. Gather the kids and give each a kitchen responsibility to turn the chore into an exciting activity.

    • 9

      Sit down to meals as a family as many times as is possible during the week. Use this time to communicate and find out how the family is doing. Eliminate distractions such as cell phones, computers and the television.

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