It does become easier with time. If your children are old enough to help, encourage them to take part in making this time a successful one. Review what they can do to help out, even just small things like getting the dirty clothes to the washer for you is one step you don't have to do.

Consider what items conflict with each other and decide if both are necessary or can they be rotated. If both are necessary, decide if you can have a family member help out or if you can delay arrival time on one. When my girls were both playing sports they had practice at almost the same time in two different locations. I made arrangements with the coach of the older one to arrive at the practice area a little early on that night so I could leave the older one in time to get to the younger ones practice. The younger one finished earlier so I was able to get to the olders practice before it ended.

Remember you need to take time to get some rest because if you get sick there is no one to share the work or care of the family with. Think about meals and what you are planning. Could they be easier, yet still healthy? Could you cook multiple things and freeze so you only have to reheat during the week. Don't plan a 3 course meal on soccer practice night, have soup and sandwiches instead.

Hang in there, it's worth every minute you get to spend with them.
Source(s):
personal experience as a single parent followed by being military spouse through a number of deployments

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