All too often working professionals get caught in the cross hairs of family responsibility and work requirements. So many times we are forced to make that sacrifice of family needs and wants to meet the demands of the work requirements. I have spend many years dodging this particular duck shoot and I have learned a thing or two from it all that I believe will help many of my readers.

First and foremost - Family must come first. There is no maybe about this. When we allow our "work" to consume us we miss out on the enjoyment that comes from the very reason we work so hard. Keep in mind that although "Family First" is important; it cannot happen without a little give and take.

Time management - this is not a dirty word and it is not code for more work. It is how you can survive the day to day demands of all those in your life that hold meaning (or necessity). Know when you can shut off the brain, turn the ringer off on the phone and turn up the cartoons. Recognizing the plan of your day and following it as close as possible will leave you with some breathing room at the end of the day. When you get up in the morning and get the family ready, focus on them, their needs; share their smiles, their concerns and send them off knowing that you were focused on them and not some report due in today.

When you are in the office (out in the field or wherever you call work) be there, in the moment. Dedicate your time and knowledge to what you are doing. Follow the schedule you have for your day and as with anything else always have a plan B.

When that whistle blows and its quitting time; refocus, settle your mind and get back into being part of the family. Not everyday will go according to plan, and not every evening at home will be the bliss we saw on Leave it to Beaver. Focus on those things you can change, leave the frustrations of both worlds outside the door when you enter either and give yourself a few moments (the car ride into work or the few minutes you sit in the driveway each night before you go inside and great the family) where you can leave the baggage that comes from straddling the fence that divides your worlds.

On the days when things go horribly awry and you cannot seem to get the time management to work for; "Just Breath". Take a deep cleansing breath and let all the frustration go; then move into position to once again solve the woes of your world.

So the short tips are these:1. Make time 2. Take time 3. Just Breath and 4. Tomorrow is another opportunity to do it all over again.