You are an example to your children in everything you do. Your example teaches them how to be responsible, how to treat others, and how to eat and exercise. What are you teaching them about your work life balance?A recent article that I read had some staggering statistics that showed what youngsters think about money and lifestyles. In a poll of teens ages 13 – 18, boys thought they would eventually earn $174,000 a year, and girls expected to earn over $114,000 annually. Since less than 5% of Americans earn more than $100,000 per year, our children have very high hopes! In thinking about America’s work ethic, we now have images of a very “connected” society. Everywhere we turn we see people conducting business via cell phone, blackberry, or laptop. That is what our children see too! They think, “That person is working so much, she must make a lot of money. I’ll do that too!” Do they see you doing this? Is equating the value of time with that of money the example you want to set for them?

Know that you can begin to achieve a healthy balance by organizing your work. Make sure you have a good paper management system in place, and set clear times for yourself to get your work done, and spend time with your family. Time management is a key for parenting! Remember that you alone are the biggest influence on your kids and their perceptions of the world. Help prepare them to be successful by showing them how an organized, balanced person goes through life.