Tips can help workers cope with off-hour schedule

• Plan your family or social life in advance and in detail. Don't just imagine it will work itself out.

• Make your time with friends and family a priority. Cleaning your house should be less important than being with your spouse or friends.

• Establish a routine around your work hours. Children need predictability.

• Stay connected. Leave notes at home for your spouse or children to keep in touch. Check in and have your children check in. Call on your cell phone during breaks.

• Establish a tradition on the nights or days you have off, such as going out to dinner together.

• If your work hours rotate, communicate with family members or significant others about your schedule. Post a schedule of when you will be eating and sleeping.

• Talk to co-workers about how they balance their work and families.

• Sleep eight continuous hours in every 24-hour period. You will be happier and easier to get along with.