As the holiday season comes to a close, and we find ourselves somewhat reluctantly returning to jobs and responsibilities external to family life, it’s an apt time to consider how we negotiate the work life / family life balance.

If you tend to think in terms of work versus family, rather than work and family, you’re likely experiencing a good deal of stress in trying to manage your responsibilities in both arenas.

The following tips will help you achieve a healthier work-life balance and alleviate some of that stress:

Nobody’s perfect.

• Set reasonable goals and expectations for yourself at home and at work.
• Ask yourself the “what will happen” question . . . for example, if you’re pressed for time, what will happen if you don’t clean the garage today?
• Don’t try to be perfect. An orderly house is nice, but there are times when the dishes can wait.

Let’s talk.

• Hold family meetings to talk about issues that affect the entire family. Make sure everyone gets a chance to talk, especially the children.
• Maintain a calendar of activities so everyone knows what’s coming up and what they have to do.
• Set aside family time each day to talk with your partner and children about what’s important in life.
• Plan at least one family meal a day. Family rituals—pizza Wednesday, Friday movies—are fun and foster a sense of family togetherness.
• Spend one-on-one time with each child.

Organize! Organize! Organize!

• Streamline your life and set priorities.
• Know your limits. Learn to say NO to unnecessary infringements on your time.
• Share household responsibilities and tasks. Younger children like charts that list everyone’s chores.
• Cook in quantities so you have easy, nutritious meals available when you’re pressed for time.
• Find safe, dependable child care. Take your time evaluating care providers in the beginning; it will pay dividends later. Develop a plan for back-up care.
• Anticipate problems and conflicts at work and home, and feel confident in your ability to resolve them.