Work-Life Balance: How to Be a Working Parent and Not Lose Your Mind

Being a parent is hard enough, but trying to juggle a job on top of it is even more of a circus act! Whether you work full-time, part-time, from home, or in a shared workspace, it’s easy to get lost in the daily grind of it all. While it may not be possible to totally coast from business presentations to little league baseball games, these tips might help you navigate it with a little less stress.  

Meal-Prep

When you’re rushing out the door to get the kids to school and yourself to work, the last thing on your mind is what’s for dinner. However, simply having a meal plan for the week (or even just the day) can help ease some stress from the hustle and bustle. Plan your meals for the week at the beginning of the week and do some meal-prep by chopping veggies or cooking food items like rice and storing for quick access later. Now could also be a good time to embrace the old crock-pot and let it do all the work for you!

Plan Ahead

This one overlaps with the meal-prep category, but planning ahead in general will save you from overbooking and becoming over tired. Stay organized with a planner and a family calendar so that all family members can stay in the loop and know what to expect.

Alone Time

It’s important for all parents to occasionally have time to themselves, and that includes working parents. To help yourself not get too caught up in the shuffle, schedule time to do something you enjoy. Exercise is a great option, as it gives you time to yourself while also improving your physical and mental health. It can be tough to schedule this on top of everything else, but making it a priority will help you be your best self in the office and at home.

Drop the Guilt

No matter which side you fall on, it seems there’s always room to feel like you’re not good enough as a parent. Working parents (especially working mothers) often struggle with feelings of guilt at leaving their children with another caretaker during the day. However, it’s important to understand that each family needs to do what is right for them and stop comparing to others.

Be Intentional

In the time that you do spend with your family, be intentional about it. It helps to have a plan, even if that “plan” is just to hang out together with no plan at all. Turn off the phone if you can so that you can truly be present and show your family that you are committed to the time with them. You all will feel refreshed and bonded after uninterrupted time together, and you’ll be more focused and productive when you’re back in “work mode.”