Career and Children: what can you do to balance this journey?

Career and children: you don't need to give up one for the other, with the right maneuvers it is possible to reconcile.

During the pandemic, moms and dads faced a new version of the challenge of balancing professional life with motherhood and fatherhood.

Parents, the vast majority of whom are mothers, have always wanted to work from home, as they thought it was the best option, as they would be close to their children.

However, it’s not that simple. Balancing work and family life is much more complicated when working from home, especially if those responsible don’t have a support network.

In this text you will find some tips that will help you harmonize career and children in a light and efficient way, regardless of whether you work from home or in person. 

It is worth noting that this challenge is faced by most women. However, in our society we also find men who assume the paternal role and take care of the children, the house and also work.

Therefore, we hope that the tips presented below will be useful for both of you.

See the index below:

• 1. Have a support network;
• 2. Organize your routine;
• 3. Ask for help;
• 4. Spend quality time with your children;
• 5. Take care of your children;
• 6. Take care of yourself;
• Conclusion.

1. Have a support network

The support network is essential to reconcile career and children, In fact, I would like to emphasize the following: father, it is not a support network! Father, does not help, he has the obligation to care, participate, educate, do his role, raise.

That's right! The father should have the same obligations as the mother and not just help, after all, the child belongs to both of them and a father is a father!

The tasks of caring for and educating children should be shared, even if the parents do not have any loving bond.

However, parents may need help with this care and even education, as long as there is agreement and synchronization of values and principles.

Your support network in these processes can be:

• Grandparents;
• Grandparents;
• Uncles;
• Aunts;
• Caregivers;
• Teachers;
• Friends;
• Relatives;
• Neighbors.

For a support network to be functional, it is important for there to be unity, respect and trust between those involved.

As I said, people need to be in tune with the values and principles that parents teach their children and with their needs.

A support network is important for balancing your career with motherhood or fatherhood, as you will need to leave your child with someone you trust to work, rest and study, for example.

2. Organize your routine

Organization is an essential step for those who want to harmonize this journey. By organizing and planning your routine, you will be able to manage your time well.

This makes it much easier to give your children and your professional life the time and attention they deserve.

At this stage, it is important for parents to work together to balance tasks. However, if you are a single mother or father, it is ideal to have a support network.

For example, someone who helps you with household chores, looks after the children while you work, picks them up from school, etc.

Other than that, use some tools to help you organize your routine: spreadsheets, agendas, alarm clock, electronic diary, notepad, lists.

3. Ask for help

We need to stop romanticizing “warrior moms,” unless you’re She Ra. You’re probably just an overwhelmed mom/dad who thinks she can or needs to do it all.

In fact, you won't be able to do everything, and that's okay. No one can do everything alone, which is why it's important to have a support network and organize your routine.

Don't be afraid to ask for help, don't be embarrassed or worried about being judged, some people will judge you anyway, and that's not your problem, it's theirs alone.

Ask for help from a relative, friend or even hire someone to help you with a task, this way it will be easier to reconcile career and children.

4. Spend quality time with your children

Give preference to the quality rather than the quantity of time you spend with your children.

Of course, a good part of your day will be dedicated to work, however, when you are with them, be there body and soul.

Do your best to make them feel your presence 100% and invest in time together.

Just because you're away all day doesn't mean you have to be absent from your children's routine.

Make a call during lunch, send a quick message, leave a little letter or drawing in their lunchbox for them to find and know that even though you're far away, you're thinking of them.

When you are at home, give your children quality attention and do things together. An important tip is to try to make some adjustments to your routine so that you have more time to spend with your children and take care of yourself.

For example, if possible, you can try to reduce the time it takes to travel from work to home.

5. Take care of your finances

With a balanced financial life, you will be able to provide a better quality of life for your children.

Plus, you'll be less worried and won't have to work as much, especially if you work overtime or are self-employed.

This way, you will have more time to spend with your children. In addition, you can also hire your support network, or help the members who help you.

Not to mention that anyone with young children knows how important it is to have a financially stable career and money for emergencies.

Therefore, take care of your finances to be able to balance the career and children.

6. Take care of yourself

It is essential that you take care of yourself, set aside time to relax, rest and have fun. If you are in a romantic relationship, set aside time to enjoy yourself as a couple.

Leave your children with someone in your support network, the important thing is that they are well cared for and safe.

If you are a single parent, the rule is the same. You have the right to go out, have fun, have fun and relax. 

Having time just for yourself, to relax and recharge your batteries is essential to having a good work week and also dedicating more time to your children.

Other than that, take care of your mental health, don't put too much pressure on yourself and don't let yourself get discouraged. It certainly won't be an easy journey, but don't give up, you can do it!

Conclusion

Power to reconcile career and children It is the wish of thousands of mothers and fathers, as both are important, in fact, one complements the other and you don't need to give up one for the other, if you don't want to.

However, balancing the journey is challenging, but not impossible. Put our tips into practice to make the process easier.

Nara Sampaio May 19, 2022