Contributed by Cate Palmer
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Managing a successful career can be a challenge, especially if you are a full-time mother. Many working mothers often feel guilty or stressed out because it’s hard to achieve that work-life balance. On the one hand, you want your career to thrive, on the other you want to spend some quality time with the kids and make sure that they are on the right path. The truth is that it all depends on you. This is a challenging, but not an impossible goal to achieve. Here are six rules that will help you balance your career and family life like a boss.
Communication and communication
When you need to leave the workplace earlier than usual, it is crucial to inform your manager as well as colleagues about the family issue. Believe it or not, you will be surprised to see them sympathize with your situation.
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After all, we are all humans, not robots. The key is communication. Moreover, learn to voice your opinion and say no. For example, don’t feel guilty about refusing to work an extra shift. If you can’t make it to that PTA meeting, contact your child’s teacher personally as to get insight into its progress.
Take advantage of the tech
In case telecommuting is an option in your company, take advantage of this. It’s important to make the most out of today’s technology that can help us free up our busy schedule. With telecommuting from time to time, you’ll be available to your family at any time. In addition, it is a flexible and convenient way to get the job done away from the company. It will require more attention due to the fact that you are not in your office, but this can mean more hours to pamper yourself as well.
Set some boundaries
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Naturally, you should take advantage of the technology, but do not let it control you. Nowadays with so many means of communication, we often forget to unwind and use that free time for the family. Make sure to set some boundaries. Consider turning off devices when having quality time with the family for example during dinner. Even your manager or colleagues should be aware that you separate your working hours from your private time, so make sure they get the message. You won’t seem unprofessional. On the contrary, you’ll seem mindful of your work time.
Get childcare
Managing a career is one thing, but raising a family is another. If you can’t be there for your preschooler, give a thought to daycare centers. Many provide various activities for your child to enjoy. Getting a babysitter is also a good option.
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For teenagers, it’s better to engage them in some sports or summer camp activities. To be on the safe side, consider getting a professional help like family lawyers Sydney , if your teenager misbehaves at school or gets in trouble with the police. A family lawyer helps you to prevent your child from engaging in any anti-social behavior.
Set family time
With just a little work, you can have family time every day. It’s all about organization. During the weekend consider having family outings like a picnic or a visit to the zoo. This a great chance to spend time instead of just talking during the dinner.
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When you are enjoying outdoor activities with your children, don’t forget to turn off that phone. If you work long hours and lack free time, try having a family movie night or play some board games with the kids before bedtime. It would be great if you could make it at least once a week.
Set a family calendar
Along with setting your family time weekly, it would be practical to make a calendar where the most important dates are included such as birthdays. Moreover, children’s school performances or family reunions could be included as well. In addition, creating a chore chart can help you make some tedious activities more enjoyable with the family. For example, spring cleanup day is a perfect occasion for the kids to clean up their closets and throw away old clothes. You can use Google calendar to organize this family chore or even use some apps for family time.
Work-life balance in no time
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Successfully balancing your private life with your business is definitely a challenging task. However, this is not impossible to achieve. As already mentioned, it all comes down to you. Put your family first by adding family time and family calendar to your busy schedule. Set some boundaries and protect your family time. Telecommuting is an advantage for your family and for your work. Provide your kids with the right childcare. In the end, it’s all about communicating in the workplace. Hopefully, by following these six rules, you will find that work-life balance in no time.
