Being a working mom is no easy feat. You need to ensure your kids are always safe, healthy, and happy while making sure you stay productive at work. There will be times when you can’t be in two places at once. You might have to miss work when your kids are sick and home alone, or you could miss important school events because you can’t afford to leave work.
It is because of these very reasons that many working moms feel guilt. Know that you can make it work with a little planning and organization.
Here are four tips to help you balance work and child-rearing:
For Working Moms: How to Balance Work and Child-rearing
1. Get Organized
Having a schedule for work and home will help you balance your responsibilities. This will give you enough time to complete your tasks at work and ensure you get to be with the kids at home to spend quality time with them.
Let’s say you go to work from 9 am to 5 pm. During this time, you cannot be with your kids. When you get home, spend time with them until they go to bed. If they have homework, help them with it. Once they’re in bed, use that time to finish up any work tasks you didn’t complete during the day.
If you can, try to leave work at a reasonable hour so you can have more time with your kids in the evenings. This way, you won’t have to sacrifice quality time with them.
Sometimes things will come up that are out of your control, but having a general plan will help you stay on track. You can set specific days and times for work tasks and family responsibilities. For example, you can block off two hours every Tuesday night to work on a project and then devote the rest of the evening to your family.
2. Enroll Your Child in the Right School and After-school Programs
The school your kids attend can make or break your work-life balance. If you’re constantly worrying about them while you’re at work, it’ll be hard to focus on your job. But choosing a school that cares for them academically, socially, and emotionally can ease some of that worry.
Do your research before enrolling your kids in a new school. Find an accredited school with a good curriculum that offers your kids enjoy extracurricular activities. It helps to talk to your loved ones and ask them for school recommendations. Check the schools’ reviews and schedule a tour to see the campus and meet the staff.
Let’s say you live in the UAE, and you already have your heart set on enrolling your little one in a school with a UK curriculum. Check the requirements and admission process of British schools in the UAE. Once you find the right school and enroll your child, stay in touch with their teachers. This way, you can be updated on their progress and help them with anything they’re struggling with.
After-school programs are also a great way to keep your kids safe and busy after school hours. These programs can help with homework, offer enrichment activities, and provide a place for socializing. It’s a good idea to enroll your kids in an after-school program that’s near your work so you can easily pick them up after work.
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3. Communicate With Your Family
As with any relationship, communication is critical. This is especially true when it comes to balancing work and family. You need to be able to communicate with your kids, spouse, and other family members to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Let your kids know about your work schedule and let them know when you’ll be home. This way, they won’t be worried about you and will know when they can expect to see you. They will also learn when they can’t disturb you because you’re working.
Talk to them about your work schedule if your spouse or partner is around. They can help with the kids when you’re not around. If you have a good relationship with your extended family, don’t hesitate to ask them for help.
Finally, ensure an open line of communication with your employer. Discuss your work hours and let them know about your family obligations. This way, they can be more understanding and accommodating towards you.
4. Take Some Time Off
If you’re finding it hard to balance work and family, it might be a good idea to take some time off. This will give you a chance to reset and focus on your family. Of course, this isn’t possible for everyone. But if you can take a break from work, go for it. This will help you recharge and return to work feeling refreshed and ready to take on anything.
Talk to your employer about taking a leave of absence. This way, they can plan around your absence, and you won’t have to worry about work while you’re off.
If you’re a stay-at-home parent, consider hiring a babysitter or enrolling your kids in daycare. You can also ask loved ones if you can trust your kids to watch them while you’re gone. This way, you can have time to yourself without worrying about your kids.
If your chores are driving you nuts and you still have so much work and catching up with your family, it might be a good idea to hire some help. You can hire a maid service or a gardener to help you with the chores as needed. Doing so will help you have more time to achieve a better balance between your work and family obligations.
Let’s say you are a stay-at-home mom who also works from home. Consider working in a cafe or co-working space at least once a week to change the scenery. This will help you feel more productive and motivated to work.
Working mom life can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these tips, you can find a balance between work and home life that works for you and your family. Remember to take things one day at a time – you got this!
