Before Paul Ryan agreed to become Speaker of the House, he insisted that he be allowed to keep his family time and limit the extensive traveling the job usually entails.

President Obama told TODAY show host Matt Lauer in a pre-State of the Union message yesterday morning that being president has made him a better father.

He and Michelle attend parent-teacher conferences together.  He helps coach Sasha’s basketball team and attended Sasha’s dance recitals.

In fact, being President was the first time that the family was able to gather together for dinner every night in their upstairs quarters at the White House.

Men and women are increasingly speaking out about balancing the roles of professionals as they pertain to their children.

I know a family counselor who says if there is only one change you can make at this point to be a better dad or mom, commit to having dinner together every night.

And no cell phones.

That includes you, mom and dad.

It’s not the amount of time you spend together, it’s the amount of time you are present together.

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