Back-to-School Tips for Working Parents
Summer vacation often gives families more time than usual to connect. However, as the summer comes to an end, families begin to think about sending their children back to school. The return of school schedules, homework, sports,
With the upcoming school year hopefully looking more normal than last year’s, here are some tips for tackling back to
Make being involved a priority
As a working parent, it might be difficult for you to make it to every event, but there are probably a few that you can commit to. Tell your kids which events you’re going to attend – and then make sure you keep your promise. Whether it’s chaperoning a field trip twice a year or attending the annual holiday party at your kids’ school, consistency and support
Say “yes” – but not to everything
While it’s important to stay involved, it’s simply impossible to chair every committee at your kids’ school. Select one or two causes that are most important to you and your kids and commit to those. Setting unrealistic expectations about what you can sign up to do – on top of taking care of your home, family,
Connect daily
Make a point to connect daily with each of your kids – even if that means helping your son with his math homework or tucking your daughter into bed. What’s more, setting a special time each week or month to share a favourite activity with your kids one-on-one can go a long way in helping to maintain your bond. Make sure you keep lines of communication open as your kids face challenges or struggles they need to discuss with you.
Strike that elusive work-life balance
Even pre-COVID, many workplaces allowed employees to work remotely on certain days. Now, for many jobs, it’s a default way of working. If you are able to work from home even some of the time, you gain some flexibility in being available for your kids during school hours.
Maintain your interests
Try not to stretch yourself too thin between work, home, and family that you lose sight of your own interests and well-being. Set personal goals for yourself – maybe it’s learning a new language or starting a new hobby. Take time each week to work towards your interests. Taking care of yourself enables you to provide the best care and support to your family
The bottom line – don’t be too hard on yourself. Every parent you see at the PTA meeting, band concert,
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