Rather than dwell on how you’re not with your child, think about how your role in the company is benefitting the family. Perhaps you can afford certain classes or educational opportunities for your children or you’re able to put away savings for college.
“The most successful career moms have found ways to be efficient in both worlds—and that requires being able to come to terms with choices and focus on the priorities that are in the moment.
1) Find Quality Childcare
Ask your network of friends and family for references to nannies, babysitters, and daycare centers. Create a list of criteria that are important and then schedule time to interview qualified childcare providers or to tour local daycares.
A good childcare provider should have extensive experience, excellent references, and a record to prove it. A good daycare facility should have flexible hours, a low teacher-to-student ratio, outdoor space, up-to-date licenses, and employees who have had their backgrounds checked.
2) Make The Mornings Easier
Avoid starting the day on a frazzled note by getting organized the night before. Pack the kids’ lunches, lay out their clothes (plus your own), and have everyone shower.
“You should also decide what to make for breakfast, and repack the diaper bag, backpacks, purses, or work bags to be placed by the door, right next to your keys, so you can grab them and lock up on your way out.
3) Create an Organized Family Calender
Figure out your family’s priorities. A calendar can include dates when bills are due, a chore chart for the kids, a list of school and family events, extracurricular activities, birthdays, and more.
You can use Google calendars, which can be easily shared and synced on smartphones, because “they are colour-coded and get superimposed on each other, so you can always be on top of scheduling challenges.”
4) Communicate With Your Employer
Before talking to your employer or HR representative, construct a written plan detailing what you need. Weinberger suggests “researching whether other employees have flexible arrangements and using this information to your advantage…
This information will help tailor your proposal to the terms that your employer has already embraced with your coworkers.” Every employer is different, and only you will know how much to share, but try to be as open and honest as possible.
Be prepared to present alternative solutions, such as a trial period of your projected work schedule so you can show how the arrangement won’t restrict productivity.
5) Stay Connected to The Family
Stay connected with your children even when you’re not together. For moms with younger kids, consider recording yourself talking or singing on a video or record your voice reading along to a children’s book (Hallmark has a series of recordable storybooks).
If you’re going to miss or be late to an older child’s event, give her something special in the morning, like a good-luck charm or a personal note. Look into options for filming the event so you can watch it later and not miss a moment.
Hang pictures of yourself and your partner so the kids can see your faces. During your breaks at work, call your child; hearing her can help you get through a rough day, and she’ll be comforted to know you’re near.
6) Create Special Family Activities
Making time for your kids is crucial, both during the week and on the weekends, to nurture your family dynamic and allow everyone to bond. If you’re pressed for time, have a family breakfast or a family night with board games or movies.
“Create activities that regularly fit into your schedule so everyone knows what to expect and what to look forward to,” Wiss suggests. When you do have family outings, avoid talking about work or checking your phone.
Instead, focus on your kids’ interests such as friends, classes, and hobbies. With older children, ask for their activity suggestions and try to meet their needs. In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you do as long as you do it together.