The struggle of every full-time working parent is maintaining the balance between work and family life. It’s almost the same busy routine every day, trying to survive the juggling act of various errands and activities.

So, how can you balance work and family life? Here are work-life balance tips for busy working parents.

Work-Life Balance Tips For Busy Working Parents

• Get organised the night before
• Plan meals ahead
• Create a family calendar
• Leave work at work
• Let your partner help you
• Organise family time
• Look after yourself
• Spend quality time with your partner
• Quit being a perfectionist
• Outsource tasks

Get Organised The Night Before

Every morning may seem like a rush. Waking up early to prepare everything for your kids- their clothes, their breakfast, their lunch, and everything else they will need for the day. You also need to get ready for work or to run errands.

To make things in the morning go smoother, minimise tasks in the morning by getting things organised the night before. Lay out your clothes for you and your kids, make packed lunches and have their bags ready to pick up and go.

Plan Meals Ahead

Save meal prep time through the day and after work by planning meals ahead. Preparing healthy home-cooked meals can be pretty time-consuming. Prepare and chop up your ingredients in advance and keep them well-stored, pre-cook food and keep them in the freezer to be fully cooked later in the day or days in advance.

Create A Family Calendar

Having a family calendar will help you keep track of the various after-school activities your children may have and events or details for you and your partner too. It will help you manage your time well and also encourage your kids to be more responsible and organised. 

You can include individual household tasks for your children as well as homework due dates and appointments.

Make sure that the family calendar is in an easily accessible and commonly used place, like the kitchen. 

Leave Work At Work

A common thing most parents tend to do is bring their work problems home instead of leaving them at work.

Turn off your work email and avoid doing anything work-related. If you have to do work at home or are self-employed, try to work in a closed area in your house like at a desk in your room or office, if you have one, to avoid doing work around your family.

If at work, you know you have so much to do, try to manage your tasks effectively so this doesn’t affect you when you get home. 

Let Your Partner Help You

Divide your family/ home responsibilities with your partner. Communicate regularly and work together to accomplish tasks. You can maybe take turns to cook meals or run errands if you’re finding it difficult to make time for it.

Organise Family Time

Spend an hour every night or a day every week to spend time with your family. Instead of being in the house altogether doing your own thing, do something together. Have a family meal, watch a movie or play some games. It doesn’t have to be anything special, as long as you are relaxed and enjoying each other’s company. It’s also a great opportunity to get updated with any news.

Look After Yourself

While your family is your priority, you must never forget to look after yourself too. With so much going, it can be easy to put your needs last without thinking about the consequences. It’s essential to take care of your well-being to help manage stress levels and maintain a healthy state of mind and relationship with your family. 

Make sure you get enough sleep or at least have time to take naps. Eat healthily and refrain from eating takeaways often as this can make you feel sluggish. Try to keep active by exercising or doing a fun activity.

Spend Quality Time With Your Partner

You have to remember that you and your partner are a team. You help each other out with the responsibilities as parents. Make an effort to spend some quality time with your partner at least once a week or have a date night at least once a month. It will help improve and maintain your communication with each other as well as being able to enjoy each other’s company without the kids.

Quit Being A Perfectionist

No one is perfect, so quit trying to be. It’s okay if your home is a little messy and you’re behind on a few chores. Set yourselves a few tasks at a time instead of all at once and don’t try to multitask when you’re spending time with your family. Keep your house clean as a busy parent with these tips.

Outsource Tasks

Remember, if sometimes there are some things you can’t do, you can always outsource them! Do your grocery shopping online and get it delivered to you or get laundryheap to do your laundry and ironing for you. Whether you’re short on time or you forgot to do it, outsource the task if you can.