3 Time Saving Tips for Working Parents-- Win Back Your Weekends

1. Keep weekends fun. Weekends are supposed to be our time to relax away from work and spend with our family, but more often we are bringing stress and work home with us. Try to get out of the house at least once during the weekend, doing a fun activity together that is away from your home. Go someplace special like the zoo or an amusement park. Do something active with your kids like swimming or something simple like shooting hoops at the nearest school. Parks are great because kids keep themselves occupied with other kids while you relax and catch up on your tan or that book you started 3 months ago. The important thing is not the activity itself, but to remember to focus on your family during these outings-- you don't want your quality time together being your kids sitting in front of the television while you are finishing up a few work related items on the computer.

2. Pick Two. By identifying your top two most important tasks of the day, you can be less stressed and more productive. Narrow your list of "to dos" down to the two items you absolutely wouldn't be able to stand if they aren't complete. Then complete them. Cross them off your list and enjoy the power of accomplishment you feel! You have made a dent in your list and can safely leave the rest of your list until tomorrow, when you know you will get at least two more items off of it. Now you can call it a day and spend some quality time with your kids without having an unfinished "to do" list to leave you feeling guilty.

3. Enlarge your calendar. To see what weekend days are available for fun family activities, invest in a large calendar or dry erase board. Hang it somewhere accessible and visible to all those in your family. Ask family members to write down every activity, function, or practice they have scheduled (if using a dry erase board, try different colored markers for every family members). Now you can see at a glance what days and times are open for family functions. You can also plan mother-daughter or father-son activities on days when the opposite children are already booked. Review your calendar nightly to make sure you haven't overcommitted yourself, and let your family know not to schedule practices or outings on days when you have scheduled a family outing.