Partnerships between communities and schools give families access to support services such as before and after school programs and healthcare, and open the way for exploring alternatives to the traditional school day and year. Actively involving fathers in children's lives and learning is another way to ease the time crunch for mothers. Balancing work, home, and children's learning requires a collaborative effort by families, schools, employers, community organizations and religious groups. Schools need to rethink their traditional schedules in terms of parent needs and consider a range of times, including early morning, evening and perhaps weekends. In Oxbridge, MA, public schools provide year round day care, after and before school programs, as well as summer programs.
Libraries can be a positive force in any community to help youth and parents.
Employers need to know that family friendly policies are good business practice. It is important for employers to allow parents to participate in their children's education because these children will be the business leaders of tomorrow. Parents need effective ways to cope with stress and to be able to model them for their children. Parents should be encouraged to evaluate what they are doing and how they are using their time. They need to remember to budget time for their children and for themselves.