6 Tips for Balancing Work and Family Life
by Manish and Gia Patel, Owners of Primrose School of Broken Arrow
As parents, it can be challenging to balance a busy schedule full of family needs, work obligations and countless other demands. Typical family schedules are already packed full of activities, appointments and responsibilities. When you pair these demands with a career, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and over-scheduled.
Finding a healthy work-life balance is difficult, but the following tips can help you gain more control over your busy schedule for the sake of yourself and your family.
Get organized.
Even if it doesn’t come naturally, establish routines to help organize and plan your day. Not having to think about what comes next will make all the difference in the world. From laying out your child’s clothing the night before to keeping a family calendar so that everyone’s activities and schedules are in one place, pre-planning will help keep everyone on track.
Start planning your meals.
If you find yourself consistently worrying about what to serve for dinner after a long day of work, meal planning can help take the weight off your shoulders. Taking time to plan, shop and possibly make some meals in advance will alleviate a daily stressor and allow you to enjoy dinner more as a family, rather than worrying about what to put on the table.
Schedule “fun time” for the family.
Consider adding things like weekend trips to the park, quality time together at home or a game night to your family calendar. It may seem silly to schedule family time, but with hectic schedules, it is often the best way to ensure you make time for family fun!
Be present.
Avoid distractions like emails, phone calls and the television when spending time with family. Consider instituting a no-phones-after-dinner rule. Time together is precious, so make a conscious effort to be present in the moment.
Make “me” time.
If you’re like most parents, the last items to get scratched off the to-do list are those centered on you. Quality “me” time can translate to a happier family and a happier you. Take the time to take care of yourself, so that you can continue to take care of others.
Find trusted, quality child care.
While high-quality child care alone is not a solution to all parental worries and fears, parents can find comfort in the fact that their child is in a safe, happy and nurturing environment during the workday. Juggling family and a career is difficult enough – finding a trustworthy child care provider will make dropping your children off in the mornings a little easier. When you choose a school that adheres to the highest of standards, both you and your children will reap the rewards.
To learn about Primrose School Broken Arrow, visit primroseba.com or call (918) 355-6827. For more helpful parenting tips and information, visit our blog at www.PrimroseSchools.com/blog and sign up for the Pointers for Parents newsletter.
