Finding the right balance between work and parenting is not easy. One has to make many adjustments and take care of several things. However, although exhausting at times, it’s rewarding in its own way. To honor Working Parents Day and help you raise your kids while employed, here are a few excellent tips that might come in handy.
Never feel guilty for working while raising children
Always remember, you are working because you want to! You are passionate about your work, you want to fulfill your dreams, and most importantly, you want to give a better future to your child. Hence, there is no need to beat yourself up for raising kids as working parents. Yes, we agree you might at times become emotional, and the thought of not being there for your child 24*7 might be killing you. However, never forget why you started working in the first place.
Your kid should not be the reason you stop pursuing your dreams. They should be your motivation to do even better. Letting go of your dreams for your little ones can leave you with regrets that might get in the way of your parenting. Moreover, seeing your fabulous balancing act, your child might also learn a few good traits. So, whether you are returning to work after your maternity or paternity leave or working daily from the office, do not feel guilty about your choice.
Make the right arrangements to nail raising kids while being a working parent
Whether you are working from home or in the office, making the right arrangements for your child is essential. This is an essential tip for raising kids as working parents. So, look for daycares, creches, part-time nannies, or live-in maids to look after your child while you are at work. If you are tight on budget, ask a trusted family member like your parents, siblings, or in-laws to help you with your little one. Overall, make sure you make comfortable and practical arrangements per your office hours. Knowing your kiddo is in good hands and being cared for can help you focus better at work.
Spend quality time together as a family to avoid children feeling left out
One important thing to keep in mind when raising kids as a working parent is spending quality time with them so they don’t feel left out. So, after coming home from work, instead of doom-scrolling on your phone for hours, play with your child, prepare meals together, talk to them about their day, read books, etc., to create a strong bond with them.
Going on a vacation or short trip during weekends is also a great way to spend time together as a family. Hence, once you return home, put away your screens and spend quality time with your little one. Tell them you love them and you are always there for them.
Set realistic parenting goals as you raise your kids while being a working parent
To be a perfect parent, you might have set unrealistic goals for yourself and your kids, which might become a daunting task to follow every day. Instead, know your strengths and set the goals accordingly. You don’t have to be excellent at every task or be a superhuman. Hence, instead of pressuring yourself to attend all your kid’s sports events, PTMs, and so on, divide and conquer.
Divide the events between you and your partner to make things easier for everyone. If you are going through the parenting journey solo, share the tasks with whoever acts as your kiddo’s guardian when you are busy at work. It can be your parents, siblings, ex-partner, or best friends.
For instance, your partner can attend soccer practice while you take care of the PTM. However, make sure you discuss this arrangement with your child so that they know what to expect. Also, make sure to watch your kid’s special events, like dance performances, soccer finals, etc., together. This will make your child happy and create a precious memory for you and your partner.
Other than these tips and tricks for raising kids as working parents, also make sure to be there for them when they need you. Moreover, inform them if the next few weeks will be hectic work-wise. Once your child is well-informed about your schedule, they won’t feel as isolated as they know what’s coming. However, once you finish your work, make sure to play and spend time with your kid to make up for the lost time.
