Juggling Work and Life: 11 Time Management Tips for Busy Parents

We all know balancing work and family life can be a constant juggling act. It’s easy to feel like you’re spinning plates while balancing school drop-offs, work deadlines, and that never-ending laundry pile. According to the Kunz Center at the University of Cincinnati, 71% of working men and 76% of working women reported difficulty managing these competing demands. Furthermore, a whopping 66% of working parents experience burnout.

This post explores actionable steps to help you regain control and find more joy in your daily life.

1. Figure out what really matters.

The first step is to identify what is truly important to succeed in this juggling act. To begin, make a list of work and home priorities, like this.

• Work. Meeting deadlines, completing key projects, and attending important meetings.
• Family. Attending your child’s soccer games, having family dinners, and spending time with your partner.
• You. Exercise, hobbies, reading, or whatever recharges your batteries.

You can use this list as a guide. This will help you focus on what matters most and avoid getting distracted by unimportant tasks.

2. Put your trust in routine.

You can’t succeed without routines. After all, they make life a little easier by providing structure and predictability.

• Create a daily or weekly schedule. Include work hours, family time, mealtimes, and even some time for yourself — even 15 minutes counts.
• Get the whole family involved. Kids can put away their coats and backpacks when they get home from school.
• Use tools to stay on track. To-do list apps, planners, and calendars can all be lifesavers.

3. Delegate like a boss.

You don’t have to do everything yourself. Here are some ways you can use delegation instead;

• Share the load. Ask your partner to share household chores and childcare responsibilities.
• Let your kids have a role in household chores. Examples include folding laundry, setting the table, or walking the dog. It is also possible for even the smallest children to help put their toys away.
• Delegate at work. As much as possible, delegate tasks to colleagues.

4. Technology to the rescue.

When used correctly, technology can be a game-changer. Some examples include the following apps and tools that make life easier such as;

• Calendar apps like Calendar and Cozi keep track of everyone’s schedules.
• You can plan meals, create grocery lists, and organize your recipes with Paprika.
• Project management software such as Trello or Asana for working on work projects.

Also, automate wherever possible. For example, set up recurring bill payments, schedule emails, and use calendar appointment reminders.

5. Set boundaries — and stick to them.

What is the best way to separate your work and personal life? Establish boundaries. As such, don’t be afraid to tell your boss, colleagues, and family what your limits are.

• Define your work hours. Maintain them as much as possible, even when working from home. If you want to do this easily, try sharing your calendar with others.
• Resist the urge to check work emails during family time. Don’t check your phone during dinner; focus on your loved ones.
• Create a dedicated workspace. Whenever you work from home, set aside a specific space for work to help you switch off mentally when you’re done.

6. Repeat after me, “self-care isn’t selfish.”

When you put everyone else’s needs before your own, it’s very easy to neglect your own. However, self-care is essential to your well-being and ability to parent effectively.

• Make time for exercise. No time for the gym? Walking for just a few minutes can do wonders.
• Prioritize sleep. It is recommended that you sleep between 7-9 hours each night.
• Schedule time for hobbies. Whether you enjoy reading, painting, or simply sipping your coffee in peace, spend some time doing what you enjoy.

The main takeaway, though? Self-care should be scheduled just like any important appointment in your calendar.

7. Plan ahead — as much as possible.

A little bit of planning can go a long way. As Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

• Prepare for the next day, the night before. Plan your day by setting out clothes, packing lunches, and reviewing your schedule.
• Meal planning is your friend. Take a few minutes on the weekend to plan your meals so you won’t be stressed during the week.

8. Be able to say no without feeling guilty.

There’s nothing wrong with saying no. Ultimately, you do not have to agree to every request or attend every event. So, politely decline invitations whenever your schedule doesn’t allow or your bandwidth is limited.

9. Roll with the punches.

You never know what to expect when you have kids. But, you can expect the unexpected if you;

• Be flexible. Inevitably, things will go awry. You must embrace chaos and adjust your plans accordingly.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff. Keep your focus on the big picture, and don’t get bogged down by minor setbacks.

10. Build your support system.

You don’t have to do this alone. The proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

• Lean on your partner. Take turns sharing responsibilities and supporting each other.
• Connect with other parents. Become a playgroup member, attend a local event, or contact other parents online.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help. It doesn’t matter if it’s a babysitter, a family member, or a friend; don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.

11. Celebrate your wins.

Regardless of how small your accomplishments may seem, acknowledge and celebrate them. Don’t forget to give yourself credit for everything you’ve accomplished, whether completing a work project on time or simply enjoying a peaceful evening with your family.

The Bottom Line

Maintaining a balance between work and family life is an ongoing process. Despite our best efforts, there will be days when we fail. You need to find strategies that work for you and your family and be patient.

There is no such thing as perfection; it’s about finding a rhythm that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally.

FAQs

I’m constantly feeling overwhelmed. What’s the first step?

• Prioritize ruthlessly. Identify your absolute must-dos. Is there anything that truly impacts your family’s happiness and well-being? Concentrate on those. Let go or delegate the rest.
• Start small. Don’t try to change everything at once. Change one small thing at a time, such as planning your meals or setting aside 15 minutes every morning to spend on yourself.

How can I involve my kids in time management?

• Create a family calendar. Put your calendar in a central location and get everyone involved in scheduling appointments, activities, and chores. Even better? Use a shared calendar through an app.
• Assign age-appropriate chores. Children can do simple tasks even as young as four, teaching them responsibility and lightening your load.
• Make time for family fun. Schedule regular play times and movie nights with your family to create cherished memories.

I struggle to say “no.” How can I set boundaries?

• Identify your limits. What is your level of commitment? How do you consistently drain your energy?
• Practice polite refusals. “I appreciate the invitation but cannot commit to that right now.”
• Offer alternatives. “I can’t volunteer for that, but I could make a donation.”

How can I minimize distractions?

• Designate “no-phone” zones. Put away phones and other devices in areas of your home where they are not allowed.
• Schedule dedicated work/focus time. Don’t be afraid to tell your family you need uninterrupted time to work or complete essential tasks.
• Utilize technology. You can use website blockers or productivity apps to stay focused.

What if my plans always fall apart?

• Be flexible. Curveballs are part of life. If things don’t go as planned, don’t get discouraged.
• Adjust and re-evaluate. When you can’t find a schedule that works, try something different.
• Remember that perfection is not the goal. Ideally, you should find a system that works and reduces stress.

Image Credit: Emma Bauso; Pexels