Balancing Work and Family Life as a Parent

Article published at: May 6, 2023 Article author: Neha Agarwal
Balancing Work and Family Life as a Parent
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When you become a parent, you realise that you are completely responsible for this new born baby you’ve ushered into this world. From feeding him to teaching how to feed himself, from putting him to sleep to putting him to bed for school – it’s an endless, round-the-clock job that often takes up all of a parent’s time and energy. If you and your partner are both working parents, then life will feel tough while bringing up a child. Between your career, social commitments, domestic chores and looking after the baby – you wouldn’t find any time for yourself or for each other. This can prove to be detrimental to your mental and emotional health. Work and personal life balance is no easy feat, but here are some ways through which you can make your life smoother.

1. Set priorities and be mindful with your time

When you have too much on your plate to do, it’s important to learn to prioritise the most important thing at hand. Tasks that do not need your immediate attention and can be delegated to others or spill over to the next day – should be allowed to do so, without feeling guilty for not being able to do it all. Doing what’s most important will ensure that you feel fulfilled without stretching yourself thin. 

2. Establish limits and boundaries

In order to balance personal life and professional life, you must establish boundaries so that other people respect your limits. As a parent, boundaries may seem like refusing a new project if it takes away family time. While at home, it may mean dividing up chores with your partner so that you are not burdened alone. Healthy boundaries create mutual respect and work wonders in the long run.

3. Be in touch with your partner

When we become parents, we forget to be a spouse to our partner. How do you balance work and personal life depends a lot on the kind of equation you have with your partner. Often, we are so engrossed in taking care of our child’s needs that we forget to spend time with our partners. Healthy conversations that make you feel like a team with your spouse helps resolve issues and keeps you on the same page. This makes you feel loved and secure which reflects in your parenting too. 

4. Take help from family, friends and professionals

Do not shy away from taking help from family and friends. You don’t just deserve a break; you need one to nourish yourself. It is also good for the child to spend time with caregivers other than parents, as it boosts his social skills. If you can afford paid help, you may choose to do so too to keep your child engaged and taken care of, while you are away at work. Parenting is an individual journey and you get to choose how you want to raise your child. Seeking help from others helps in maintaining work and life balance as a parent.

5. Don’t forget about yourself

When we become parents, we forget the other relationships that sustained us. The most important relationship is the one we have with ourselves. Spending time doing things that make you happy and energised are important to keep your mind at ease. This happiness is the medicine to the stress that balancing work and family life can cause. And remember; only a happy parent can raise a happy child. So take care of yourself.

The demands of parenthood coupled with the responsibilities of a career can take a toll on the best of us, even with support from family and friends. It is okay to feel overwhelmed, because it isn’t easy. But, with thoughtful planning and help from your inner circle, you can swim through this challenging time in your life. Keep reminding yourself that soon enough your kids will grow up and fly out of your nest, for this thought will help you cherish the present moment you have with them. Create lasting memories with your kids in clothes and accessories that will keep your kids playful and comfy and make your parenting journey easier. Find all your kids’ needs met at One Friday World – a kidswear brand born out of love for the whimsical wonder-world of children. 

FAQ's

1. What is a day care centre or crèche?

It’s a place where babies and toddlers are taken care of, in the day by trained staff and professional teachers, in the absence of their parents, who may be working full-time or be busy otherwise.

2. At what age can you enrol your child in a school?

Most play schools take kids when they are at least 18 months’ old. 

3. Is it okay to keep a nanny to look after the child if you’re working full-time?

There is no right or wrong way to raise a child. Parenting is an individual journey that every adult makes according to his circumstance. If you have the ability to afford a nanny and trust her with your child in your absence, you can hire one.

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