Tips for Balancing Work and Parenting

It's hard to be your own person when you are raising a child/children, most especially as a single mother. Thinking and worrying about how to survive financially, household chores, and the career that you can barely manage or worse, you have just given up.

Heartbreaking as it is, getting by with the bare minimum is extremely common among single Filipino women. We typically cannot afford to hire a nanny, but Filipinos are known for having strong family ties, so, we would not really want someone else to take care of our kids either. We truly desire to raise our children on our own, as much as possible. It has been an uphill battle choosing between working full time and being a full-time mom. Is there now a way to do both at the same time?

This nightmare has been eased since working remotely has been possible here in the Philippines. More and more businesses from different countries have begun outsourcing Virtual Assistants. It has been a big opportunity for Filipinos, especially for single working moms. Still, most will admit that working from home and being a full-time mom is challenging. But it can be done! I will provide some tips for balancing work and parenting. Here are some to manage both roles effectively.

1. Establish a reasonable working schedule.

Set a schedule that includes dedicated time for work and time for your children. Having a routine will help you and your children know what to expect and make it easier to manage your time.

2. Prioritize tasks and make a to-do list.

This is important if you want to be a full-time working mom. Focus on accomplishing the most important and time-sensitive tasks first. It's essential to be realistic about what you can achieve each day, considering your parenting responsibilities, as well.

3. Have a dedicated space for work.

This will set boundaries for your child

and other people living in the home. A space where you can work without distractions will help you focus on your work tasks and separate them from your parenting responsibilities.

4. Ask for help (if available).

Don't hesitate to ask for support from family members, or friends. If possible, delegate some household chores or childcare responsibilities to others. Sharing the load will give you more time and energy to focus on your work.

5. Practice self-care.

Sleep is essential to how well you handle stress, so avoid chemicals like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine four to six hours before bedtime. Eat healthy food, get out often and breathe fresh air, take a brisk walk with your little one and get some sun in the morning.

Working moms can benefit from these tips. It will help you create a better work-life balance as a working mom. You know how hard it is to wear ALL THE HATS every day of your life and you are doing the best that you can to provide a good life for your children. Finding a balance between work and parenting is an ongoing process. So, you have to learn what will work out for you, the routine where you can handle both work and being a parent, but make sure that, that routine/process is healthy for your body and mind.