How to balance family and career : As a woman, it is not easy trying to juggle a full-time job with raising your children. The duty of a working mother is a particular one and that is to work as if you do not have children, while raising your children like you do not have a job at the same time.

But do you really need to limit yourself in order to be successful in both fields? In order to relieve pressure, you need to manage your employer’s expectations as well as your own so as to balance your work and parenting duties. Let us look at how you can achieve that.

Let go of the guilt

Instead of focusing on how you are not with your child, think about how your role at work benefits them. Perhaps you can afford certain classes or educational opportunities for your child that you certainly could not if you were not working.

The most successful career moms have found ways to be efficient in both worlds and that requires being able to come to terms with choices and focus on the priorities that are in the moment. Accept that there will be both bad and good days and this way, you will be able to attend to your work without letting guilt take over for not spending as much time with your kids as you wish you could.

Find quality childcare

Ask your network of family and friends for references to babysitters, nannies and daycare facilities. Create a list of conditions and then arrange time to interview qualified childcare providers. It is good to also schedule a playdate with the shortlisted candidates, because that can help you assess how your childcare provider interrelates with your child in a less formal setting.

A good childcare provider should have broad experience, excellent references and of course a record to prove it. A good daycare facility on the other hand should have licensing, outdoor space and flexible hours. When you find someone reliable who you can trust your child with, you will be more at ease while working knowing your child will be safe when you get to them.

Create a family calendar

Figure out your family’s priorities. A calendar can include when bills are due, a list of school events, birthdays, a chore chart for the kids and much more. Google calendars are ideal because you can easily sync and share on your smartphone.

This helps eliminate surprises in the course of the week. You can share this calendar with your childcare provider so that you are both up-to-date on activities. The family calendar will also help save time and efficiency in your home.

Talk to your employer

Prior to talking to your employer, write down what you need. Find out whether other employees have flexible arrangements and use such information to your advantage. Everyone is different and only you will know how much you want to share with your employer.

Be ready to present different solutions, such as a trial period for your proposed work schedule so that you can show how the arrangement won’t limit productivity.

Working Mothers Should Stop Feeling Guilty

The post A survival guide for working parents: How to balance family and career appeared first on Naijaaparents.com | The Most Popular Destination For Parenting Tips|Marriage and Relationship Tips|For Nigerian Parents|Nigerian Mothers Community | Nigerian Food Recipes.