Working parents are a critical part of the U.S. workforce. However, work-life balance can be challenging for anyone with caregiving responsibilities. Work-life balance refers to prioritizing both career demands and personal obligations. A good work-life balance can improve a person’s physical and mental well-being. Consider the following tips to help manage your work-life balance during back-to-school season.
Establish a schedule.
Create a daily routine to help you and your kids prepare for the day and return home. Make sure everyone knows where they need to be and at what times. Be realistic about committing your kids to sports or after-school activities. Plan for days when your student has half days or days off from school to ensure you can be home with them or arrange childcare.
Communicate with your employer.
Employers may allow for flexibility in your schedule to support your children. However, timely communication is key. Understand how your employer handles times when your child needs to be picked up early or needs to stay home due to illness. They may allow you to work from home, or you may need to take paid time off. Either way, knowing how to handle emergencies with your child and work is essential.
Prioritize your health.
Avoid sacrificing meals and sleep to manage all your obligations. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a typical day. The same goes for your children. Healthy meals, exercise, and good night's sleep does everyone good!
Take care of your home, but not at your own expense.
Having a clean and well put together home is everyone's dream, but during the week, don't let the thought of laundry and dishes stress you out. Part of your routine can be family chores a little bit at a time or scheduling them for the weekend. Don't let the feeling of having to "keep it all together" all the time create unneeded anxiety. Again, be realistic, create a routine, and take care of your health.
If you have concerns about your home, health benefits, or any insurance related topics that involve you, your kids, or your family, please feel free to contact us!