How many hours in a day can you spare? None you say out loud. But have you stopped to think why? Can it be you have over extended yourself? Have you somehow said yes to one too many things this week, this month, even this year?

As parents some of us may feel we must be and do every thing. Some may feel guilt which I read and hear about often. Some feel a sense of failure even. Between those blogs we read on achieving it all and the celebrities we admire bouncing right back no wonder at times even the best of parents find themselves feeling defeated.

Let me share a few tips I used along the way with my daughter. I held a full time job and only took 6 months off when I had her. The economy being what it was and still has been some of us find it hard to be a one income household. When I dropped off my daughter for the first time at her sitters this is what I promised myself...

1- I would invest my time on quality not quantity. I would make the time if even half an hour to be about just me and her, no matter what age she was, no matter what the activity. As long as we were together and in the moment that would be enough.

2- I would never compare my home or our lives to others. We each run our homes as best fits for our family unit and once we loose sight of that the balance is gone.

3- Set rules and expectations early and adjust with age. If your foundation is strong from the beginning as the years go by there will be less chaos. Children need structure which translates to less stress for us as parents in the long run.

4- Communication is everything. I promised myself that we would talk about everything and anything with an open mind, respect and trust. I promised I would be a parent that would allow her to spread her wings and test the waters. Only if she showed otherwise would I step in and monitor things. I wasn't interested in reading her texts or emails or monitor her computer. I sat back and allowed her to show me she had learned what she was taught since very young.

5- I would not over schedule, join every club, extend my services or try to be something I wasn't. I would only sign my daughter up for activities she showed interest in and actually participated. If she showed no interest I would not waste my time. Kids sometimes get excited about things until they realize the work they must put in, so it is up to us to set the guidelines. I would pick one activity I would help the PTA with, not several. Doing just one doesn't make me any less involved in my child's life it makes me a more focused parent. I have no need to impress the other mom's because I am sure they have lots on their own plates.

If we set some goals and stay focused we can reduce the level of stress we impose on ourselves tremendously. Life is hard enough at times without added baggage. Let's be easy on ourselves and enjoy our kids more. Lets stop and smell the Roses.