Well, that's where we come in with some great advice to help you maximize the time you do have to spend with your family. These ideas come from Rodale Publishing. They asked all kinds of pediatric specialists, therapists, and educators and came up with this list.

• First, go to career day or the bake sale or your kid's basketball game. Studies show that children whose parents are "highly involved" in their schooling earn more "A"s. And just so you know, "highly involved" means attending only 3 events a year. You can handle that, right? Also, teachers communicate more with parents they've met in person.
• Use the time in the car to communicate. It doesn't have to be anything heavy, but when you're in the car together start asking questions. According to Dr. Robert Frank, author of the book "Parenting Partners" when you pay attention to what your kid is saying they'll end up listening more when you talk.
• Also, when you go to your kid's school events, don't go to every soccer game. Instead, go to a soccer game, a bake sale, and the school play. If you only go to one event, like soccer, your kid will think that's the only aspect of their life that matters to you.
• And here's one for mothers specifically. Be more like a dad. Dads speak more playfully with their kids and double dare them to climb a tree. Mothers tend to be more serious and more fearful of their kids taking chances. Try teasing them a little,  not in a mean way, but start some trash talking when you're playing UNO. Dare them to climb that tree. Research shows that less fearful parenting develops a kid's cerebrum. And the playful teasing makes them feel closer to you emotionally. They'll be more likely to talk to you about serious things if they feel they can have fun with you too.