Author: Janice Russell

Image Source: Pexels 

From distractions during work to a lack of work-life balance, trying to manage work and childcare duties while working from home can be challenging, to say the least. However, there are various useful strategies parents can follow to strike a balance between professional and childcare-related needs. In this article by Canada Personalized Gifts, we’ll explore a handful of such strategies and the best way to implement them starting today!

1. Develop a Daily Schedule

While maintaining a schedule with a newborn in the house can understandably be difficult, it can provide your day with some much-needed structure and predictability. Additionally, when it comes to dividing child-care duties with your partner, a schedule can make it easier to manage tasks and ensure neither of your needs to put work on the back burner.

 

A key component of your schedule will be to set a work-end time. By setting clear boundaries between work and childcare duties you’ll be able to reduce the chances of burnout and develop a healthy work-life balance.

 

Be sure to also add breaks to your schedule. It can be tempting to push through the day to reach deadlines, but not taking breaks can take a bigger toll on your mental and physical well-being. Even if it’s only 10-15 minutes, step away for a walk around the neighborhood, read a chapter in a book you love, or engage in some calming meditation.

2. Create a Distraction-Free Workplace

With a toddler in the home, creating a distraction-free workplace is key to being productive during work hours. The best choice is to create a home office in a room away from loud spaces such as the kitchen and living room, as reported by The Balance. Additionally, instruct other members of your family to respect your work hours and not disturb you unless it is absolutely necessary.

3. Take Help From Friends and Family

Childcare by no means is a one-person job and trying to manage work alongside it just makes things that much harder. Hence, rather than pushing yourself to the limit each day, reach out to friends or family who are willing to help.

 

While you may feel asking for help would make you look like a bad parent or end up burdening others, anyone who has been a parent in the past or current understands how stressful and difficult the task can be. Hence, if they can, they will surely lend you a helping hand, making it easier to develop a healthy work-life balance.

4. Hire a Nanny

Hiring a nanny is another option to consider to reduce the burden of childcare from your shoulders. This is because a nanny is a great way to ensure your children are being cared for while you work. From bathing, feeding, clothing, and play, most childcare duties can be delegated to a nanny.

 

When it comes to hiring a nanny, be sure to conduct thorough research and interview candidates in person. Asking for referrals from family, friends, and colleagues is a great starting point. Additionally, you can reach out to childcare businesses that specialize in toddler care and receive a list of qualified candidates.

5. Invest in Helpful Baby Supplies

As reported by the CDC, newborns on average need to be fed every 2-4 hours. Not only does this mean waking up during the night to feed your baby, but it requires doing the same during work hours as well. However, purchasing a hands-free nursing bra that allows you to continue working while pumping or having hands free to play with your toddler during breaks or after work.

 

You can also find a variety of supplies to help make everything from bath time to errands easier with your new little one. Look for well-reviewed products to ensure you are getting the best product for the cost and for your needs. You can even buy your baby a personalized book or toy from Canada Personalized Gifts that they will cherish as they get older.

Find Your New Routine

Creating a schedule and taking the help of others whether it be your partner, friends or family is the key to balancing work and childcare duties. Additionally, purchasing a hands-free nursing bra will make feeding your baby much easier, as you'll be able to pump in advance and not have to take repeated breaks from work to feed your baby.