When kids go back to school at various ages, new demands pile on parents very quickly. New schedules, new homework, new teachers, and new schools are just the beginning.

Ensuring flexible work schedules that allow employees to maintain the work-life balance they need, while also permitting businesses to meet the demands of a challenging economy, is an important balance that our stakeholders strive every day to get right.

I've always been a list person, but my sanity (and the survival of my family) became dependent on my "Three Lists" at the beginning of this academic school year. When I forgot to pick up my son. On the first day of school. When I had already picked up my daughter from that very same place. 

So stop trying to fit in those last-minute emails before heading out the door. Get in the car earlier than you have to. Don't put yourself in the situation of having to come up with excuses for being late. Instead, be known as someone who is always on time. And watch your life change as a result.

Divorced parents new to the ambiance of divorce situations would do well to learn from the mistakes of others. Those who feel they have made mistakes needn't unnecessarily blame themselves when there's so much to do to remedy situations in the new year.