Deciding between having children and pursuing a career can be a difficult choice. No one ever said that being a working parent was easy. However, it’s definitely possible with the right motivation, priorities, and support system.
Work-life balance is becoming more important to employers at companies of all shapes and sizes. Many companies now understand the risks of employee burnout and the benefits of a well-rounded employee lifestyle. And studies have shown that workplace happiness and satisfaction are factors that impact employee performance, productivity, and loyalty.
Being a working parent is all about balance, since it requires you to be an attentive parent at home and also a dedicated employee on the job. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you be the best parent and employee you can be.
Being an Attentive Parent While Working
Work life balance has always been a difficult task to manage. You may feel like you’re missing out on opportunities with your kids while at work, but it’s important to try and leave work at the office when you leave for the day. This becomes increasing more difficult when you work from home.
If you work at home, try to schedule it for after the kids go to bed, when they’re self-entertained or taking naps. Avoid working on weekends so you can set aside those days for family time. But above all, listen to your kids when they talk, and ask them engaging questions every day so you don’t lose track of each other’s lives.
These are a few ways that you can be an attentive parent while pursuing the career you love.
- Prepare family dinners
- Establish a “no screens at the dinner table” rule (for parents and kids!)
- Organize fun game nights
- Read a book aloud before bed
- Plan fun activities for the weekends
Pursuing Your Passion with Kids at Home
Talk openly with your kids about what you do for work, why it’s important to you, and how you got into your career. In these conversations, emphasize the importance of education, time management skills, and finding your passion. These open and honest talks may help your kids find a career path they love someday too.
At work, be open with your employer about your children’s schedules and when you may need time off to be with them. Set realistic goals at work and really assess what you’re good at and how you can use those skills to maximize your time in the office.
Acknowledge and handle the negative aspects of your work with your spouse, friends, or coworkers, rather than weighing your kids down with work-related rants. Sometimes you will have to tell your kids “no” to take care of work matters, but do so with compassion and an explanation they can understand. Then make up for lost time with them as soon as possible. As every parent knows, time slips away far too quickly.
It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
One of the key lessons you’ll learn while being a working parent is that the old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” is completely true! Single parents often have it the roughest, but even dual-parent families struggle to manage everything on a daily basis. This is where Nanny Authority sweeps in to the rescue to be there when you want to be, but can’t because of work.
These are some of the many things that our qualified, experienced, and loving nannies can help out with while you’re at work.
- Drive kids to and from school
- Transport kids to extracurricular activities
- Take kids to the park to exercise and play
- Feed kids a healthy, well-balanced lunch
- Perform light housekeeping chores
- Assist with homework and studying
- Engage with activities and crafts
When you hire a nanny through Nanny Authority, you can feel confident that your children are in good hands at all times. There’s no shame in asking for a little help for your children’s benefit, so take a moment to learn how our nanny agency can help. On our website, you’ll also learn about our nanny screening process and the qualifications and responsibilities of our wonderful Nanny Authority nannies.