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Switching gears from work mode to parent mode has never been easy. It has been getting more challenging over the last few years as smartphones have extended work expectations after hours. The pandemic has made it even harder. It’s redefined work-life balance for many parents, especially those of us who are working from home.
Many of us are feeling burnt out from juggling work and kids during these unusual times. Luckily, you can improve your balancing act. Here are a few tips to help.
#1. Schedule it!
Both children and adults thrive when we have a regular schedule or routine. While everyday with kids is never the same, establishing a routine will help your days run smoother.
In your schedule, block out time to spend with your kids—such as lunchtime and 5 to 10-minute check-ins—along with blocks of work time. If your children know they will have your undivided attention during lunch and at a couple of other points in the day, they may be less likely to interrupt you while you are working.
If work emails or calls often interrupt family time in the evening or on weeks, you may want to schedule a block of time when your phone will be off or silent. You may need to share with your boss or client that you will be unavailable at those times.
#2. Build-in Grace
Be realistic with yourself about your capacity each week. If you are under a tight deadline, give yourself grace and cut out some family obligations that week. If your child has a large project due that they need help with, adapt your work schedule to accommodate their needs. You aren’t the only one trying to balance life and work. Many people are in the same position. Build grace into your schedule and your outlook. Accept that some weeks won’t be as balanced as others.
#3. Plan Ahead
Before each week starts, look over your schedule. Is the coming week packed with late meetings or big projects? If it is, decide on what your meal plan will be for those evenings now. You could choose to prep meals ahead of time or decide that those nights you’ll be ordering in. Making those decisions early will decrease your stress during the week. If you have a toddler or preschooler that often interrupts you during your work blocks, you may want to prep a sensory box or craft that will engage them while you work.
#4. Shut Off Your Work Brain
When you spend time with your kids, shut off your work brain, even if it’s the middle of a weekday. Listen to their stories, answer their questions, and ask them your own. Give yourself permission to take a break with them to go on a walk or toss a ball around outside in your yard. Instead of rushing through lunch with them—thinking about that email you need to respond to or that approaching deadline—be present with them.
Taking mental breaks when you are with your children is as good for you as it is for them. It can allow your brain to reset and give you fresh eyes when you return to your work.
#5. Give Yourself Time to Switch from Work-Mode to Parent-Mode
Give yourself some time to adjust when you need to switch from work-mode to parent-mode. There may be moments when all you need is to close your eyes and take a deep breath before answering your child’s question. At other times, you may need to step away and spend some time by yourself.
Establishing an end of day ritual can be an excellent way to help you make the transition. It’s normal to need time to transition from one mode to another. Reading for pleasure for 10 – 20 minutes can be a great way to reset and recharge at the end of your workday. For some people, changing from work clothes to leisurewear helps them adjust. Think about what could be the right end of day transition for you.
Finding a childcare provider that you can trust can also help alleviate some of these challenges. Kids ‘R Kids Avalon Park has pioneered safety precautions throughout this time to keep our kids, their families, and our staff safe through this pandemic. If you’d like to learn more, contact us!
We hope that these tips help you find more balance in your life during this tough year!