Balancing work and family life is no easy task, especially for parents trying to manage their careers while caring for their children. A survey revealed that 29% of parents face challenges in securing employment due to family commitments. With the UK’s childcare costs being among the highest globally, many families are under significant financial and emotional pressure.
To help navigate this delicate balance, we consulted Leyla Preston, an experienced work-at-home mum and founder of Motherhood Diaries. Here are her top five tips for working parents:
- Find a Balance Between Flexibility and Routine Combining flexibility with a structured routine can be tricky but necessary. Leyla recommends starting work an hour before your children wake up to get some focused tasks done. Align your most demanding tasks with your child’s nap times. Managing both work and childcare simultaneously is challenging, but making the best of the situation is essential.
- Set Up a Dedicated Workspace Designate a specific area in your home as your workspace. Even if you frequently move around with your laptop, having a consistent spot for ‘work mode’ can help. Leyla’s workspace is at the end of her dining room, allowing her to monitor her children while working.
- Prioritize Your Tasks Effectively Utilize tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to manage your tasks. This tool helps categorize tasks based on urgency and importance, enabling you to focus on what’s essential. Leyla suggests limiting your to-do list to five tasks per day, carrying over any unfinished tasks to the next day.
- Self-Care is Crucial Taking care of your mental and physical health is vital. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of tea, taking a walk, or exercising, ensure you make time for yourself. Stress can easily take a toll, so incorporating self-care into your routine is essential.
- Build a Support Network It takes a village to raise a child and support your career aspirations. Surround yourself with parents, professionals, and supportive friends and family. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed and be ready to assist others in return.
If you’re looking for a role that fits around your family commitments, explore the available job opportunities now.
