After a long day's work many parents look forward to a relaxing evening at home. Yet a parent arrives home only to be bombarded with news broadcasts of their child's events Emmitt Smith Black Jersey , demands for dinner, housework that needs to be done, homework that needs to be assisted with, baths and teeth to be brushed Tony Pollard Womens Jersey , laundry to be done, next day events to be organized'the beat goes on.


Evenings can be the enjoyable time you would like for both your children and yourself. Preplanning and sticking to a regular schedule will maximize your time together.


Look at the time you have in the evening and break it up into increments to cover your evening goals. Here is how one parent's schedule looks:


5:30-6:00 Pick up kids from Susan's and drive home.


6:00-6:30 We all sit in the kitchen for ?Happy Hour? and talk while one of us prepares dinner.


6:30-9:00 A nice sit down dinner. Afterwards I load the dishes and kids start their homework from 7:30-9. While kids work on their homework I catch up on bill-paying, phone calls, permission slips Connor McGovern Womens Jersey , etc. If they finish early, we play a card game together.


9:00-9:30 Kids prepare for the next day while I veg on the couch.


9:30 Lights out for kids and I curl up with a book.


As you plan your evening schedule, allot time for the fol-lowing:


o Your own relaxation


o Time together as a family


o A sit-down dinner when possible (Note: this doesn't mean a full course meal with a representative from all food groups. It simply means everyone's bottom on a chair while chewing through whatever the menu it.


Whether it be TV dinners, macaroni or cereal is ir-relevant)


o One-on-one time with each child (alternate nights if necessary)


o Homework


o Next day preparations


Keys for Creating Relaxing Evenings


When you arrive home from work Trysten Hill Womens Jersey , take a minute to switch gears and change into something more comfort-able.


If homework hassles are giving you a headache, create a work hour. Perhaps after dinner, but before des-sert, have one hour devoted to homework. While chil-dren work on their homework Taco Charlton Womens Jersey , take time to catch up on your own reading or paperwork.


Murphy's Law should state 'the more you try to relax the more you will think of that which needs to be done.? Make a habit of keeping to-do lists in your car, at work and at home. If you think of something that needs to be done, jot it down so it isn't weighing on your mind.


Get moving! Work off the day's stresses and spend some quality time with the kids by moving. Enjoy a physical activity together (outside if possible) like basketball, kickball or climbing a tree. Just 20 minutes outside after a long day can help parents and kids unwind Michael Gallup Womens Jersey , de-stress and catch up. If the weather won't permit a trip outside, try a quick game of charades (each family member takes one turn) or turn on some music and dance.


Avoid the phone. Let the answering machine pick up the calls at night while you are spending time with your children.


Make a list with your child of ten things you would really like to do together. Aim to do one every other week.


7 Actions to Take BEFORE You Interview Business Articles | August 25, 2006
When it comes to any job interview, you can decrease the "jitters" while you increase your confidence by following these 7 easy guidlines.

By decreasing the jitters BEFORE your interview you can increase your confidence DURING the interview.

Getting nervous just before or during an interview is natural but there are specific actions you can take to decrease Leighton Vander Esch Womens Jersey , if not eliminate it. Here is a checklist of 7 important actions you can accomplish before any interview you walk into.

1. When it comes to answering interview questions, forget trying to memorize scripted answers that you probably read somewhere. Instead, focus on answering the questions in a way that makes sense to you that showcases your experience and skills.

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Interviewers want to know more about who you are and telling small stories like this is an excellent way to do this. You want to be remembered. When you stand out from the crowd you'll personalize yourself. Another benefit is that you won't have to worry about memorizing answers to stock questions. Just be yourself and let your story shine through. If you can have about 5 to 7 good little stories of about 30 to 90 seconds each Demarcus Lawrence Womens Jersey , your confidence will rise tremendously for any interview you have.

2. Do company research well in advance so that you can relax before the interview rather than scrambling to get ready at the last minute. This also reduces the possibility of stupid and embarrassing questions on your part. You should already know what products or services the company is in the business of providing. You should know their size, their annual revenues (if they are a public company), what the title and functions of the job are, and lastly Amari Cooper Womens Jersey , the name and title of the person interviewing and their role in the hiring process.

3. Plan ahead to wear comfortable clothing that suits this type of interview. The usual mode these days is business attire. That could mean different things to different companies. If you're not sure, call ahead to either your interviewer or