You’d probably agree that finding work-life balance can be difficult if you have children and a job. Managing a tight schedule while juggling a career and children is difficult and work-life balance doesn’t exist. We fair better when we accept that we need to integrate our work and our personal lives together.

Sometimes it becomes difficult to give enough attention to our children when we work from home or have a hectic career. At other times, we may be unable to focus on our career (sick kid the second day of school anyone?!) It is all about balancing both worlds and creating a life where they work in tandem.

There is a point that all working parents start questioning whether they provide their children with enough attention, advice, and love. Here are my tips on how to take care of our babies, despite our hectic schedules.

Pay attentionย 

A working parent may find it challenging to manage kids and work (especially if you work from home), but giving them a few minutes of undivided attention when they are seeking us out is huge.

If your child wants to share something with you, take the time to listen when your child shares the details of how their day was or items they appreciate or are interested in. It is only for a brief amount of time that they share their day and want to give details. Be all in! Then, when they speak, do your best to pay attention to them and repeat some of what they have shared back to them. They’ll be satisfied once they realize you’ve listened to what they have to say!

Observe schedules

Giving freedom is not always a sign of affection. Maintaining order in the home is another method to show you care for kids and to make quality time with them. Consistency is great! Maintaining a regular schedule for mealtimes, nap, bedtimes, and playtimes is crucial.

Additionally, doing this promotes their physical and emotional health. Maintaining a routine each day also makes your kiddo feel more secure. They feel more confident, reducing their likelihood of experiencing anxiety inside and outside the home.

Quality family time

Despite our busy schedule at work, it is our responsibility as a parents to make time for our children. Intentionally spending as much time off from work as possible with our family and creating happy memories is the perfect way to create “balance”.

Our favorites are reading a bedtime story, our morning routine and farewell ritual when leaving them at school (we walk up together, say our I love you’s and I always say make it a great day and be kind to someone). Another great way to “do something” your child loves is to listen to your child’s favorite song on the way to school- my daughter always loved that.

Be happy yourself

Only happy parents can raise happy children and those same happy parents can effortlessly converse with their kids. Children feel more comfortable and like to talk to parents who are not constantly stressed. They hold back from expressing their ideas, thoughts, and issues to us if we are in a constant state of struggle. We have to find ways to stay stress-free (my bi-weekly massage and sauna are my stress-reducers!).

Develop healthy habits

If we as parents have a healthy daily routine and encourage the same healthy behaviors, our kids can develop some good habits at a young age by watching us and being a part of ours. These regular activities can include eating, playing, reading, exercising or other frequent activities.

Our kids can lead a healthy life by adopting these good practices that they see us making. Helping them choose the proper course for their conduct, eating, and actions, will help in them developing physically, emotionally and mentally.

Regular health checkupsย 

Regular checkups, such as dental and eye exams, help discover and address health issues as early as possibleโ€”when treatment prospects are higher. We are adamant about this in our home and it is how we found two major issues with our kids.

Annual wellness exams and keeping up with their vaccinations can help prevent many diseases and illnesses that can be fatal. Even our hectic schedule will not get in the way of our kid’s health. We use telehealth service provider Blueberry Pediatrics for 24-hour medical services, in addition to our regular doctors. A telehealth option for mom and dad is Daiya Healthcare.ย 

Set an example

Kids replicate our behaviors, and a child’s conduct typically mirrors the parents’ lifestyle. So be sure of what you do in front of your child and model them by acting that way every day, not just once or twice.

Both teaching and practicing the good things are crucial. From the use of positive language and acting in ways that we believe are healthy for them to emulate, are both something front of mind for us.

Demonstrate your unconditional loveย 

Avoid placing blame, criticizing, or finding fault when you have to talk to your child because these actions damage self-esteem and can cause resentment. Instead, try encouraging and being kind, even while correcting your children. The book How to Talk When Kids Won’t Listen was a huge help to me!

Make sure they understand that your love will always be there even though you hope and anticipate a better outcome the next time. We use the word “disappointed” and it has a big impact each time.

Keep the kids active

Another strategy to guarantee our children’s health is engaging in physical activity each day. From exercises that improve their respiration and heart rate (like jumping on the trampoline and playing basketball) to brain games like chess, being active with them is not only healthy but another way to spend quality time together!

Look for enjoyable, healthy, and safe things you can do with your kids.

The entire family can maintain their health and spend quality time together by taking a walk or reading a book. We love to have movie time a few times a week- it is a great way to cuddle up and chit chat and just be together.

Be sure to plan for it daily and make it a part of your routine. Work-life balance isn’t a thing, but work-life integration is!

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Eryn
Eryn is a health conscious momma of four amazing kiddos ranging in age from 7 to 21! She is a marketing maven and mentor with over 20 years of business development and marketing under her belt. She beyond obsessed with all things purpose, giving back, wellness, and marketing. Living in Orlando for over 17+ years, this Flo-Grown, Miami native has fallen for The City Beautiful and all it has to offer! From the local arts, to the craft beer and foodie scene, to all of the non-profits and giving opportunities, Eryn is in love with all things Orlando! Her connection with local moms, businesses of Orlando and philanthropy goes deep.ย Eryn uses her ๐˜ฆ๐˜น๐˜ฑ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ค๐˜ฆ to ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ๐˜ถ๐˜ค๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜จ๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ข๐˜จ๐˜ฆ, ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ & ๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ๐˜ท๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ฆ other mompreneurs in life & business. Eryn is also an accredited Integrative Wellness Consultant, Purpose Coach and certified Social Entrepreneurship/Small Business Coach, and a low tox living advocate. She strives to help other women prosper and flourish in life and business and she thrives on creating authentic partnerships and building relationships. Her motto is "be on purpose" and she lives to better the lives of others.

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