Balancing Work and Parenthood: Practical Tips for Finding Harmony
by Laura Holden
Let’s be real: juggling a career and raising children is no small feat.
As a working parent, you’re likely well-versed in the unique challenges that come with this balancing act. According to a recent survey, about 29% of parents have struggled to find work due to family obligations.* And when you factor in that the UK ranks third highest globally for childcare costs, it’s no surprise that many families are feeling both financial and emotional pressure.
To help you navigate this complex landscape, we caught up with expert blogger and busy mom of four, Leyla Preston, founder of Motherhood Diaries. Leyla has shared her top strategies for managing work and family life effectively.
1. Balance Flexibility with Routine
Achieving balance between a flexible mindset and a structured daily routine can be challenging. Over the past 14 years, I’ve mastered working around my children’s needs while maintaining my workflow. Whether it’s waking up an hour before the kids for some focused work or aligning my tasks with my youngest’s nap schedule, I’ve found ways to sync both worlds.
It’s crucial to understand that you won’t excel at both work and childcare simultaneously. The key is to make the best of what you have and adapt accordingly.
2. Designate a Workspace
Identify a specific spot in your home as your ‘office space.’ While you may find yourself working from various places around the house due to your children, having a designated area helps your brain switch to ‘work mode.’ For me, it’s a corner of the dining room with a view of the lounge, enabling me to keep an eye on the kids while staying productive.
3. Prioritise Effectively
Mastering the art of prioritisation can elevate your productivity. The Eisenhower Matrix is a fantastic tool to break down overwhelming to-do lists into manageable tasks. Identify urgent tasks and focus on those, while less critical tasks can be eliminated or deferred. Aim to tackle five tasks per day in order of priority and carry forward any unfinished tasks to the next day.
You might think, ‘I can’t afford to leave anything undone!’ But remember, spreading yourself too thin means you won’t accomplish anything effectively.
4. Prioritise Self-Care
Self-care isn’t optional; it’s essential. Maintaining both your mental and physical health is crucial for managing stress. Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea, a walk, or 30 minutes of exercise, find time to recharge daily. Prioritising self-care helps you maintain your well-being, making you more effective in handling work and family life.
5. Build a Support Network
It really does take a village to raise a child and, by extension, to chase your professional dreams. Cultivating a network of supportive peers, fellow parents, professionals, and family can make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it, and be equally ready to provide support when others are in need. The goodwill you foster today can bring surprising returns in the future.
Looking for a job that fits your family’s needs? Explore available roles now.
Motherhood Diaries is an online platform for parents and soon-to-be parents, offering a wealth of articles, product and service reviews, recipes, personal stories, and much more.
Survey conducted by Atomik Research among 2,002 respondents across the UK who were either employed or actively seeking work. Fieldwork took place from 8th February to 13th February 2024.
