Work, parenting, and life are clauses that don't match and one tends to outdo the other. The parenting part sometimes gets the least attention thus affecting a huge section of life. Surprisingly the three aspects co-depend but require special balance to manage. It's challenging to strike proper work-life balance strategies for parents, especially for new parents.

There is always a feeling of guilt making one feel they are neglecting their kids or spending too much time at work. In other cases, one might feel they don't have their own time like life is just passing by. With mixed feelings come multiple negative issues like depression and hatred towards what you think is pulling you back.

However, with better planning, organizing, and support, working parents can maneuver and find a balance between work and family life.  Fortunately, there are various ways to cope with work, parenting, and work-life for busy parents. This helps them balance work and parenting situations in a fun and active way. One doesn’t feel left out or irresponsible as one can engage in all areas without causing burnout.    

What is intelligent work-life balance?

The term work-life balance doesn’t seem to apply in real life. However, if intelligently practiced the systems will flow according to your tune. An intelligent work-life balance is the relationship and equality between your work and the other essential responsibilities in your life.

The responsibilities may be like your family, household chores, free time, sports, and social life. Working parents should analyze their lives and consider all important details that require their time. Children being the priority, parents can create family time within their busy schedule and allocate the work duties to others. Have a mandatory family day, regular home time, or school drop-off routine. Ensure the kids learn and adapt to the family time and also understand why you need to work.

Work-life balance strategies for Parents amid a busy lifestyle

To be a super parent who's working, balancing obligations, and committing to work and home. One needs to check and practice some few tips as follows:

• Make a manageable and realistic schedule

Working means responsibilities and parenting comes with commitment. For the two to coordinate making a schedule to separate work from home issues will come in handy.  The schedules should not collide or be altered.  Once you establish a schedule let your family know when you are present for them and when you are at work.

• Asking for help is being responsible

Seeking help shows you're a responsible parent. It's not all roses, sometimes work or parenting can go out of hand. Saying you're overwhelmed is okay and will allow others to play their role. Family members can intervene to help with the kids or cook dinner before you arrive. Your wife can keep the kids busy to avoid sleeping off before you give a bedtime story. This are simple things that can make life fun. 

There is no harm in requesting your employer for time off or leaving early to watch your child perform at school.  In crucial situations like parenting seeking professional help, will be a positive aspect that will go a long way in life. Always speak out and request for help.

• Value your expectations

Having expectations is great but over-expecting might cause some tides in the work, parenting, and life.  Parents need and should manage all the aspects with balanced expectations. This will reduce the pressure to perform best and allow one to flow according to the current situation.  

• Stay stress-free

Stress is a dream killer and can distort families. Working parents need to understand situations that can lead to stress for them and their children. If a particular channel doesn't work out don't force to fit in or your child to adapt. Communicate or seek professional help to ensure everyone is comfortable with the daily routine and lifestyle.  Families should enhance transparency and peace of mind to build a happy, healthy, and responsible family.

• Make honest communication with your children.

All kids have a heroic version of their parents.  They have different expectations and believe you will manage and fulfill their desires.  However, it’s wise to talk and define your kind of life and what you can offer. This will help them manage their expectations of you. Let the kids understand there days you have to work and leave them with a different person.

I know the painful feeling of leaving them behind but it’s beneficial for the whole family. Regardless of the child’s age or developmental stage. Talk to them and give an assurance that you care and will be there always.  Introduce your kids to your work and let them know about the importance of work in their lives. The conversation will motivate them, and they will remember whenever you’re out to work.

• Construct a work-life balance.

It all revolves around commitment and schedule.  Parents can opt to have a schedule that gives both work and family time. This can be achieved by one's acceptance and commitment towards the two goals.

• Feel empowered and strong

Parenting and work are not a punishment, parents need to enjoy both and embrace the gifts. It's wise to always feel empowered, strong, and happy when conducting the two tasks. This are great responsibilities that mold one's life.

• Set  strong and achievable boundaries

Let work and parenting life navigate through a set boundary. Family and work time should remain constant. Sometimes we work to avoid a nagging spouse thus affecting the children's lives. Don't allow circumstances to deter your vision or family quality time. Look for ways that will create great bonds and help increase your job productivity.

• Set up a dedicated workspace at home.

Bringing work home is also a great aspect of being close to your kids and spouse.  Discuss with the members about the workspace to avoid interference. Remind them that the home office is still official work and should be respected. However, don't spend hours working and giving an excuse if you are around and watching their moves. Leave the space and have a nice time, take walks, or have some screen time with the family.

• Expand your circle of friends. Seek responsible friends

Your friends make up an important section of life. Besides parenting and work, social life should be a priority.  Go out, laugh, watch movies, have a drink, go to the beach, and do all the nice stuff with friends. This helps alleviate stress and rejuvenate your spirit giving you the zeal to go back home and to work happy.

• Practice self-care

 What about a spa day, or hairdo, something that will make you happy?  Self-care needs to be a mandatory aspect of all parent's lists. Cook nice food, sit, and reflect on the good times. Sometimes sleep early or go on vacations. A happy parent means a happy family. A stressful lifestyle has a negative impact at work and on other people.  Parents can create a self-care routine once in a while to rejuvenate their energy.

• Prepare early for all duties

Today is settled we await tomorrow and to achieve a successful routine. Parents need to prepare for tomorrow's duties today. Always have a plan of what you need the kids to do or your work schedule. Don't conduct tasks without a proper plan as life can be frustrating especially when not planned