If you’re a parent of young children and you also love your career, you’re likely no stranger to the juggling act that is work-life balance. Often it feels like the minute you get a handle on one aspect of your life, something else comes crashing down. Do you prioritize that big presentation or stay home when your kid’s daycare calls about a runny nose? Is it possible to give 100% to your work and to your family without completely burning out? Spoiler alert: It’s tricky, but it’s absolutely doable with the right mindset and strategies.
In today’s world, where hustle culture is glorified, finding a true balance between work and family can feel impossible. But here’s the thing: you can have both—a fulfilling career and a thriving family life. It just requires a little planning, a lot of self-compassion, and a willingness to make trade-offs. So, if you’re wondering how to thrive in both roles without losing yourself in the process, keep reading.
Set Clear Boundaries for Work-Life Balance (And Stick to Them)
First things first: boundaries are EVERYTHING when it comes to work-life balance. As much as you love your career, there’s a fine line between being a committed employee and allowing your work to consume your personal life.
How to Set Boundaries for Work-Life Balance:
- Define your work hours: If you’re working from home, it’s easy to let work bleed into family time. Set specific “work hours” and make sure you’re physically and mentally stepping away from your computer when the day ends. Easier said than done, but will go along way to being present in each aspect of your life.
- Communicate your boundaries: Let your boss and colleagues know what times you’re available and when you’re offline. It’s not about being rigid; it’s about protecting your personal time. And it’s ok to have a life outside of work!
- Learn to say no: This is HARD, especially for ambitious career-focused individuals. But remember, every “yes” to something at work is a “no” to something at home. Or – saying “no” to something is saying “yes” to something else. If you’re already stretched thin, don’t be afraid to say no or push back on additional tasks that aren’t aligned with your goals.
Having strong boundaries doesn’t mean you love your career any less. It means you’re taking care of your well-being so you can show up as your best self for both your family and your job and achieve work-life balance.
Embrace the Flexibility of Modern Work
If you’re in a job that allows flexibility (lucky you!), embrace it. One of the greatest benefits of today’s work culture is that many employers are now offering flexible hours or remote work options. You don’t have to be chained to a desk to get your work done—so take advantage of that to get some work-life balance!
How to Use Flexibility to Your Advantage:
- Adjust your hours: If your kids go to bed early, work a few hours in the evening after they’ve fallen asleep. If mornings are chaotic, start work a little later in the day. Flexibility is about fitting work into your schedule, not the other way around. Make work work for you!
- Work from home strategically: Use those precious hours when you’re home to knock out deep-focus tasks. If possible, carve out a small office or work nook where you can concentrate without the temptation of laundry or dishes. And prioritize your day so that you’re accomplishing the most important tasks first – you never know when you’ll get that dreaded call from daycare that your little one has spiked a fever…
- Make the most of breaks: When your kids are at school or daycare, use that time to catch up on emails or attend virtual meetings. You don’t have to wait until your kids are in bed to get things done—take advantage of the pockets of time you have during the day.
Being flexible doesn’t just apply to when you work, it can also apply to how you work. As long as you’re getting results, it’s okay to mix things up and experiment with different routines that allow you to meet your family and career needs.
Get Comfortable with Imperfection
Newsflash: You’re not going to be perfect. As much as you might want to have a Pinterest-perfect family life and a career that screams “BOSS,” there will always be bumps in the road. There will be days when your toddler eats a cookie for breakfast, or you allow too much screen time, or you show up to work in sweats. And that’s totally okay.
Instead of beating yourself up over what you “should” be doing, embracing imperfection allows you have better work-life balance. You’re doing your best, and that’s all that matters.
How to Let Go of Perfectionism to Improve Work-Life Balance:
- Set realistic expectations: There are going to be days when things don’t go as planned. Your child will get sick, your boss will need something last-minute, and you’ll have to shift gears. Try to let go of the “perfect” image of being a parent and a worker and accept that some days will be messy. (Pro tip – this is why they invented food delivery!)
- Celebrate small wins: You managed to get your kid to daycare on time, and you nailed that project presentation—those are wins! Recognize and celebrate those moments, no matter how small or silly they feel.
- Practice self-compassion: When you mess up (and you will), be kind to yourself. Give yourself permission to not be “on” all the time. Some days, just surviving is a victory in itself. You’re doing the best you can with what you have in the moment.
Make Time for You (Seriously)
Between work and kids, it probably feels like there’s zero time for you. But here’s the thing: you need to take care of yourself if you want to take care of anyone else. Self-care isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s a necessity for your physical and mental well-being – and crucial if you want to improve your work-life balance.
How to Find Time for Yourself and Create Work-Life Balance:
- Schedule it in: Treat self-care like an appointment. Whether it’s a 30-minute workout, a cup of coffee alone, or a bubble bath, schedule time for it. It doesn’t have to be a long period, just enough to recharge your batteries.
- Use your support system: If you have a partner or family nearby, ask for help. Whether it’s taking over morning routines so you can exercise or watching the kids for a few hours while you get some solo time, don’t be afraid to lean on others. People love to help!
- Find your version of self-care: Self-care doesn’t always mean a spa day (though that’s nice!). It might mean catching up on your favorite show, dancing to your favorite song, or simply taking a walk outside. Find what makes you feel rejuvenated and make it a priority.
Involve Your Kids in Your Work When You Can
One of the trickiest things about balancing a career with kids is the guilt that comes with leaving them to go to work. The thing is, you can involve your kids in your career in small ways. This can actually help you feel more connected to both worlds and have better work-life balance.
How to Integrate Your Kids with Your Work:
- Have family work hours: If you work from home, involve your kids in your “office” time. Set up a small workspace where they can color, play with toys, or do homework while you’re working. This can help create a sense of connection, even if they’re not directly involved in your tasks.
- Show them the value of hard work: Let them see the work you do and explain why it’s important. You might be surprised how much they understand and appreciate it as they grow older. And how excited they are to cheer you on!
- Take family-friendly breaks: Use your lunch break as a bonding moment. Take your kids for a walk or have a meal together. These moments will help you feel less torn between your work and family life.
Know When to Ask for Help
We all know that the “supermom” or “superdad” image is a myth. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. Whether it’s asking your partner to handle a sick day at home or requesting help with household tasks, don’t hesitate to ask for the support you need.
How to Ask for Help:
- Be clear about your needs: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let your partner, family, or friends know exactly how they can help. Instead of saying “I need help,” try being specific: “Can you take the kids to soccer practice tonight?”
- Consider childcare options: If you’re struggling to balance work and home life, look into childcare options, whether it’s daycare, a nanny, or even swapping babysitting with another parent. Your village can show up in many ways!
- Build a support network: Surround yourself with people who understand the challenges of working and parenting. They can offer advice, empathy, and practical help when you need it.
The truth is, work-life balance isn’t about having everything perfectly in sync all the time. Some days you’ll rock your job, some days you’ll rock being a parent. And some days you’ll feel like you’ve completely failed at both. And that’s okay! It’s about being intentional with your time, setting boundaries, and allowing yourself grace. Remember, you can have a thriving career and a happy family life—it just takes planning, flexibility, and, most importantly, self-compassion. If you need a trusted partner in navigating the joys and challenges of new parenthood, Josie is here to help. And above all else, trust yourself: you’ve got this!
