So, you're the parent of a preschooler? Whether you are a mom or dad, are single or married, have one child or half a dozen, and whether or not you work outside the home, the preschool years can be some of the most physically and emotionally draining. One of the biggest struggles is in balancing all the demands on your time. Raising young children, managing the household and finances, nurturing the marriage, and devoting energy to social and spiritual pursuits can seem to be a real balancing act.

The dependence of young children can feel overwhelming at times. Remember that this is only temporary; this stage won't last forever.

How do you find balance? Managing your time is the first step. Below are a few suggestions that can help:

• Assess your time - Are there tasks that could be eliminated? Learn to say "no" when possible.
• Prioritize - What tasks need to be done? Can a sink full of dirty dishes wait while you give your preschooler some much needed love and attention?
• Organize - Keep a folder with each child's vital information handy, such as immunization records and daycare information.
• Pick your battles - You may have to reassess some of your neatness standards. Maybe you can't stand a dirty floor, but could live with a little more dust.
• Multi-task - Do chores while making phone calls on a cordless phone, grocery shop and pick up dry cleaning while your child is at practice.
• Ask for help - No one can do it all…alone. Barter with another parent- trade babysitting time so you can run errands or enjoy some time alone.
• Keep a family calendar - Hang a calendar to keep track of all meetings, appointments, practices, etc.

While juggling the demands of daily life, it's also important to take good care of yourself and your marriage. Having children calls for self-sacrifice, but it doesn't mean giving up all freedom and pleasures. Many parents feel selfish when taking time for themselves, but one of the most powerful ways kids learn to be intimate with others is to observe a close and loving relationship between parents. Work at letting your children deepen, not inhibit, your relationship with your partner. Here are some ideas for you to try at a time when it can be easy to become completely baby/child absorbed.

Caring for yourself:

• Take time to indulge in a hobby or interest, even 15 minutes a day or a few times a week can be enough to reduce your stress level.
• Get adequate rest (yes, it's possible!). Make it a priority. We all function better on a good night's sleep.
• Stay in touch with friends, especially the "pre-baby" friends.
• Learn to relax, breathe, figure out what makes you feel great.

Caring for the your marriage:

• Take time each day to listen to your partner, even if you can only catch a few minutes before drifting off to sleep.
• Make a date and keep it!
• Be creative-you may not have money for a vacation, but maybe you can camp out in the yard under the stars.
• Challenge yourself to have conversations about "non-kid" things, like current events, or your goals and dreams.
• Make an effort to find enough privacy (and energy) to continue your sexual relationship.
• Trade foot rubs and back massages with your partner.

It's easy to let personal and marital well-being fall by the wayside while trying to keep up with all of the demands on our time. Learning to achieve balance now while your children are young can help you be better prepared for upcoming stages of their growth and new challenges.

Your children will eventually leave home and you and your spouse will have survived. But in the meantime, I hope you will try to take good care of yourself and your marriage. It takes work to preserve your health and the health of your marriage. But it's well worth it!