Building a career or business and managing a home is not easy. Having a healthy balance between family life and work is no easy feat.

Life as a working parent is a juggling act of blending work and life hours together to create a cycle that works for their profession and families.

If you are like most working parents, you will relate to the stress that comes with managing that balance. When one aspect suffers, the other does too.

The good news is change is already happening. In recent years, there has been a cultural shift in workplaces in Australia. Many employers are now offering employees flexible working conditions or working from home arrangements to help with having a healthy work/life balance.

Work-life Balance

Work-life balance is considered a separation between work and personal life, but the lines between the two have gradually become blurred. This is due to technology advancements which allow us to be constantly connected.

However, with most things in life, work-life balance is not static. It changes as your responsibility and circumstances change.

The next big question is — how do you achieve a quality work-life balance?

It is possible to pursue a fulfilling full-time career while taking an active role as a parent or carer, if you learn to find a balance that works for your family.

These tips will help working parents to make juggling the two sides a little bit easier.

Let go of the parenting guilt

Focus on the positive things that your work life is contributing to your family.

Be confident that you are making the best choice for your whole family, including yourself, and your child will feel the extent of your love and understand your sacrifice.

Use time saving hacks

Plan. Plan. Plan.

For example, ordering your groceries online and have them delivered are a great time saver as well as prepping lunches and clothes/uniforms the night before.

Maintain open honest communication with your employer

Make sure you communicate to your manager what your needs are, as well as how you will continue to do your job well.

Your manager will be understanding and appreciate your transparency and dedication to both your family and your job.

Remove distractions

Time is such a precious commodity when you are a working parent.

At work, be mindful of your time socialising with co-workers that may affect your productivity.

When at home, put that phone away and time spend with your loved ones that is meaningful and intentional.

Make your marriage or relationship a priority because it will have an immense impact on everything else.

Make the time that you spend with your family really count by planning activities that everyone will look forward to and enjoy.

Diarise everything!

Use planners, apps, and other resources to keep track of your never-ending to-do’s and let go of some of the mental weight.

Plan as much as possible so that nothing is left to the last minute.

Determine how much your schedule can handle and choose the activities that your child will enjoy the most. Do not feel bad about saying no to the rest.

Self-care time

Finding time for yourself is crucial in maintaining inner peace and balance within the hectic environment of work and home life.

Find the time on a regular basis and an activity that will allow you to relax and recharge.

So, can a working parent have both a successful career and a fulfilling family life?

Yes. It is possible.

If you are still in doubt about maintaining a work-life balance, you can talk to the team at Tiny Terrors for some parenting tips. Phone 1300 00 14 14.