Is it Really Possible to Balance Work and Family?

Many times women feel overwhelmed and stressed by trying to balance family and career. Just last year, many people discussed whether Sarah Palin would be able to keep a sense of balance between being the vice presidential candidate and having five children. Have you ever heard someone say that about a man? Here are a few ideas to help you keep it all in check:

Routines are extremely important: when you do the same thing over and over again, not only do you get really good at it, it becomes second nature. You can have several sets of routines for your entire day. It is helpful to write down everything you do, or need to do, to get to bed at a decent hour, to get out of the house in the morning without rushing, to get dinner on the table quickly and easily. I suggest writing out lists of what needs to be done at each section of your day. As we get older and more forgetful, it is helpful to have a reminder of what needs to be done. When you are rushing around, it is easy to forget something important.

It's okay to say "NO": we hear this all the time, but do we practice it? As women, we are people pleasers and we don't like to upset others or feel like we have let someone down. Instead, we need to feel that way about ourselves. Think about how upset you would be if you add one more thing to your "to do" list. Say no for your children as well, don't let them be involved in too many activities.

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