Life is hard. We know this, and so does everyone else, but there are going to be some things that are a little harder than others such as trying to manage having kids and a full time job. The problem with this is that because it has become so normalized over the last few decades, people assume that it should be easy and that they shouldn’t be struggling with this. This is not the case at all, because it is going to be difficult, and you’ve just got to do the best you can. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you can do to try and manage having your kids and a full time job. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.
You’ve Got To Make Time
The first thing that we’re going to say is that you have got to make time for the things that you need to make time for. We know that there are going to be times where you miss things when it comes to your kids because you’re going to have to work whether this is a sports game or something else, but you’ve got to try your best. As a parent, it’s up to you to try to make the time for as much as you can, even though this isn’t going to be the easiest thing in the world. An example of this would be when you come home in the evening. We know that you’re tired, and we know that you still have things to do, but if your child asks for your help with some of their eleventh grade worksheets, you need to try your best to do so.
Your kids should not be suffering because of your job because at the end of the day they are more important. Of course there are going to be times where you can’t do much and you just need to explain to them that you have too much to do, but generally you need to be making time.
Take A Break When You Need One
You’re probably sitting there thinking that you don’t have time for a break, but you have to have one or you’re going to burn yourself out. You’re no use to anyone if you end up burnt out and in bed because you physically do not have the energy to get up anymore. This is what’s likely to happen if you’re pushing yourself too far and not giving yourself enough time to rest. When it comes to your job, you can do your best while setting boundaries to ensure that you’re not going too far. When you get home, you can explain to your kids that sometimes you just need 5 minutes before you can start doing things again.
It’s okay to take a break. We don’t know if anyone has said that to you recently, but it really is okay to give yourself the break that you need. You have got to look after you, even though sometimes it’s not the easiest thing to do when you have so many other things to manage. If you don’t slow down and take a breath though, you’re not going to be able to manage anything else.
Work And Home Life Are Separate
If you’re going to manage having your kids and a full-time job effectively, then you have got to leave work at work and home at home. Now, we understand that this is not always going to be possible, but it’s the rule that you should be going with generally. If your kids need you while you’re at work then you’re going to have to answer your phone and find out what’s going on, and if you’re working on something huge then you might need to put in another hour or two at home on occasion. But, generally, you need to be trying to keep both of these separate.
If you do this, then you’re going to be able to focus on work when you are at work, and your kids when you are at home. This gives you the best of both worlds, ensuring that you are giving both your best. It can get tiring trying to do this, so like we said above you’ve got to make sure that you’re giving yourself a break. There are plenty of tips online as well that will help you when it comes to maintaining this kind of balance, so look at them if you find yourself struggling.
Communication Is Key
We cannot stress enough that the most important part of all of this is to communicate. You need to be communicating effectively with your boss and your kids to ensure that everyone knows how you are feeling, what you’re doing at any given time and so on. For example, if you need to finish work early because your kid has a doctor's appointment or a big football game, then talk to your boss beforehand so that you can arrange something with them. Most people are very understanding when it comes to personal circumstances involving kids, so it’s just a case of you keeping the lines open.
You should also be communicating with your kids as much as you can. Let them know that you are always there for them, but also let them know that you need to know in advance about any sports games or whatever. Always tell them that you will do your best, and accept their best in return. Communication will save the relationship between you and your kids, so just do your best to keep it going.
Be Present As Often As Possible
You have got to be present as much as you can. One of the biggest problems that kids face is that they do not have a present parent, with the parents often citing work as the reason for this. The problem here is that your kids are still the ones paying the price which is the last thing that you want. Sometimes it’s difficult to be present and we know that, but like we’ve already said above all you can do is try your best.
Being present doesn’t always mean that you are massively involved in what’s going on though. Sometimes being present is simply sitting with your kids and watching a movie at the end of a long day. Sometimes being present is just eating your evening meal with them and catching up on the day. There are so many different ways to be present when it comes to your kids, you just have to want to be there. Just keep in mind that your kids need you when they are growing up, and you being there is the best gift that you can give them.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you should be doing to manage having your kids and a full-time job. Nobody said that this was going to be easy, but it’s something that you have got to learn to cope with even when things get tough. Of course, the more help you have with this the easier it’s going to be, but no matter what, you’ve got to find a way to balance your work life and your home life. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you manage to do this sooner rather than later.
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