Q: I have started to work outside the home and when I come home from work my list of chores is so long.  How can I reconnect with my kids and get dinner on the table?

A: It is a challenge.  Dinner is a chore that needs to get done almost every night. Organization is the key.

You can prep, cook, and clean up together.  Setting and clearing the table are things that most any age child can do.  You may want to switch to plastic dishes depending on the age of the children.  

A plastic knife or a chopper are safe ways for children to help with prep.  Most vegetables and fruits can be cut with a plastic knife.  Not only are you spending time with your children and getting dinner on the table, they are also learning many skills.  They will learn how to cook, how to wipe off a counter-top, how to correctly load a dishwasher, and how to take out the kitchen garbage and to immediately put in a new bag!  

When I know I will be working late or on the weekend, we have a family breakfast.  It is a fun meal  that everyone looks forward to. 

Leaving notes is always a nice reminder for the kids that you are thinking of them when you are apart.  Sometimes I leave them in their lunches, on the counter when they get home, or even on their pillow.  Texting can also be a great way to stay in-touch or to give you a talking point for later when you can connect.  I knew that the notes I left for my kids were important when a I found I stack of them in my son and  daughter's room.  I couldn't believe they had kept a post it note!