Creative Parenting: How to Balance Work and Family

Hi there, I am Maja, a mom of two wonderful girls who are 1 1/2 & 6, working full time with no help at all! Although there are some days, I wish I could have my parents, nephews or a nanny to help out :) because let's face it, it does get hard until the kids are more or less independent.

So, to make this work I have come to realise a lot of things that I have been doing wrong and found great solutions for them, and I am here to share them with you.

Grab your coffee and let's dive into what worked for me!

Balancing work and family can be challenging, but with some thoughtful strategies, it can be achieved. Here are some tips to help you find that balance:

1 Set Clear Boundaries

• Define Working Hours - weather you are working from your home or going into an office it will help a lot if you set certain time to get things done and stick to them. Communicate these hours to your employer/employees and your family.

• Create a dedicated workspace- when you separate professional and personal space it creates certain mood and depending on which mood you are, there are high chances to get things done or lay down for a 5 (only! who are we kidding here. Hehe) minutes and end up with piled up work to do.

2 Prioritize Tasks

• Use a planner -works all the time with me! When you write down all the things, you are probably going to stick to it. Also, it helps you to free up your mind and be less stressed. I have a big calendar on my fridge that helps me to stay on top of my kid's activities, special days and many more. As soon as i get them, they all go to the calendar and all of us stay up to date with happenings.

• Identify priorities - when you establish clear priorities, you acknowledge that some tasks can be postponed. Keeping this in mind helps reduce stress, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. For example, I do my dishes once a day and don’t worry about other messes because my attention is directed toward more important priorities at that moment. This approach helps me maintain balance and peace of mind.

3 Establish a Routine

• Create a family schedule - when the weather is nice, my family has a little tradition: we all head outside before dinner. Sometimes, just 30 minutes is enough, but if we can stretch it to 60 or even 90 minutes, the kids come back hungry and pleasantly tired, making bedtime a breeze!

4 Time Management

• Use breaks wisely - one of my favorite things to do while enjoying my coffee is to bring out the LEGO (our absolute favorite!) and start building. The kids often join in, and we have a great time playing together. They usually keep playing even after I finish my coffee and head back to my workspace!

5 Embrace flexibility

• Be adaptable! There’s a certain magic that happens within us when we accept that certain things might change ahead of time. When those changes do occur, we feel less overwhelmed. I always have a Plan B (just in case!), which helps me feel more organized and flexible when things don’t go as planned.

As we navigate the intricate dance of work and family life, it’s essential to embrace the concept of adaptability. Reflecting on our experiences allows us to evaluate how well we are maintaining our work-life balance. This ongoing assessment is not merely a task; it’s an opportunity for growth. By regularly checking in with ourselves, we can identify areas that may need adjustment, ensuring that we remain aligned with our values and priorities.

In this journey, it’s equally important to celebrate the small wins. Each moment we successfully juggle our responsibilities—whether it’s completing a project at work or enjoying a spontaneous play session with our children—deserves recognition. These victories, no matter how minor they may seem, serve as powerful reminders of our ability to create harmony in our lives. They fuel our motivation and reinforce the belief that balance is not just a destination but a continuous process.

By cultivating a mindset of reflection and adaptability, we empower ourselves to respond to life’s inevitable changes with grace and resilience. When we accept that challenges will arise, we can approach them with a sense of preparedness, knowing that we have the tools to navigate through uncertainty. This flexibility not only enhances our organizational skills but also enriches our relationships with our loved ones.

In closing, let us commit to reflecting regularly, adjusting our strategies as needed, and celebrating our achievements—no matter how small. By doing so, we create a fulfilling and balanced life that honours both our professional aspirations and our cherished family moments. Embrace the journey and remember that every step forward is a step toward a more harmonious existence.

Thank you for joining me on this journey! I hope you found some valuable insights to help you navigate the balance between work and family life. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my other articles for more tips and inspiration. Until next time, take care and keep striving for that perfect balance!