Families For Life | I mastered the trick to parenting, working full-time AND enjoying my hobbies all at once!

Superparents. We see them on social media all the time – they’re the heroes of any household, juggling 9-to-5s, engaging in their hobbies, and still finding time for their loved ones.

When confronted with “perfect” parents like these, it’s easy to become discouraged or feel dejected by something that seems so unattainable. But don’t give up! Striking a balance is easier than you think, and you can do it too.

Read on for parenting strategies and see how you can find more time for yourself and your family.

Work Efficiently, Live Fully

We get it – with bills to pay, becoming a stay-at-home parent is not an option. However, it’s possible to keep the balance while working full-time!

Be sure to establish a firm boundary between your personal and professional lives. This means work stays in the office. If you’re working from home, set a fixed shutdown time and stick to it!

If you’re struggling with your workload, be open with your employer. Together, you can find workarounds to help you be present both at work and at home. Don’t feel guilty about taking sick days or leave. Even one day off can provide you with much-needed rest.

Caring for your child can be overwhelming and it’s okay to push back your career goals. Remember, you’re not giving them up – you’re simply shifting priorities and you’ll get back to them when you can.

Share the Childcare

Raising a child is a team effort, and there’s nothing wrong with recruiting a few extra hands to help out.

You can take this chance to let your child bond with extended family members and reach out to them for help. Make a list of people you can rely on for emergencies - this list can serve as a warm reminder that you’re surrounded by people who care.

For busy parents who can’t get away, childcare services are also widely available. Finding one that works for you and your child might take time but the peace of mind you get is worth it!

Divide the Chores, Multiply Your Time

Tackle the household chores as a family and you’ll be surprised by how much time you win back for yourself.

Motivate the little ones to help with simpler chores like folding clothes, and get older children to chip in with the cleaning. This is also the perfect opportunity to teach them responsibility – two birds, one stone!

If you can afford it, try splurging on the occasional cleaning service and treat yourself to a chore-free day dedicated to your hobbies.

Finding Me-Time in We-Time

If you’re still struggling to find space for your hobbies, why not involve your family in the activity? You will be able to spend quality time with them while engaging in something you love.

Read a book in the same room, get the kids to help with the gardening, or bake a cake with your spouse. Nothing beats spending time with loved ones while taking care of yourself too.

At the end of the day, there’s no such thing as a “perfect” balance and you shouldn’t pressure yourself to meet unrealistic standards.

Accept that some things will have to slide sometimes. Take a day off for quality time with your child, or order pizza for dinner so you can meet that work deadline. Find what works for you and soon, you’ll be juggling everything like a pro!