Juggling work commitments and parenting responsibilities can be tough at the best of times and sometimes it’s difficult to find the right balance whereby you feel like you are giving enough attention to your children whilst still doing a good job and progressing at work. We can’t promise to make it all seamless (!), however with a good deal of planning, organisation, and support, you can hopefully find a way that works for you. Here are some tips to help you manage both responsibilities effectively:
1) Create a Schedule
Establish a structured daily schedule that includes dedicated blocks of time for work, childcare, meals, breaks, and personal time. Having a routine helps you and your child know what to expect each day. If you already have school-aged children, then make sure you have something up on the wall so you know what’s happening each day… perhaps if they are going to a school club or childminder or you are doing school pick up. We have a weekly schedule up on the fridge and it makes it easier as both parents and children can see what’s coming during the week.
2) Set Realistic Expectations:
This is an important one. Understand that you might not be able to give 100% to both work and childcare simultaneously. And that’s ok. Be realistic about what you can accomplish and prioritise tasks based on their importance. Explain to your children the reasons why you work and how school clubs or childminders can be a really positive experience for them. Your children can learn new skills or be exposed to different adults who can teach them new perspectives and styles. If your children are old enough and they are at home whilst you are working sometimes, that’s ok. Boredom is not always a bad thing and can sometimes lead to more creative minds!
3)Communicate with Your Employer
If you’re working from home, communicate with your employer about your situation. Discuss flexible work hours, remote work options, or any adjustments that could help you manage your workload and childcare responsibilities. Modern workplaces are becoming more understanding about work/life balance and offering flexible working options to both men and women. Sometimes organisations or bosses possess an old-fashioned culture and that can be tough on working parents. If you are looking for a new job, ensure that you understand the company benefits with regards to childcare before you sign the contract.
4)Utilize Childcare Services
If possible, consider utilising childcare services such as nursery, childminders or family members to provide support during work hours. This allows you to focus on work whilst your child is having a great time experiencing activities that they wouldn’t necessarily at home.
5)Create a Dedicated Workspace
If you don’t already have one post-lockdown, set up a designated workspace where you can focus on work without distractions. This separation helps you mentally switch between work and childcare roles. Working in your pyjamas on your bed isn’t helpful for anyone. Any sized desk is fine, in any room in your house, but just ensure that this is your ‘workspace’ only.
6)Prioritize Tasks
Identify your most important work tasks and focus on completing them during your most productive hours. Use tools like to-do lists, task management apps and online calendars to stay organised. We enjoy using Asana to schedule our tasks in. We also recommend dividing your day and devoting a certain number of minutes/hours on a particular task which helps you to focus during that time period.
7)Delegate and Share Responsibilities
If you have a partner or other family members at home, work together to share childcare and household responsibilities. Always try to plan in advance (the night before) if possible so you know what’s coming the next day – what you will be working on and what your kids need for their day at home/nursery/school. This can lead to a calmer household around breakfast time and minimise chaos. If you have teenagers, empower them to prep themselves for the next day. A few reminders perhaps needed at first 🙂
8)Practice Self-Care
Remember to take care of yourself. Prioritize sleep, nutrition, exercise, and relaxation to maintain your physical and mental well-being. We can’t stress this point enough! Sometimes there doesn’t seem time for yourself when parenting and working at the same time, but it’s so important! Even if you get up 20 minutes early for a spot of yoga or a walk or spend 15 minutes chatting to a friend at 9pm – whatever makes you feel calmer and on top of things is going to help you be both a better employee and better parent.
Remember that every family’s situation is different, and finding the right balance takes time and experimentation. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals if you’re feeling overwhelmed!