In today’s economy and gender roles, it is more than likely that both parents work. Being a parent is hard enough, to begin with, but being a working mom or dad is something else.

Depending on the kind of job you do and the industry you work in, keeping work-life balance can sometimes get hard. You love your kids, but you also love your job. Having a stable salary is essential

Here are some tips to make it easier for you to keep a work-life balance.

Organize, share responsibilities, and keep a calendar

Keeping everything in check is a major part of a stress-free life. When you have your to do and to buy lists, accomplishing them gets easier. Also, divide them into categories by urgency and priority. It will make your life easier.

When you become a parent you might think that you need to do everything all at once, by yourself. But that is not true. Remember that your partner has responsibilities also and they have to contribute their fair share. Begin by dividing house chores, checking on the kids, to picking them up, and outdoor activities.

Communicate with your employer about flexibility

Sometimes, at work, we overestimate the amount we can accomplish. We want to achieve everything and don’t want our co-workers to think we are being treated differently. But there is always a solution when it comes to working schedule and tasks. Talk to your employer and see if some days you could work from the house. Or some days you can compensate for when you need to be there for your kids.

But there is another option. Remote working has become more and more appealing to people with other responsibilities. There are many jobs that offer the option to work remotely, and you could ask your boss if that is something you could do.

Limit distractions

It is very easy to get distracted. Everyday activities may get us wound up so we don’t realize we are dealing with something we shouldn’t be doing. When you set priorities, you always have an idea what needs to be done and what doesn’t.

Spend quality time with your partner and kids

An important thing and crucial to healthy family life is quality time. Set aside your holidays and weekends to do some family activities, like going on a trip, or as simple as going to the park. You could also set up a barbeque in your backyard, or even watch a movie together. Whatever you do just make sure you spend that time bonding with your partner and kids.

Something very important also is spending time with your partner alone. The strength of your relationship is what keeps the family together, so that is something you should always prioritize.

Have some “me” time

Taking time to refresh and recharge is more than necessary when you have kids and a job. You shouldn’t feel guilty if you go out with your friends once in a while or if you go to the salon and treat yourself. Time to yourself is proven to have an amazing effect on people with busy schedules and stressful lives.

If you’re sick or have an emergency you can call off work. Here are some legitimate reasons to call off work. Make sure you take care of yourself. Only that way will you be able to do your best at work and at home.

Set boundaries

To accomplish everything we have talked about it is important to set boundaries. It is important that you are available in your work hours when your tasks call for you, and it equally important to be there when your kids need you. Being a successful working parent is really a matter of rules and boundaries.

Don’t try to be too perfect

Lastly, you don’t have to do everything. Sometimes you want to do everything but that is not possible, even if you don’t have kids. The day has only 24 hours and there is only so much you can do. Try to do your best, but don’t neglect yourself. The house can be messy from time to time and your shoes will not always be shining, and that’s ok.

Look for help

One of the glories of being a working parent is the ability to afford childcare services. Nowadays there are multiple child care services that are qualified and prepared to take care of kids of all ages. If that is not your cup of tea, you could hire someone you know and trust to take care of your child. There are many different options and you could pick one that you feel the most comfortable with.

Housework is another thing you could get help with. There is no shame in not being able to take care of the house, the kids, and work at the same time. Try hiring a cleaning service, or someone you know that is in need of some extra cash and take that weight off your shoulders.

Use work as an escape from house stress and vise versa

Work and home life can be both stressful sometimes. The good news is that you can use both as an escape from each other. If you’re having a hard time with work, your family will be there to console you, and if you’re having troubles at homework will make you think of something else.

I read somewhere that being a parent is already a full-time job, and that is so true. But being a working parent is the best because you get to enjoy family life and work life. You get to set an example for your kids to work hard but at the same time enjoy being with people you love. No matter what anyone says, Yes, it is possible. You can maintain a full-time job and still be a good parent. It just takes some work.

Authors Bio Ujëbardha Bekolli, Mother Works

Ujëbardha Bekolli is a writer for SAHMjobs. MotherWorks is a job portal designed to bring together stay at home moms and recruiters. The platform also brings helpful articles in the Blog section regarding mothers who want to return to the workforce.