It can be challenging for busy parents to juggle their family life and career responsibilities. For many, bringing a child into the world means a shift in priorities and, oftentimes, a decrease in their work-life balance.
In fact, “31% of UK employees feel that they do not have a good work-life balance“, so it is clear that many parents struggle to find a balance between their professional and personal lives.
But it’s important to understand that it isn’t impossible! Many parents have managed to find a balance between their job and family life with the help of certain tips and tricks.
In this article, we will explore the strategies used by busy parents how to find work-life balance.
1. Make Time for Yourself
When we are busy with work and family responsibilities, it can be easy to forget about taking care of ourselves.
However, it’s important to take a few moments each day to relax and unwind. If you don’t take time to look after yourself, you’ll find that it becomes much harder to find a balance between your job and family life.
Self-care is crucial so that you can be at your best when it comes to working and looking after your baby.
Whether that looks like scheduling time for a yoga class, reading a book, or taking a nap, make sure that you’re carving out some “you” time each day.
2. Prioritise Your Schedule
Every work-at-home parent should be aware of how to prioritize their daily tasks.
When you have a lot on your plate, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. To combat this feeling, making a physical list of what you need to get done and what you would like to get done can be incredibly helpful.
This way, you can determine which tasks are most essential and must be done first and which ones can wait until later.
If something needs to be done urgently, make sure that it’s one of the first things on your list. This will help you stay organized and focused while getting everything done promptly.
(This doesn’t mean just work tasks, but it could include things like meal prepping, laundry, and mealtime with your family. Whatever you need to get done in your day, make sure you prioritize).
3. Eliminate Distractions
Distractions can be one of the biggest impediments to finding work/life balance. When you’ve got a list of work tasks that you need to get done, it can be hard to focus if your phone or laptop keeps buzzing with notifications or if your children need attention.
One of the best ways to manage distractions is to designate a designated workspace in your home. If you can, choose an area that is separate from the distractions of your house.
Of course, if your little one needs tending to, then you’ll want to take care of them. But try to find a balance.
4. Ask for Help if You Need Support
It’s okay to ask for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a professional service, don’t be afraid to ask for support when you need it.
You don’t have to try and do everything on your own – sometimes, just having someone else there to listen can be enough to lighten the load.
There shouldn’t be any pressures or expectations to do it all. It’s okay to lean on someone else when you need a break.
5. Put in Time to Spend at Home
While you might be passionate and dedicated to your work, it’s key that you also put in the time to spend with your family.
This could be simply taking a walk together after dinner or having a games night once a week. Whatever it is, ensure you’re consistently carving out time to spend with your loved ones.
If you’re working from home, take breaks throughout the day to spend with your family. This will help you remain connected and focused on what’s important when you’re looking for work-life balance.
The Importance of a Good Work-Life Balance
As a busy parent, finding a good work-life balance can be challenging. But it’s crucial to avoid burnout.
You need to be at your best when it comes to your job and looking after your baby. Self-care is essential, but so is prioritizing your time, eliminating distractions, and spending quality time with your family.
While you are working hard to achieve all your goals, don’t forget to take care of yourself and your family. Making sure your baby is cared for, your work is done, and you still have time for yourself is an essential part of finding balance in life. Creating a space for them that is calming and comfortable, and loving will give them the security to thrive.
Summary: Managing Baby and Work
As a parent who works from home, it can be hard to balance managing your baby and work – particularly if you’re a new parent. The challenge of raising a new child, paired with the demands of work, can be overwhelming and cause you to feel burnt out.
But many people have found success in finding a good work-life balance. Ultimately, finding what works best for you and how you can manage it is key.
Don’t feel pressured to do it all on your own, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it!