Balancing a demanding job and parenthood is no easy feat.
You marvel at those who seem to do it effortlessly, wondering if they have some secret potion or extra hours in their day.
It’s not about having superpowers or being a wizard with time.
It’s more about finding a rhythm, a routine that works for you and sticking to it.
In this article, we’re going to walk through the 8 daily habits that people who can juggle work and parenting effortlessly usually practice.
1) They make a well-defined schedule
Juggling work and parenting is all about meticulous planning.
You look at those who seem to do it effortlessly, and you’ll notice their life is not a random series of events.
It’s a well-crafted symphony of activities, each with its own time slot.
Sound intimidating? It doesn’t have to be.
Start by mapping out your own schedule, taking into account your work hours, your child’s school or daycare timings, meals, chores, and don’t forget to include some downtime for yourself.
This habit of scheduling helps in creating a predictable routine that eases stress and leaves you in control of your time.
And remember, it’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned. Flexibility is key when you’re wearing multiple hats.
2) They prioritize ruthlessly
When I first started balancing work and parenting, I was a bit of a mess. I tried to do everything and ended up feeling overwhelmed and unsuccessful.
Then, I realized it’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing what matters most.
This means being ruthless with your priorities.
Ask yourself: What tasks at work will have the most impact? What moments with your children will be the most meaningful?
Once you have your priorities straight, you can allocate your time accordingly.
By focusing on what truly matters, you’ll feel more accomplished and less stressed. And, you’ll probably find that you’re able to do more with less time.
The key is to make sure that the things that are most important to you are not being crowded out by the less significant tasks in your day.
3) They use technology to their advantage
I’ll be the first to admit, I was a bit of a technophobe. The thought of using apps and gadgets to manage my life seemed impersonal, even a bit daunting. But, boy, was I wrong.
One day, in the midst of another chaotic morning trying to get the kids ready for school while preparing for an important meeting, my oldest handed me her tablet. “Mom,” she said, “why don’t you use this? It helps me with my homework.”
Before I knew it, I was discovering a whole new world of productivity apps and tools that could help me streamline both my work and parenting tasks.
I found apps that could help me prioritize my tasks, manage my calendar, and even keep track of my kids’ chores. There were tools that made grocery shopping a breeze, and others that helped me stay connected with my kids’ teachers.
The difference it made was astounding. With the right technology on my side, I could stay organized and save valuable time. It was like having an extra pair of hands on deck.
Nowadays, I’m always on the lookout for new tech solutions that can make juggling work and parenting even easier.
4) They take care of their health
Did you know that just 30 minutes of physical activity a day can boost your mood, improve your sleep, and reduce your stress levels?
It’s true. And it doesn’t have to be anything complicated. A brisk walk around the block, a quick yoga session in the living room, or even just dancing around the kitchen while you’re making dinner can all do the trick.
In addition to exercise, eating a balanced diet is equally important. When we’re busy, it’s easy to fall into the trap of fast food and processed snacks. But taking the time to prepare healthy meals not only provides the energy we need to keep going, it also sets a great example for our kids.
And let’s not forget about sleep. It can be tempting to burn the midnight oil to get everything done, but adequate sleep is essential for our physical health and mental well-being.
If you want to juggle work and parenting effortlessly, taking care of your health should be non-negotiable. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
5) They delegate and share responsibilities
There’s a saying that goes, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” But when it comes to balancing work and parenting, this approach can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Those who manage to juggle work and parenting effortlessly have mastered the art of delegation. They understand that there’s no trophy for doing it all alone.
In my own experience, learning to delegate tasks at work and at home was a game-changer. I started by identifying tasks that could be easily handled by someone else. At work, this meant delegating certain tasks to my team members. At home, it involved getting the kids involved in household chores.
Delegation doesn’t mean you’re shirking your responsibilities. Rather, it’s about sharing the load to make life more manageable. It’s about understanding that some tasks can be done just as well, if not better, by others.
6) They know when to switch off
For me, this was a hard lesson to learn. I was constantly checking my emails, taking work calls at home, and even bringing my laptop to the dinner table. But all this did was make me more stressed and less present for my family.
I realized I needed boundaries — clear lines between my work life and my home life. So, I started setting specific work hours and sticking to them. When I finished work for the day, I would physically put away my laptop and turn off email notifications on my phone.
Switching off from work allowed me to be fully present with my children. We could have dinner without interruptions, play games without distractions, and just enjoy our time together.
Knowing when to switch off is not about neglecting your work responsibilities; it’s about creating a healthy balance between your professional life and your personal life.
7) They practice self-care
While juggling work and parenting, it’s easy to forget the one person who needs your attention the most – you.
I used to think that taking time for myself was a luxury I couldn’t afford. But then I realized, if I didn’t take care of myself, how could I take care of anyone else?
The best jugglers know that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.
It might be as simple as taking a hot bath after a long day, reading a chapter of a book before bed, or having a quiet cup of coffee in the morning before anyone else is awake.
These moments of solitude and relaxation can recharge your batteries and give you the energy to face another day of multitasking.
Taking time for yourself isn’t an indulgence; it’s an essential part of being able to juggle work and parenting effortlessly.
8) They stay positive and keep a sense of humor
Let’s be real. Despite our best efforts, there are going to be days when balancing work and parenting feels like an uphill battle.
But here’s what I’ve learned: a positive attitude can make all the difference.
Those who juggle work and parenting effortlessly have a secret weapon – they keep their outlook bright and their sense of humor sharp.
They understand that not every day is going to be perfect. There will be missed deadlines, spilled milk, tantrums (from the kids and maybe even from them), but they don’t let these moments get them down.
Instead, they choose to see the silver lining. They laugh at the chaos instead of letting it overwhelm them. They take each day as it comes and remind themselves that they’re doing the best they can.
The final word
Juggling work and parenting isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal.
What works for one person might not work for another. But these habits provide a solid framework to get started.
Your journey in balancing work and parenting is a personal one. It’s about finding what works best for you and your family. It’s about making choices that align with your values and priorities.
But most importantly, it’s about understanding that it’s okay to be perfectly imperfect.
There will be days when the juggle gets tough. There will be times when you drop the ball. But remember, it’s not about never dropping the ball, it’s about learning how to pick it back up and keep going.
So, as you go about your day, keep these habits in mind.
Give them a try and see how they work for you.
