Are you a busy parent balancing conference calls and kids in the kitchen? For many, the shift to remote employment during Covid-19 brought a whole new layer of challenges to the work week, from babysitting to home-schooling and everything in between. If you're struggling to strike the right balance between work and home life, here's a few ideas to help you adjust your approach:
Manage Realistic Expectations (Go Easy on Yourself)
No one was fully prepared to handle a global pandemic and all its repercussions. If you're finding yourself stressed or overwhelmed, know that you're not the only parent feeling the pressure. In setting realistic expectations for yourself and your family, you allow room for mistakes: some days will be good, some days might be hectic.
For Alexandra Stockwell, physician and author of Uncompromising Intimacy, it was about getting everyone in on the discussion early. "Start by having a family meeting, she shared. "Let every family member talk about what they want to get out of this break... If you're not taking time off, use this meeting to establish that you'll be working for part of the day, and that the kids need to make space for that." By communicating your needs and listening to your children, you are able to collectively support each other as you operate within the home.
Set Boundaries with Your Colleagues
If you're actively working to manage a successful career and meaningful home experience, don't be afraid to communicate this with your coworkers and direct managers. Whether it means closing down your laptop at a specific time or adjusting your working hours, it's important to discuss these changes with a broader team. More often than not, you'll be surprised at how colleagues respond when we set boundaries early and maintain them through respectful communication.
Start the Conversation
Making a concerted effort to establish meaningful connections with each of your family members can feel like a daunting task, but often these bonds begin with just a few simple questions. Mike Stahl, CMO of SERVPRO, shared how he developed a stronger relationship with his children while working from home: "I make a concerted effort to spend time with each of my children every day. I talk to them, I ask them questions, I let them ask me questions - it just serves as quality, genuine one-on-one time that feeds my soul and I think makes me a better person, both personally and professionally."
His advice, however, doesn't just apply to the kids. If you have a partner in the home, make sure to dedicate quality time to conversation with them about their day, needs and experiences. Stahl continues by saying, "that same practice goes for spending time with my wife - having that balance and connection with my family makes me more productive in my work."
Plan Ahead for Quality Time
Between a full schedule of emails, client requests and phone calls, finding time for family bonding activities isn't always easy. It's likely that you'll need to plan ahead in order to pull it all together and making a schedule will help you keep everything organized.
While you're at it, don't forget to switch up your routine and try something new with your kids. When working from home, it's easy to fall into repetitive routines. Creating new memories, whether through an exciting movie night, homemade dinner or board game tournament, requires planning when you're balancing school and work tasks.
Take Care of Your Personal Needs
If you're not feeling your best, your capacity to support others is diminished: be sure to schedule some self-care time each week to recharge, relax and prepare for the tasks ahead of you. Focusing on your mental and physical health can have a significant impact on the way we're able to deeply connect with members of our family, friends and other loved ones.
Don't be afraid to express the need for help if you begin to feel overwhelmed; professional resources or familial support can be some of your greatest lifelines in maintaining the right balance of personal, home and work life.
