Navigating the responsibilities of parenthood and a demanding career can often feel like a high-wire act for working parents. With summer around the corner and school-aged children potentially at home for a while, working parents may struggle with balancing work with their personal lives.
With parents striving to be fully present at home and excel in their careers, it can be hard to feel successful at both— 56% of working parents report difficulty balancing work and family. Having children at home and leaving for more than eight hours a day can leave parents feeling overwhelmed with their responsibilities outside of the office.
Working parents constantly juggle professional duties and family life, striving to find an equilibrium that allows them to succeed in both realms. Without a healthy work-life balance, parents can easily feel like they aren’t fully present where they are. Here are some strategies to help working parents find some balance.
1. Set Boundaries
Establishing clear boundaries between work and home life is crucial. When you’re working from home, it can be tempting to check emails or finish up tasks after hours. However, this can blur the lines between professional and personal time, leading to burnout. Designate specific work hours and stick to them. On the flip side, staying focused and on task at the office can help decrease your stress levels and allow you to leave feeling productive and accomplished with your workday. Similarly, at home, create a dedicated workspace that is separate from your living areas to help mentally switch between work mode and family mode.
2. Prioritize and Delegate at the Office and Home
Prioritizing tasks can make a significant difference in managing your workload. Focus on high-impact activities that align with your goals and deadlines. Delegate tasks when possible, both in the office and at home. At work, involve colleagues and team members in projects that can be shared. At home, involve your partner and children in household chores and responsibilities. Delegating your responsibilities also fosters a sense of teamwork and responsibility, both with co-workers and with your family.
3. Practice Self-Care as a Working Parent
While navigating the hustle and bustle of your personal and professional lives, it’s easy to overlook your own well-being. However, taking care of yourself is essential—so remember to look after yourself while you’re caring for everyone else! Try to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in regular physical activity. Practice healthy habits that turn into healthy routines, like taking time for hobbies and activities that you enjoy, whether it’s reading, gardening, or simply taking a walk.
4. Utilize Technology
We know that ever-present technology can be a double-edged sword, but when used to organize and track essential personal and occupational information, it can greatly simplify your life. Use calendars and scheduling apps to keep track of work deadlines, family activities, and personal commitments. Set reminders for important tasks and use project management tools to stay organized. However, be mindful of tech overuse and set boundaries for screen time to avoid distractions. When applied intentionally, technology can be an incredible asset for working parents.
5. Communicate Openly
Open communication with your employer and family is vital to maintaining strong relationships. Keep supervisors aware of your needs and the challenges you face balancing work and home responsibilities. Similarly, maintain an open dialogue with your partner and children about your schedule and any changes that may impact family life. This transparency fosters understanding and cooperation and can share in your emotional burdens when faced with a packed schedule.
6. Seek Support
Don’t be afraid to seek support when needed. That can be in the form of family and friends when you need an extra set of hands, or convenience resources like grocery delivery, drop-in childcare centers, cleaning services, etc. Consider online support groups for working parents to share experiences and tips. A strong help network can provide emotional relief and practical assistance, making it easier to manage your responsibilities and support your mental health.
7. Be Realistic
Finally, it’s important to be practical about what’s possible. Give yourself a break—no one can do everything perfectly and it’s okay to have off days. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge your efforts. Setting realistic expectations helps prevent feelings of inadequacy and reduces stress.
Balancing work and family life is an ongoing process that requires continuous assessment and adjustment. By implementing some of these strategies, working parents can create a more harmonious and fulfilling life where both their professional and personal worlds thrive. Remember, the goal is not to achieve a perfect balance every day, but to find a rhythm that works for you and your family.
Work With Us at LCS
Achieving a harmonious work-life balance is an ongoing journey for working parents, one that requires constant adjustment, patience, and support. By setting clear priorities, establishing boundaries, and seeking help when needed, parents can navigate the challenges of their dual roles more effectively. It’s essential to remember that perfection is neither the goal nor the expectation; rather, it is about making deliberate choices that align with personal and family values. In the pursuit of balance, working parents can create a fulfilling life that nurtures both their professional aspirations and their cherished family relationships.
At LCS, we strive for each employee to have a healthy work-life balance. We’re a flexible workplace with hybrid work schedules and host fun, engaging events throughout the year for employees to step away from their desks and get their minds in a different place for a while. We believe investing in our employees’ mental health is crucial for their well-being. If you’re looking to advance your career and achieve a better work-life balance, consider applying with us today.
