Working a full time job or even owning your own business while also juggling parenthood can definitely be a struggle, but one that is often worth it in the end. Sometimes it can be difficult to prioritize things or find enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to get done, but hang in there because you are not alone. There are many busy parents out there who are also business professionals, and they are all familiar with the challenges that come along with this lifestyle. If you are in need of some extra help, here are 5 tips for working parents.
Make Lists
Making to-do lists, shopping lists, and budget lists, and lists of priorities can be really helpful both with parenting and running a busy household. For example, you may need to remember to pick up new soccer cleats for one of your children, add a window decal to your storefront, and go to a dentist appointment all in one day.
To make managing several tasks at a time easier, be realistic about the amount that you can get done per day and prioritize things accordingly. It’s important not to let work take over your life to the point where you are neglecting your kids, but there also may be times where work commitments take precedence over family stuff. After all, you need to continue to be successful in your career in order to support your family. It’s all about balance, and lists can help with that.
Practice Self Care
Practicing self care is important for everyone, but even more so for extremely busy people who feel that they don’t have any time to themselves. Make sure to take a little bit of time each week where you vow not to respond to calls or emails and instead run yourself a hot bath or watch your favorite TV show.
Whatever it is, just try to take care of yourself because this will help you to be a better parent, spouse, friend, co-worker, and boss.
Multitask
If you are able to work from home while still spending time with your kids, or even take care of family commitments while at work, that’s a win. Learning to multitask is a great way to save yourself precious time so that you can be more present as a parent or more productive as a businessperson.
Practice doing multiple things at one time and soon it will be second nature to you. Just be careful not to try multitasking when you are doing something that requires all of your attention, such as driving. That could be dangerous.
Being a working parent is often stressful and thankless, but it can also be very rewarding. Hopefully these tips help make it easier for you!
