As any working parent knows, handling family life while holding a demanding job can be difficult.
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Balancing Work and Parenting
As any working parent knows, handling family life while holding a demanding job can be difficult.
This is particularly true for teachers, who often find that devotion to their role as educators can get in the way of finding a suitable work-life balance.
Fortunately, there are several techniques working parents can use to balance their responsibilities and also find little time for themselves. Remember that you deserve a break now and then. Adequate rest will help you to perform your teaching and parenting responsibilities to the best of your ability.
Here are a few of our tips for attaining a perfect work-life balance:
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Avoid accepting too much responsibility at work
Always consider your children’s needs before taking on extra responsibilities at work. While teachers are often keen to do anything to help their pupils, this should not be to the detriment of their own families and personal lives.
If you feel pressured to do more work, try talking to your manager about your workload. If they fully understand your situation, they will be more likely to understand how much work you can realistically be expected to take on.
Set a schedule for your kids
Setting your kids a schedule will make timetabling much easier. For example, scheduling dinner for the same time every day will make it much easier to decide whether you can squeeze in an activity at the end of the day. It will also give your kids a sense of stability and demonstrate that they are high on your priorities list.
Your schedule should include a stable bedtime routine, wake-up time, and extracurricular activities such as dance classes or music lessons. If you struggle to keep track of your kids’ activities, try noting them on a family whiteboard.
Opt for high-quality daycare centers or schools
Sending your child to a high-quality school or daycare center will give you peace of mind that they are well look-after during the day. By extension, you will likely focus better on your job and be more productive.
Instead of opting for the most cost-effective or closest facility, do careful research into the caliber of schools and daycare centers in your area. Try reading reviews or talking to neighbors about their choices before deciding. Check out this helpful article if you need help with what to look out for in a good school.
Think carefully about clashes in your schedules
It is often the case that there is a gap between schools closing and the time that a parent finishes their working day. To deal with this schedule clash, you must devise a solid plan. If your child is old enough, you may be comfortable allowing them to look after themselves for a couple of hours. However, if they are too young, you must look for an after-school facility or make arrangements with family members or friends.
Prepare for mornings in the evening
Don’t leave decisions such as what to dress your children in or what to pack them for lunch until the morning. You don’t want to start the day off on a stressful note.
Instead, they iron their clothes, pack their lunches, and even set out breakfast the night before.
Remember to prioritize certain work tasks
Try to complete tasks related to your job as and when they arise. Other tasks can be logged in a reminder chart. For example, if you need to create a presentation or handouts for your next working day, try to get them done as soon as possible (preferably before dinner time). This will help you to feel in control of your working life and allow you to feel relaxed while spending time with your family.
Always have a backup plan
It is virtually inevitable that your schedule will go off-kilter at some point. If your kid’s school or daycare facility has to close early, you need to have a plan. For example, you could keep a list of potential babysitters available as and when the need arises. Alternatively, you may have a strong support network to help you in emergencies.
Remember that your family and friends care about your and your child’s well-being, and many of them will be willing to help you out when the going gets tough.
Remember to do fun activities with your kids
While spending dinner with your kids and putting them to bed every day is a great way to make them feel loved, it is also important to do special bonding activities every so often. Try doing something fun and off-schedule every week or so, such as going to the movies, taking them out shopping, or trying out a new type of sport. The possibilities are almost endless.
Try not to worry if you don’t manage to complete all tasks on your list
Remember that you’re only human and that completing your to-do list may not be possible (even during the summer holidays!). Accepting that less urgent tasks may not get done is a fantastic way to alleviate stress and help you focus on being the best parent and teacher you can be.
