Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs on the planet. If you’re balancing work with raising kids, here are some parenting hacks to help make life easier.

Managing your schedule and increasing flexibility

One of the most beneficial steps you can take when raising children and running a business or holding down a job is to be proactive in managing your schedule. Try to increase flexibility as best you can by working from home more and taking control of your hours, and make sure you schedule time out. If you try to do too much, there is a risk of stress and burnout, and this will affect your performance at work, as well as the relationships you have with your children and partner. Make time for work, downtime and quality time with your family. 

Utilizing resources and seeking advice

There is no instruction manual or guidebook for being a parent, and it’s perfectly normal to come up against obstacles or challenges that seem insurmountable at the time. If you’re finding it hard to balance managing a business with raising children, you need advice to provide support for a child with additional needs, or you’re looking for ways to enhance your child’s learning and development at home, make use of resources and don’t hesitate to ask for advice. You can access online groups and communities that offer everything from everyday tips to ADHD coaching, you can join forums to connect with other parents and you can take advantage of free online resources for homeschooling or fun, educational activities for young children. It’s also beneficial to speak with teachers and educators or health professionals if you have any concerns or you want professional advice. 

Delegating

Nobody is superhuman, and it’s impossible to be in two places at once. If you’re keen to spend more time at home with your child, or you want to tip the balance slightly to reduce your workload, don’t be afraid to delegate. Have faith and confidence in your team, issue clear objectives and consider hiring new employees or outsourcing to increase productivity. 

Setting realistic goals

Many parents work and run their own companies. It is tough to spin several plates at the same time, but there are ways of making it work. One golden rule to remember is to set realistic goals. Manage your expectations and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Take control of your diary, learn to say no, ask for help and use simple strategies to save time and energy. From online shopping to automating business tasks, you can make goals more achievable without overexerting yourself or risking burnout. 

Parenting and running a business are challenging when tackled independently, but if you’re doing both at the same time, you may feel like you’re juggling too many balls. To find a healthy balance, it’s important to manage your schedule, be prepared to delegate, set realistic objectives and take advantage of resources and advice from experts and fellow parents and entrepreneurs. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and recognize when it’s time to make changes to protect your mental health.