Coping with the demands of work and family life can be a bit of a juggling act. Many dads feel pressure to be successful in their jobs and spend time with their children. Decide your priorities and put systems in place to help you manage your responsibilities and alleviate stress.

How can I juggle my work schedule to give me more time at home?

Long working hours can mean you're gone in the morning before your baby wakes and home late at night after your baby is in bed. This is sad for you and your baby; you're both missing out on so much.

• Can you leave the office early and bring work home with you?

• Could you work flextime? Perhaps you could start earlier in the morning and be home in the afternoon.

• Could you telecommute? This gives you more control over your time.

How can I stop weekend errands from cutting into my family time?

Turn your weekend errands into family time. Your family can help you weed the garden, wash the car, plant bulbs and rake leaves. This time together will be the basis for your child's memories.

Hire someone to do adult-only errands like mowing the lawn or cleaning the gutters. If this is cost-prohibitive, consider making your property low-maintenance. Put timers on your sprinklers. Plant slow-growing landscape.

Should I be setting goals for work and home?

Set goals for work and home to help you focus on what needs to be accomplished. Goals allow you to monitor your progress. Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable or you'll be adding more stress. Spend some time planning how you'll achieve these goals and what resources or support you'll need.

Do I need a support system to help me balance my life?

Dads need support and input from family and friends who've been in the same situation. Talk with your father or father-in-law about how they coped with balancing work and family responsibilities. Get together with friends who have babies and ask them how they manage.

What other ideas will help me balance my work and family life?

• Don't bring work stress home with you. If you had a bad day at work, give yourself some space to cool off and unwind. This prevents you from being grumpy with your partner and baby.

• Give your baby attention as soon as you get in from work. Blobbing out on the couch can wait until baby is asleep.

• Develop family rituals with your baby, such as a special bedtime routine or a special song you sing at bath time.

Balancing work and family life isn't an easy task for new dads. With a little planning and organization, you can support both areas of your life successfully.