It is not always easy to stay close to your partner and your children full-time. Many people feel that they have to choose between their work and their family – and in the end, both often suffer from it. There is no sure way to stay at the top of your career without wasting precious family time. However, there are ways to maintain a healthy and sustainable balance between the two.

Set boundaries between your professional and family life.

Many people respond to e-mails and work on projects after going home for the night, but when you do that, you may feel that you never left the office to get started. Even if you cannot always get off at five o’clock, you will do your best to leave your work behind when you get home. Spend your free time with your loved ones and do things that recharge you. This change may seem embarrassing if you tend to be a workaholic; But remember, you will not do yourself or your boss any good if you do not work too much, so take a break.

Connect with your family through routines

• Stay close to your partner and children by creating daily routines that allow you to spend time together. These routines should not be impractical or time consuming. Instead, look for ways to turn your usual tasks and habits into binding time. Get up twenty minutes earlier in the morning to have a cup of coffee with your partner, or have dinner with your children every evening. Creating regular family routines can help you appreciate the ordinary aspects of life.

Take the time to be together.

• Prioritize your family on weekends and your vacation by planning special things to do together. Keep it close with a board game night or a barbecue in the backyard, or take a car ride together and explore a new city. You can even schedule one day a week for a family activity such as hiking or volunteering. Bringing work and family together is often just a matter of timing and making the most of the moments you have with loved ones. It may not be easy, but its always worth it. Make these strategies a part of your life and you will feel closer to your family without giving up your job.

Do something together

• It does not have to be special or take a long time. In fact, your children will enjoy being with you every day for a short while. Watering the garden, walking the dog around the block or bringing your brother or sister to a friend’s house. As long as you are relaxed and listen to their conversation, they will be happy.

Enjoy the bedtime routine

• Bath time, a bedtime story or both, will help settle everyone in for a goodnights rest. When you have relaxed and eaten, it will help you lower your energy level and put you into a deeper sleep.