Work life balance if difficult at the best of times, but this becomes particularly difficult if you are a parent. My name is Sarah Kauter, CEO and coach at The Athena Method. As a serial entrepreneur with five businesses and three amazing children, two of whom have additional needs, I know firsthand the challenges of balancing work and life as a parent. My journey has been filled with highs and lows, and I’m here to share what I’ve learned to help you find that balance and thrive in both your professional and personal life.
Balancing work and life as a parent isn’t easy, but it is possible with the right strategies and mindset. With my background in psychology, years of study, and experience coaching others, I’ve developed a method to help parents like you navigate this delicate balance. First of all, lets look at some actionable advice to help you achieve a fulfilling life at home and at work.
Understanding the Balance
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to understand what balancing work and life means. It’s not about achieving a perfect equilibrium every day. Instead, it’s about making conscious choices that align with your values and priorities, and being flexible enough to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
1. Define Your Priorities
The first step in balancing work and life as a parent is to define your priorities. What are your non-negotiables? For example – for me, it’s ensuring my children receive the care and support they need, while also growing my businesses and supporting my clients. Write down your top priorities and keep them in a place where you can refer to them regularly.
2. Set Boundaries
Once you know your priorities, it’s crucial to set boundaries to protect them. If we use the above example as a goal, then this could mean designating specific work hours and family time. Furthermore, you need to highlight that boundary in your mind and stick to it as much as possible. Communicate these boundaries to your colleagues, clients, and family members so everyone understands and respects them.
3. Plan and Organize
Planning and organisation are key. Use tools like calendars, planners, and task management apps to keep track of your commitments. Plan your week in advance, scheduling time for work tasks, family activities, and self-care. Be realistic about what you can accomplish each day and don’t overcommit. If you do find yourself floundering, take a deep breath and reorganise. Don’t feel like you’ve let yourself, your business, or your children down. Not every day is going to to be perfect.
Actionable Tips for Balancing Your Work and Life
Now, let’s get into some specific strategies and tips that have helped me and many of my clients achieve a better balance.
1. Prioritize Self-Care
As parents and entrepreneurs, we often put ourselves last. However, self-care is essential for maintaining your energy and resilience. Schedule regular time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s exercise, reading, meditation, or a hobby. Remember – you can’t pour from an empty cup.
2. Delegate and Outsource
You don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks at work and at home to others who can help. At work, this might mean hiring a virtual assistant or delegating responsibilities to team members. At home, consider outsourcing tasks like cleaning, grocery shopping, or meal prep. This frees up your time for more important activities. If you have a partner, look at the balance of responsibilities, are they fair?
3. Embrace Flexibility
Life with children, especially for those of you with children with additional needs, can be unpredictable. Embrace flexibility in your schedule and be prepared to adapt when things don’t go as planned. Build buffer time into your schedule to accommodate unexpected events and avoid back-to-back commitments that leave no room for adjustments.
4. Set Realistic Goals
Set realistic, achievable goals for both your work and personal life. Break down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks and celebrate your progress along the way. Avoid the trap of perfectionism; strive for progress, not perfection. Forward movement is still progress and progress isn’t linear.
5. Create a Support Network
Build a support network of family, friends, and other parents who understand your challenges. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. This could be as simple as arranging playdates to give you some uninterrupted work time, asking family to support you, or hiring a coach for support and advice.
6. Involve Your Children
Involve your children in your work and explain what you do in terms they can understand. This helps them feel included and understand why you need to work.
Balancing Work and Life with Children with Additional Needs
For parents of children with additional needs, balancing work and life can be even more challenging. Here are some additional tips to help you navigate this journey.
1. Advocate for Your Child
Be proactive in advocating for your child’s needs, whether it’s at school, in healthcare, or in other areas of life. Ensure they have the support and resources they need to thrive. This might require additional time and effort, but it’s crucial for their well-being.
2. Find Specialised Support
Look for specialised support services for your child, such as therapy, special education programs, and support groups. These resources can provide valuable assistance and make your life more manageable.
3. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Parenting a child with additional needs can be emotionally taxing. Prioritize your mental health by:
- Seeking support from a therapist or counsellor.
- Using a coach like me, who has experience in children with additional needs and being a working parent.
- Joining support groups.
- Practicing self-care.
It’s important to take care of yourself so you can be the best parent and entrepreneur you can be.
4. Be Kind to Yourself
Remember that it’s okay to have tough days and to feel overwhelmed. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge the hard work you’re doing. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and give yourself grace on the days when things don’t go as planned.
Balancing Work and Life During School Holidays
School holidays can disrupt your usual routine and make balancing work and life even more challenging. Here are some strategies to help you manage during these times.
1. Plan Ahead
Plan for school holidays by scheduling your work tasks and family activities in advance. If possible, arrange for childcare or plan activities that your children can do independently while you work.
2. Adjust Your Schedule
Be prepared to adjust your work schedule during school holidays. You might need to work early in the morning or late at night to accommodate your children’s activities during the day. Communicate your adjusted schedule to your clients and colleagues.
3. Combine Work and Play
Find ways to combine work and play by involving your children in your work activities. For example, if you have a home office, set up a space where your children can do their own projects or play quietly while you work. You can also schedule work breaks to spend quality time with your children.
Balancing Work and Life as a Single Parent
As a single parent, balancing work and life can be even more demanding. Here are some additional tips to help you manage.
1. Create a Strong Support System
Build a strong support system of family, friends, and other single parents who understand your challenges. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, whether it’s for childcare, emotional support, or practical assistance.
2. Prioritize and Simplify
Prioritize your most important tasks and simplify your life wherever possible. This might mean saying no to additional commitments or finding more efficient ways to manage your responsibilities. Focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest.
3. Make Time for Yourself
Make time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Self-care is crucial for maintaining your energy and resilience. Use this time to do something you enjoy or to simply relax and recharge.
Get in touch.
Balancing work and life as a parent is a continuous journey, not a destination. It requires constant adjustment, self-reflection, and a willingness to adapt. Remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Reach out for support, take things one step at a time, and celebrate your successes along the way.
I’m here to support you in achieving a fulfilling balance between your work and personal life. Whether through one-on-one coaching sessions, my book on business coaching, or our online resources, we provide the tools and guidance you need to thrive. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey, click here to get in touch. Together, we can create a balanced, fulfilling life for you and your family.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to supporting you on your journey to balancing work and life as a parent.