Juggling careers and kids is something that many parents manage to do. Some make it look easy! However, most of us are struggling with guilt or in a constant state of stress. So, how do you make it work? Is there such a thing as a balance?

Dealing with Child Health Issues

When you don’t have the support of family or friends to take care of your child when sick, it helps to have a flexible employer who understands when you need time off or can be available to work from home.  Some of the most common health issues in young children are allergies, asthma, colds, nits and worms. Getting onto these straight away is important, so if you can’t get out the door to go to the pharmacy for treatments, GimmeNow is your friend. Any non-prescription medication can be collected and delivered to your door within 2 hours.

Dealing with Work Deadlines

Be flexible; being a parent means that routines get disrupted, so it’s vital to re-evaluate your plans and schedules.

Be realistic, schedule when you need to get your work completed and ensure that your family understands.

Learn to say NO or if that’s tricky … “let me check and get back to you”. Don’t take on more than you can deliver. If you have competing deadlines, focus on one at a time and keep your boss’s expectations in check. Confirm what the priorities are and ask for help when you need it.

Get help, share home duties and outsource the things you don’t have time to do. Bring together every human and virtual source you can find to help maintain your mental well-being and productivity. Reach out to other parents to help share the load and take advantage of delivery services like gimmenow, to get what you need – when you need it!

Have a Plan

Having a routine and sticking to a schedule, as best you can, is a life-saver.

A plan allows you to see the things you don’t have time for and prioritise the important things. Of course, sharing your availability with family and colleagues helps a lot too.

If you’re working at home with the kids, put together some activities that will keep them occupied while you get some work done.

When life happens, as it does, like the birthday present you forgot, or the dog chewed your favourite shoes, go to plan B and contact GimmeNow to collect what you need and deliver it to your door.

Look after yourself

Don’t forget you also need some time to unwind and renew your energy.

Take time to let go of the guilt and be kind to yourself. Mistakes and missed targets will happen. You are doing your best and this is enough.

Be patient. Each day is a learning experience to take note of what worked and what didn’t. In time, you will find that works for you, your partner, colleagues, and the young ones at home.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you!”

— Anne Lamott