September saw the start of the school season for many. This means for working parents, it is time to go back to the grind and go back to the daily routine of school runs and other activities that consume most of their days, all while doing a full-time job. It’s always an overwhelming time for many parents, and those who have trouble balancing work and life get burned out.
Why Boundaries Matter
Working parents always struggle with work-life balance, having have trouble separating their work life and personal life. This is why it is important to set boundaries for both sides, as it can help with how productive one can be at work and how present one can be with family.
Tips for Balancing Work and Family Life During the School Year
Set a Schedule – It’s great to outline work and family hours to see how much time is being spent on each. Utilise a shared calendar to easily track events at home and at work and use it to block out times to spend on family.
Set Up a Morning Routine – Similar to setting a schedule, create a morning routine that will follow a particular structure to make sure you get to do all tasks and not miss anything, especially on mornings when it’s typically chaotic.
Designate a Workspace – Working from home? A dedicated workspace is essential to help focus and eliminate distractions.
Communicate– Workers can inform their employers about their family obligations and make sure boundaries are set as soon as they finish work.
Practice Self-Care – Busy parents also need some alone time. Regular breaks are always encouraged to avoid burnout.
Involve Your Kids – Make kids part of a parent’s daily routine. It can also teach them times that you are available for help, as well as times that you could be busy with work.
The start of the school year is always exciting for kids, but many parents always dread the thought of going into a chaotic daily routine. Getting overwhelmed is normal, and all parents experience it. Taking proactive to avoid burnout requires effort, but with planning and setting clear boundaries, it’s possible to thrive in both areas without sacrificing one’s well-being.
