Juggling a job and being a present parent is something that most parents would want to strike a balance in, however, it is not an easy task to achieve, especially without the right support system that supports you in both spaces.
What can be done to create the work and personal life balance without overextending yourself in the process?
75% of Parents are left feeling stressed
There is no 'one-size-fits-all' when it comes to parenting. A survey by CIPHR has revealed that 75% of parents have shared that balancing work and family life left them feeling stressed and anxious. The number of parents who are stressed increased when they had two children or more.
If there was a rule book on how you could effortlessly juggle being a parent and working, many parents would be able to get the guilt monkey off of their back. However, there isn't and all parents try to figure out a way that works for them and their family.
We have put together a list of some of the ways in which you can make a smoother transition to striking a balance, but keep in mind that you and your family are different from another. Find what works best for you and adapt where needed.
Share the work
The woman or man who can do it all, when it comes to parenting, is either a mythical creature or on the verge of a mental breakdown. Having a support system in place can come in various forms. No one can do it all, and having people who are there to help you by sharing the work such as a child care worker, the support of your partner to do certain tasks, or anyone that can help ease the balance between working and parenting is necessary.
Create a schedule
No day is ever the same when you are a parent but having some form of structure to your day can reduce stress and anxiety. Multitasking almost becomes second nature to a parent, but it is also crucial that you do not take on too much. Become mindful and deliberate in terms of how you carve up your time. Looking at the things that take up your time and energy can help you take a practical stance when it comes to cutting back on things that do not require that level of time and energy. It also helps you delegate tasks and know when to say no to avoid overextending yourself.
Nothing is fixed
Having goals, plans and a vision for your work and family life can make things more bearable. However, remember that nothing is fixed. Having a moment where you can review the new changes you have put in place and see what can be adjusted accordingly can lead to less frustration over things that are beyond your control. It can also create more space for you to focus on what can be changed and will be practical to maintain in the long run.
