As a parent, you try to do it all. From the morning rush to after-school activities and putting dinner on the table, balance is crucial. Sometimes, seemingly impossible. This special edition from the editors at Parents, ‘Balancing Your Life,’ takes on that challenge and discusses all aspects of balance. First, you’ll look at “Family Life,” and learn “What a Peaceful Family Looks Like,” how to “Raise a Can-Do Child,” and “11 Truths Every Parent Should Know.” Then, consider “Our Lives at Work,” where “The Juggle Is Real.” Explore “A Mindful Guide for Working at Home,” and what it takes to be “Working Happy in Anxious Times.” Finally, cultivate a real balance with the essential “Me Time/We Time.” See “Self-Care, Transformed,” and find out how to “Workout Like a Mother,” discover the keys to “Keeping Friendships Strong,” and even examine the tricky business that is “Sex While Parenting.” Parents’s ‘Balancing Your Life’ will help you see that balance is a verb, a constant process that is always in motion, and one that you can navigate with great success.
WHY BALANCED-ISH IS GOOD ENOUGH • If you feel like every day is crazier than the one before, you’re not wrong. But you’re handling it better than you think.
Family Life • Chores aside, there is no joy like spending time with the home team and enjoying each crazy-happy day.
50/50 PARENTING. FOR REAL. • Yes, you have both done your share of cleaning up spills and picking up at playdates. But who’s more likely to be up at midnight trolling Pinterest for birthday-cake ideas or ordering school supplies?
Tips for a Traditional Guy • So your spouse is a bit old-school? Deploy these strategies to encourage him to be more of a parenting and housework partner.
WHAT A PEACEFUL FAMILY LOOKS LIKE • Hint: Not an Instagram photo, because real peace, like life, is messy.
RAISE A CAN-DO CHILD • You can’t shield kids from challenges, but there are strategies to help them regain their footing when life throws them off-balance.
11 Truths Every Parent Should Know • Reading the diary I kept when my daughter was young, I cringe at how little I knew—but I’m proud of how much I’ve learned.
GREAT GAME! • A zero-pressure guide to raising a happy, healthy little athlete.
9 Ways to Mom With Fewer Chemicals • No need to buy organic everything or worry about every last chemical. With a few simple changes, you can drastically reduce your exposure to the toxins that matter most.
The 6 Most Dangerous Substances • You can’t avoid everything. But you can take a moderate approach and still protect your family. Here, experts reveal where to focus your attention.
How to Remember Even More Good Times • It’s amazing how easy it is to forget the magical little moments you assumed would get tattooed on your brain. Here’s a technique for holding on to happy memories that really works.
Amazing Apps for Parents • Want to organize all those adorable photos? Keep kids’ milestones and artwork sorted? There’s an app for that.
Our Lives at Work • From figuring out child care to clocking in from home, the keys to finding a career-kids balance that works for you.
THE JUGGLE IS REAL • Child-care costs have been spiraling upward for years, but for many, quitting work is not an option. Is there a solution? Parents investigated what these challenges present to hardworking families—and what needs to change.
CRUSHING IT ALL DAY • Okay, balancing work and home life isn’t exactly ideal. Go easy on yourself: You’re doing double duty. These are the tips and shortcuts you need to make your days a little smoother.
The 4-minute Sunday-night plan that solves it all for dual-working-parent families • A non-drama in one act
BRINGING YOUR BOOBS BACK TO WORK • 10 things to ask for
WHEN YOU’RE ON A (CAREER)...
