More mums than ever before are working full time. Recent research found that over 70% of British families have both parents in employment, and that a further one million mums plan to return to the workforce in the next few years.
This is very impressive; raising children while also working full time requires a lot of time and effort, and anyone who can do both is effectively doing two jobs at once (which is basically a modern day hero!). However this can result in feelings of stress or burnout, especially if you don’t have a good work family life balance.
If you can relate to this, don’t worry. It is entirely possible to create a plan to help; you just need to know where to start! Here are a few tips to help you create a good work family life balance.
1. Start A Family Calendar
Use a family calendar to arrange different family priorities. Make sure to include bill payment dates, school events and holidays, birthdays, hobbies and general family events. This will make it much easier for you to plan ahead for the following month, and it also means that you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything; simply look at the planner and you will see everything that you need to prepare for.
If you decide to do this, put the calendar in a noticeable place so that everyone sees it on a regular basis (such as near the front door). You could also use Google calendars to create a shared calendar across everyone’s phones. This means that other family members can update the calendar too.
2. Enjoy The Little Moments
You may not get the chance to have dinner with your children, but you can still sit down with them and have a hot chocolate together before bed (if they are still awake, of course!). Use this as an opportunity to catch up and bond, instead of thinking about missed opportunities.
3. Focus On The Positive Aspects
Instead of dwelling on how often you are away from your children, think about how your work benefits the family. It makes it easier to stay on top of bills, and it may also give you the chance to afford certain classes or holidays for your child that they wouldn’t be able to enjoy otherwise. It is also important to focus on how your work benefits you; maybe you are starting your own career, or maybe you just started your own business. Either way, you should be proud of your role, especially if it creates a better future for you and your children!
4. Make Mornings Easier
Reduce morning stress by doing most things the night before. Pack lunches and store them in the fridge overnight, and have all the children shower or bathe. It can also be useful to set out school uniforms and pack bags, especially if you have young children.
5. Set Aside One Night For Family Time
Finally it can be beneficial to set aside one night every week for family time. You could build Legos, watch movies or play computer games; find a hobby that everyone can enjoy together, and then establish a clear family night routine. This means you can all relax and hang out together every week – and it also means you all have something to look forward to during busy weeks.
