5 Simple Stress-Busting Tips for Working Parents by Working Parents

Being a working parent is a special responsibility that is shared by millions of individuals around the globe. It can be highly stressful, but is made easier by the fact that many working parents are willing to share from their experiences. If you are a parent who is new to the world of holding down a full-time job while parenting, you will be able to glean some wise advice and great tips from all the others who have gone before you.

Set a Specific Time for Each Activity- We all know the feeling of making a list of all we need to do in the day, and then finding ourselves at the end of the day having accomplished almost nothing. If you want to complete your tasks with a minimal amount of wasted time, a great way is to set a specific amount of time for each task on your list.

Make a list of everything you need to do each day. For example, as your day progresses, set the timer for 30 minutes of homework help with each child, 20 minutes of kitchen clean-up after supper, 10 minutes of reading before bedtime, and 45 minutes of work that found itself coming home from the office with you. Be strict with each task as any of them can easily overtake your entire day or evening if left unregulated.

Use a Central Calendar- You will begin to grow confused if you try to keep work and parenting matters on separate calendars. Because all of your life activities cannot help but overlap at some point, stop confusion in its tracks by keeping one main calendar for everything. This can be either a scheduling app on your smartphone or a hard copy calendar if you prefer that, but stick to one and keep things simple.

Ask Your Boss for Job Flexibility- Nowadays, there are many parents working and this has led to more options for those who do. Working parents often have the flexibility to work from home, at least part time. There are other options such as job sharing and working flexible hours. The key is in asking, because if you never approach your boss about the situation, he or she will never know what you were hoping for.

Accept the Help of Others- Parenting is a balancing act regardless of whether you work outside the home or not. As working parents, however, you face challenges that deem it necessary to involve your personal community in the upbringing of your children. Be willing to put aside your pride and accept offers for things such as rides and childcare for your kids. This can free up your time and resources so that it is not as tough to balance all your responsibilities.

Have a Childcare Backup Plan- Although you may be organized and reliable, you cannot always expect perfection from others. There may be times when your childcare provider is unable to keep your child on a particular day, for whatever reason. Be ready for these circumstances by having at least one backup plan, and preferably more than one in place for any unexpected changes.

Being a successful working parent means being prepared to face the many curve-balls that life is sure to throw your way. Be prepared for any unexpected situation and you will be one step ahead of the game. Take into account these tips from working parents, and your children and job will be well looked after.