Working parenthood means endless to-do list and problems. More than a million people juggle between jobs and child-rearing. In fact, more than 56% parents report that it’s really difficult to maintain work-life balance. They reported that it becomes tough for them to simultaneously comply with the demands of the work and family. This issue isn’t limited to just one country; the statistics are equally striking in other countries too.
The problem is real for both moms and dads when they cope with such responsibilities on a daily basis. With endless problems on their way, parents cannot even run away from them. Under such conditions, it is normal to get tired. But what if we tell you that there are ways that can address such parenthood challenges? Let’s unveil a few ways of being an effective parent along with handling a full-time job.
1. Set Priorities
While it may sound like any basic advice but you all need to understand that as parents, y’all must set clear priorities. With several demands and responsibilities around you, it can be tough do everything for everyone. As a parent, you may think of raising your child better, be successful at work, enjoy a healthy couple relationship, be an involved parent, give quality education to your kid, contribute to the community, maintain a house, stay fit, and save enough money before retirement.
The aforementioned goals may take a lot of time and energy due to which you may also run into conflict with one another. Here you need to prioritize and make a timeline. As there are only 24-hours in a day, prioritize accordingly based on your values. For instance, if you want to be an engaged parent, set time each night to play with your child. Same goes with other priorities, divide time and each day will be sorted.
2. Talk to Your Manager
A good and empathetic manager can be a blessing for a working parent. A simple conversation and reconsideration regarding your priorities and goals can set things straight if they are understanding. Don’t allow yourself to get anxious over petty issues when you know that your manager can assist you. As a parent, you have a lot on your plate so always ensure discussing your availability with your manager.
Sometimes, you can come late to work or may have to attend your child’s school event therefore discuss these things in advance to avoid potential issues in the long run. Make sure that you discuss your limitations with them beforehand so that they’re prepared. Discussing such matters earlier can be beneficial for your professional career. You will be considered as an honest, dedicated and a professional employee, taking your job seriously.
3. Divide Responsibilities
One of the most helpful and best tips is to share responsibilities. According to a research, 59% parents in households where both mothers and fathers are working in the family report that they share responsibilities of the chores. That’s what must be done. Reports also suggest that parents likely get stressed when couples find a way to split parenting and household chores duties.
Sit together and make a list of things that are done on a daily basis. These duties may include household chores and also parenting duties. A list is one of the best ways to share roles in black and white. When you’d write and paste responsibilities in front of yourselves in a concrete way, you’ll see that each day will be less stressful and things also be done in no time. Single parent must never take the toll of responsibilities rather discuss and divide it with their partner.
4. Stay Connected
Connection – one of the ways you can make your children feel your presence. When you are in office, schedule a time to call them. If you are busy sometimes, try recording a short video and send them over to your children so that they feel you are with them. Sometimes you may also get late to their event, always keep them posted. Also, leaving something special for your child in their lunchbox can make them feel loved.
These little things matter most. As parents, you must make them feel loved and comforted. You may be busy all day in office but nevertheless your children are your top-most priority. Keep a check on such little things and you’ll always be linked with them for sure.
5. Form Special Family Activities
Finding time for your kids is crucial both during weekdays and weekends. Spending limited but quality time together can nurture your family dynamics and permit everyone to bond. If you have limited time on a particular day, make sure that you at least have a family breakfast together, or at least play family night board game or watch a nice movie. Another good idea is to create special family activity time. Create a suitable schedule so that everyone knows what’s going to be there in the game and what they can look forward to.
Plan family picnics, outings and visit gaming zones and avoid talking about work or checking phone. Keep stress away from you and your family and focus on spending quality time with everyone. If you have older children, ask for their suggestions too and try and executing those activities. No matter which activity you’re involved in, what matters most is the family together. Creating moments and making memories forever!
Final Word
Working parenthood isn’t easy. It can also be way too complex, chronic, and emotional at times. To handle all the parental duties challenges, it is always better to set priorities, divide responsibilities, discuss things beforehand with the manager/employer, stay connected with family members and kids, and execute creative family activities to build a stronger bond.
While we understand the issues you are facing, we also hope you will be able to be an effective parent and can thrive in your career following the discussed ways. Good luck!
