Juggling parenthood and work commitments can be challenging. You may feel guilty for not being able to spend much time with your family, while also feeling guilty for not focusing all of your attention on work. This can feel like you are in a no-win situation.

Even though creating a work/life balance can be difficult, with planning, self-awareness and flexibility, you can work towards creating a healthy routine that works for you and your family.

Here are some tips that can help you along the way:

Establish a routine

Establishing a routine can help you develop a healthy balance between being a parent and your work commitments. Having a routine can help you save time in planning your day, while also setting a schedule for your children and spouse. This can result in having more time to spend together as a family at the end of your day.

Meal planning and preparation

Meal planning and preparation can save you time throughout your week. You may choose to prep your meals on a Sunday (or early in the week) so you are organised for your week ahead. Meal planning can help you make healthier food choices, while also reducing the number of times you order takeaway.

Quality time

Setting aside quality time to spend with your family is a great way to bond with each other. Try blocking out time in your calendar for an activity (such as going to the zoo or the movies) or having a games night at home. Alternatively, if your schedule is too busy, try setting aside small amounts of quality time together at night instead. This can involve talking to each other at the dinner table or reading a book to your children before they go to bed.

Share responsibilities

Sharing tasks with your partner and working together as a team can help alleviate the demands of being a working parent. Doing all the tasks on your own can be exhausting and may leave you with not much time to rest at the end of your day.

Learn to say no

Children can sometimes have an active social life that can fill up your schedule. However, saying no to some of the less important events can help free up your time and enable you to create a more balanced lifestyle. It can also help you have more time to spend together as a family.

Blog post by Complete Corporate Wellness. Visit their website: completecorporatewellness.com.au