Tips for Working Parents

Being a working parent can feel overwhelming at times. Between school pickup and drop off, after-school activities, remembering which day is picture day and everything else in between, it can be challenging to stay afloat in our personal and professional lives. However, with the right strategies, it is possible to strike a balance between the two and excel in both areas.

Make a Plan and Prioritize

Use a digital calendar or an old-fashioned planner to organize activities, deadlines and personal time. These tools can assist you in staying on top of your priorities and reduce the stress of trying to “remember it all.”

Establish a Consistent Routine

Children (and adults) thrive on routines. Routines provide structure, help reduce stress and elicit a sense of predictability. Create morning, daytime and evening routines with your children. Routines can be as simple as taking a bath, putting on pajamas, reading with your child or even a daily after-dinner walk.

Utilize Time-Saving Strategies

Time-saving strategies like prepping meals and snacks on the weekend can help families get dinner on the table sooner during the week, save money and reduce eating out. Utilizing grocery pickup can also help you save time. If there is something that makes your life easier as a parent, do it. It is worth your time and sanity!

Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is essential, especially for parents who are often busy prioritizing their kids’ care. Use a calendar or planner to schedule time to work out, take a short walk or do a few quick breathing exercises. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing—something is better than nothing.

Maximize Quality Time Over Quantity of Time

Kids, especially the young ones, only want one thing from us: our undivided attention. Try to prioritize 10 minutes of (phone-free) quality one-on-one time with your child. If this is not feasible, try eating dinner together as a family or reading with your child.

Let Go of Guilt and Stay Flexible

Working parents often feel the societal pressures of “doing it all” or being “perfect.” Unexpected changes and challenges often come up with children. Try your best to remain flexible and recognize perfection is not the goal.

Being a working parent requires sacrifice and learning to juggle multiple things simultaneously. If you aren’t already, try implementing a few of these strategies, and don’t forget to give yourself grace.