It is not easy to find that balance but is a matter of trying different things i think. I work 4 weekdays and use to do all the weeks cooking on monday so i can spend time with dd when we get home of an afternoon...then my monday 'off ' became 'crazy monday" and dd wouldnt get much attention on mondays as i was obsessed with getting things done. She now pushes me out of the kitchen to play with her or go outside etc so i cook dinner the night b4 now and that works. Just dont ask me about quailty time for myself coz thats a different story!! DH helps but its unfortunate he works so far from home and gets home about 7pm every night. I enjoy being able to just heat dinner, eat with dd and play till she goes to bed, when i get home from work.