The hour or so before dinner can be trying for many working moms. Your kids want your attention, but you may need a break after a stressful day. Try these mom-to-mom tips so you can catch your breath—and be in a better frame of mind for your family.

My 2-year-old loves to help put the new trash bag in the can, unload the dishwasher, take the laundry out of the dryer or sweep. She stays busy and learns helpful lessons, and I get things done.
—April Adair Williams, mom of Emily, 2; Pensacola, FL

The kids all sit at the table in the playroom and color or do puzzles while they catch up about their day. Then, once they’ve relaxed, they’re ready to start on homework or practicing the alphabet (for the little ones).
—Teresa Evans-Hunter, mom of Matthew, 8, Lisette, 3, and Giovanna, 3; Raleigh, NC

We grill year-round, so my 3-year-old, Maddie, runs off a little steam and builds up an appetite playing Frisbee or fetch with our dog, Sam, in the backyard while my husband, Sean, supervises from the grill.
—Meghan O’Brien, mom of Maddie, 3, and Tim, 1; New Hyde Park, NY