The compatibility of work and family is an issue for almost every family and the search for the right balance usually turns out to be a difficult matter. However, there are a few strategies that can help families cope with the daily madness:
Career & Family: 6 Tips For A Better Balance
Set Priorities
With so many demands in this day and age, it is difficult to always be there for everyone. You try to cover a number of roles and goals in your life every day: You want to be successful at work, enjoy a healthy couple relationship, and be there for your children. The house and garden want to be looked after, the fitness program is on the agenda and maybe you still have to take care of your aging parents or an illness within the family. All of these things take time and energy and often come into conflict with one another. Since there are only 24 hours in a day, you should urgently set your priorities.
Plan And Organize In Advance
You can reduce your daily stress by preparing for the week. A family calendar can help you to keep track of all appointments and to make appropriate arrangements or organize certain things in advance. Do you need something specific for kindergarten, school or after-school care center that you still have to buy? Are there any dates you should prepare something for? Can you maybe pre-cook on the weekend?
Ask For Help
Find one or two more people who can help you. You should seek support both at work and at home. If you don’t have family around, seek help from co-workers, friends, or neighbors. They can all support you.
Limit Leisure Activities
Even if you want only the best for your children and there are unlimited options for them, limit the activities for your children. And for you. Too many leisure activities can quickly become stressful. Less is often more. You don’t have to be active on the church council, train your child’s soccer team and also get involved in social issues. It’s wonderful and rewarding to contribute to your community, but you can’t do everything at the same time. Again, you should set your priorities. Think about what you can do now and what you can do at a future stage in your life. Learn to say “no”.
Involve With The Kids
Through your words and actions, the children should know that they are the top priority in your life. But you should also let them know that your work is important to you too. Talk to your children about what you do at work and take them to your workplace. Children are more likely to understand your work demands if you share them with them.
Enjoy The Important Events
There will be special events in your children’s lives that happen before 5:00 p.m., such as a soccer game, school concert, or speech. Most employers, managers, and customers also have families and understand these family situations. Talk to your boss and explain the need to be at the event.