In the wake of COVID-19, working parents embark on a whole new world of juggling their careers with caring for their kids. The responsibility of being a working parent can make a person feel stretched thin in the best of times. Hence, this has led to a range of sacrifices, occasional opportunities, challenges, and mental health concerns.
Maintaining kids entertained throughout the summer while balancing the tasks of your day job is an accomplishment worth celebrating. It's even more astonishing for parents who are also pursuing their education. But when school back in session, many parents are feeling overwhelmed by the new normal.
Here are ways mothers have managed the shift from office to remote work and the issues they continue to face:
1. Set a Routine
Find some time during the day to take a break and do some exercise. You can also enjoy a quick walk or jog morning or lunchtime to clear your head as long as you are not self-isolating. Setting a timer to remind yourself to move away from your computer can focus when you return to your desk.
2. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
Yes, you are working remotely now, but that does not mean you should be invisible to your teammates. Make efforts to respond to emails as soon as possible and to take business calls as needed.
3. Balancing Homeschooling & Work
Working mothers' core problem highlights the need to manage a full-time job while homeschooling their children. It is not an issue for older students who have switched to school-run online classes. However, there are other possibilities for younger children who attend nurseries that require an actual human connection.
4. Create a Schedule for Everyone
With several people's tasks and priorities to balance, it is important to schedule each family member. Individual schedules will help you in understanding each person's priorities, workload, and potential conflicts.
5. Make Your Time Count.
It's virtually difficult to avoid checking social media and the news. However, you must resist and make every second of your working time count. Time is precious when any minute, a four-year-old could slam a T-Rex on your keyboard. Make productivity your main goal so your employer can count on you to complete your projects.
6. Don't Forget to Sleep.
There is probably a requirement to stay up late for all of you Type-A workers. The only problem is that you begin sacrificing your mental well-being and health by staying up late. It is better to maintain your patience throughout the day and be efficient in handling your work. Make time to rest to maintain your immune system in good shape.
7.Go Outside!
Nobody can constantly work for a long period without taking a break. Playing in the yard with your children may refresh everyone and help you focus better on your task. If your kids are self-sufficient, bring your office outside, and work at a table while your kids play. They can burn off energy, and you can enjoy the much-needed fresh air.
Remember, without a doubt, families are in the midst of an incredibly challenging time. Reassess your work-at-home goals each week and set realistic expectations, reaching out for help if you need it.
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