Make the most of all the family time you have
If there is two working parents in your household, it's important to make time to spend with your children.
As your children grow you'll find there are ever-increasing and conflicting demands on everyone's time.
The secret is to plan ahead and make clear to everyone what you're planning. Don't worry if you haven't actually decided where you're going on Saturday afternoon (or whether you'll all just stay in with a video). The vital first step is to block off a few hours for a family activity.
As your children grow it's worth making them aware of how much you value time spent together by talking about it. Tell them that Saturday afternoons with the family mean a lot to you - they'll appreciate that you want to be with them.
Don’t waste family time on chores. Shop online instead of dragging the children round the supermarket.
Being organised will maximise the time you can spend enjoying life with your family. Take ten minutes every evening to plan what you need to achieve the following day, and make a list. This will help you to be more focused. Share the load with your partner, for example:
Spend time together planning how you will spend the week ahead Try to manage the children’s lives equally Let go of responsibilities your partner is taking on Organise areas of responsibility so you each do the jobs that are easiest and most enjoyable for you
Finally, never underestimate how much you can get out of just a few moments' concentrated time with your child. Even babies know and appreciate when they're being fully engaged with and enjoyed for their own sake.