Working Mom Secrets to Happy Evenings

Establish an After-Work Schedule

You can eliminate a ton of after-work mom stress by just following this step. Children and, in fact, adults thrive on routine. With the compressed time after work ends and before bedtime, it's even more crucial to create and stick to an evening routine.

If it helps, get a wipe board and write down the schedule. Use symbols to help smaller children understand the order of things. Decide precisely when and how everything will occur, from dinnertime to bedtime. Stick to this schedule fanatically.

Also be sure to warn children a few minutes before each new event in the evening schedule. That will make it much easier for them to cope.

Also do whatever possible to be firm with your employer about the time you leave work. An ever-changing end of the work day makes things stressful for everyone, and makes it impossible to establish a routine.

Schedule in Fun Play Time

This is easily one of the hardest things to work into an after-work schedule, but certainly one of the most important. Even if it's only 15 minutes, always have time set aside for you to give undivided attention to the children, and time in which there are no tasks that must be done.

Involve Children in the Nightly To-Do List

If your child or children are old enough, get them to help prepare dinner. Even younger children will enjoy setting a table (just stick with plastic and non-dangerous plates and cutlery).

You can maximize this limited evening time together by having the kids involved whenever possible. Have them help pick up toys or clutter, or help find their pajamas.

Bedtime Routine is Key

One of the single biggest stressors for kids and parents is bedtime. Set a time, and stick to it. It could take a week or two for kids used to flexible bedtimes will adjust, but it will be worth it.

Also, follow the same routine each evening. Pick a couple of activities to signal bedtime, whether it's a bath followed by reading a book or cuddle time before singing a song to your child in bed.

Make Time for Mom

It can be hard to unwind from a work day, and it's even tougher when you work all day only to put out fires again at home until you fall exhausted into bed.

Once you establish a firm bedtime, allow yourself at least an hour for quiet pursuits or activities you enjoy. Also allow time for you and your husband to connect.