Being a worker and a parent may not be the easiest task in the world. However, there are a few things you could do that might help you cope better.

You always thought that it would be possible for you to have it all – a flourishing career and being the best parent and partner in the world. However, lately you feel as if you have been neglecting your family and that you are not giving your best at work.

Tips to help you balance your act
If you are a working person and a parent who finds it difficult to juggle your career and family life, do not despair! With the necessary guidelines you can enjoy a successful career and still find enough time to spend with your family.

At work:

    • Set goals for yourself, but keep them realistic
    • Find out whether or not the company that you work for offers options such as flexitime, telecommuting or job-sharing arrangements
    • Plan your work week more carefully. Do the most important things first and the least important things later
    • Make a conscious decision not to take any work home
    • Learn to say “no”. If you know that you won’t be able to fit anything else into your already busy schedule, don’t say “yes” to other commitments.

Establish a ritual that helps you to mark the end of your workday and the start of family time. You might want to change your clothes, or listen to your favourite CD or tape while driving home from work.

At home:

    • If you want to get your children to school on time and not be late for work, start organising the night before. Pack lunches and set out work and school clothes. Put the bookcases at the door
    • Realise that you might not get everything done by yourself. Get your partner to help you with some of the responsibilities. Get an au pair to help transporting your children to their different activities
    • Establish a routine. This way your children will learn what should be done when
    • Get your children to do as much as they can by themselves. Let them dress themselves and brush their own hair.

Last but certainly not least: you and your partner must make sure that you spend quality time with one another every week. Have a date night once every week. Do something that both of you enjoy but that doesn’t involve the children.