While it’s not easy to be a parent and have a full-time job, it can be done when you’re committed to succeeding in your role. It’s important to keep a positive attitude and be willing to rearrange your life a bit so you can better manage all you’re responsible for.
There are a few specific tips that are going to help you out the most as you try to balance it all and also remain happy and healthy. It’s worth your time to sit down and map out what you’re currently doing and then take these suggestions into account so you can move forward with ease.
Find A Job You Love
Working a dead-end job you love will not only put you in a bad mood most days but will also cause you to get down about your life in general. As a working parent, it’s important that you take time to find a career you love and that you feel passionate about. Your position as parent and career person will be a lot less cumbersome when you don’t despise what you’re doing each day for a living. Be proactive and job search until you find the right fit, even if it requires you to move locations or houses. If you do have to pick up and transfer then go online to review more info related to finding reasonable and professional packing companies that can help you make it a smooth transition.
Set Boundaries
It’s extremely important to be good about setting boundaries with others, both at work and in your home. The last situation you want is people or taking advantage of your time, that can lead to you putting yourself and your family at the bottom of the pile.
- Know your limits and then remain in control so you can make the best decisions for yourself throughout your days.
- Learn to say no to people when you simply don’t have the capacity or energy to take on another project or task.
- Determine your core values and be honest with yourself; this will make setting boundaries easier.
Manage Your Stress
Another tip for all working parents is to be diligent about managing your stress on a regular basis. Not doing so may cause you to say words or take actions you might later regret. The less tension you feel, the better able you’ll be at handling difficult situations both in the workplace and with your kids.
Find activities you enjoy doing, and that allow you to lower your anxiety such as yoga, meditation and taking long walks. Know what triggers your stress and try to stay away from these types of circumstances or people in your daily life.
Be Fully Present & Avoid Multitasking
The act of multitasking might seem like a good idea at first, but you’ll likely end up being less productive in the end. You’ll find that you become less frantic and more focused when you’re fully present and in the moment instead of trying to take on too much at once.
How can I do this?
- Put your phone and email away when you’re at home playing with your kids and show them that they have your full attention.
- In the office, eliminate distractions and put all your energy into the task at hand instead of trying to overdo it and ultimately not getting anything productive done.
Ask for Help
As a working parent, you can’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help when you need it. Understand you don’t have to do it all on your own or try to impress others with your parenting and career skills. They’ll respect you more when you show that you’re human and struggle to get it all done too just like them. See if your spouse can pick the kids up if you have to work late or get your children involved a neighbourhood lift rota if it’ll help you out. No one will know that you need assistance unless you speak up and state exactly what it is you could use an extra hand doing.
Be Kind to Yourself
Most importantly, stop beating yourself up when you make mistakes or don’t accomplish all you set out to do in one day. Be kind to yourself by practicing self-care and self-love and making sure you’re keeping the messaging in your head positive. Focus on all you did right in any given day or week and celebrate your small successes along the way. Make a note of what you want to do differently going forward, but don’t dwell on the errors you commit or else you may find yourself feeling more exhausted and defeated. Try your best and let that be enough when all is said and done.
Follow A Schedule & Make Lists
What will be most helpful to you as a working parent who has a lot on your plate is to follow a schedule. Try to get up and go to bed around the same time, know what time you want to be out the door each morning and make lunches the night before to save yourself from rushing around the day of. Also, get in the habit of making lists and writing down all you have to do instead of trying to remember it all in your head. This way you can attend to what’s most important first and prioritise, so you do not forget to tackle important to-dos. Keep a family calendar of events visible for all to see so you know where people have to be when as well.
Conclusion
First and foremost, be proud of yourself for not only being a great parent but also a career person too. Keep at it, and eventually, you’ll find a routine that works for you and allows you to live a more balanced life. Think about your personal, career and family goals and keep these objectives top of mind to help you make wiser decisions that cause you to feel satisfied and content. Remember that it’s never too late to modify your ways or take a new route, so continue on strong until you find the right formula for you.