For any parent who has made the decision to go back into work after having a child, you will know this decision is not one to be made lightly. There is just so much to consider; from childcare to preparing your little one for the times you will be busy with your other, working life.
If you have already made this momentous decision, or are about to start job hunting, you may find the following five tips very useful for surviving life as a working parent:
1. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
As a working mom or dad, you learn how to prioritise pretty quickly and discover that all the huge issues that would keep you awake at night previously, such as whether the kids toys have been picked up off the floor before bedtime, aren’t actually that important in the grand scheme of things.
OK, in an ideal world your children’s bedrooms would be spotlessly clean and tidy at all times. The cakes you take to the school fairs would be home-baked, and your children’s school shirts would be sparkling white at all times….but it really isn’t the end of the world if this doesn’t happen.
2. Delegate
In my family we all work together to achieve things – this means delegation and working as a team, and applies to all areas of our life, including: housework, cooking, shopping and admin.
Draw up a weekly chores rota which includes all members of the family. My girls have been sweeping the kitchen floor and polishing tables since the age of around two. Yes, you will get through a great deal of polish, and not every crumb will be picked up (see tip 1) but the skills will stand them in good stead and they will feel very proud that they have been able to contribute to family life. View Post
