How do parents manage a balance between work, home and raising their children?

[Beach Mama]

Things definitely get easier, you fall into a pattern and you basically do what you have to do. One thing I found I had to do when I went back to work, and I was just thinking about this today was to lower my standards for everything in a way. I don't feel that I give 100% to work, I don't feel I give 100% to housework and there are times when I don't give 100% to my kids either and I only work 2 days a week. It is a juggling act and something has to lose out - for me work and housework lose out and I focus as much as I can on the time I have with my kidlets. It is a big adjustment and I would say - enjoy now because things can change so quickly tomorrow and you will be fine. xoxox

[Nai]

As Tan said, it is a juggling act and I find I just have to give my best to what I am doing at any given time without stressing about the other aspects ie. if I am home with the kids then I give all of me to them and don't think about work. Unfortunately it often means I don't think about housework - at all However, I did get a cleaner once a fortnight just to save my sanity. It has really helped. Also I found with the kids in CC the house doesn't get as messy as they aren't in the house as much.