I often say there’s really no such thing as work-life balance; it’s more of a juggle and, from time to time, you have to forget about keeping all of those balls up in the air and just try to catch them as they fall.

My post about daycare drama last week generated some really great advice from all of you. It also drew a bit of criticism from commenters who suggested that, maybe, our kids would have an easier time if they were home with their mothers instead of at care. That kind of thing is nothing new to parents who are trying to juggle career and parenthood, but it does ratchet up the stress level in what is -- especially in this economy -- an already stressful situation.

So, we've got working-parent guilt. We're worrying about layoffs and pay cuts. We're trying to be the best parents we can be. We're trying to figure out how to make ourselves more valuable to our companies without undermining our families.

That's a lot of stress. Here are a few ways to cope:

Remember why you're working. A recent study by US staffing company Adecco Group found that 80 percent of women surveyed are working because they have to, not necessarily because they want to. Let go of the guilt: You are putting food on the table and a roof over your children's heads. That's supporting your family, not depriving them.

Focus on wearing one hat at a time. When you're at work, try to be as productive as possible; when you're at home, try to leave your job at the office. Make the most of the time you have, and focus on quality (or productivity) instead of quantity (or face time) if possible.

Remember that parenting skills and professional skills are often similar. You're not worth less as a parent -- you're worth more. As a parent, you have honed your communication, negotiation, and organization skills -- all qualities a successful leader and team player in the office need to have.

Talk to your kids about what you do. Even young children can understand the difference between work and play; they know that cooking dinner isn't the same as making noise with empty pots and pans. Explain what you do at your job, and why you're doing it. Give them a chance to ask questions and pretend to work at home.

What's the most challenging part of your work-life juggle? What do you do to cope with the stress?

Lylah M. Alphonse is a Globe staff member and mom and stepmom to five kids. She writes about juggling career and parenthood at The 36-Hour Day and blogs at Write. Edit. Repeat. E-mail her at lalphonse@globe.com.