Mothers are superheroes, with amazing abilities to juggle multiple things at any given time. They look after the kids while overseeing the household. Some of them also work, adding more things to their plate. The responsibilities they handle can become overwhelming, which can affect their well-being. In a 2024 survey among families in Australia, 36% reported that child care is shared between the mother and father. In this situation, the burden on one party is somewhat alleviated. But what about a single parent or those who take on the brunt of child care? This is where achieving balance between work, child care, and well-being is essential.
To Work or Not to Work?
More often than not, your financial situation chooses you. Raising a family is not exactly cheap, and relying solely on one income can have a significant economic impact. The good news is that there are many government payments and initiatives you can look into. These include Family Tax Benefit, Parenting Payment, and Child Care Subsidy. You can also look into the viability of switching to jobs for stay-at-home moms rather than working at an office. If this isn’t possible, ask your employer about flexible work rights or parental leave entitlements.
Set Time to Prioritise Yourself
Do you often feel guilty if you put yourself above the welfare of your children or family? You’re not alone. However, if you want to continue to care for your children without sacrificing yourself, prioritizing your wellbeing is a must. Practice self-care and learn to set boundaries. Learn to become flexible and adaptable in various situations. If you ended up isolating yourself while you focused on your family, rebuild your support network. Reach out to your friends or join a community of single parents.
Share Responsibilities
Learn to delegate, especially if you have a partner or someone you can rely on for help. You don’t need to do everything yourself. You can push some household chores to your partner or your grown children if you have any. The goal is to clear up a few things off your plate so you have time to breathe and relax. Just make sure that everyone knows their specific roles and responsibilities and the schedule to do them.
Arrange for Child Care
Merrylands childcare not only offers 0 to 2 infant care but also helps ensure your child starts their educational journey the right way. They offer baby and preschool programs to stimulate and encourage learning at a young age. Why not take advantage of this? You get to take a break while ensuring your child’s future.
Set a Consistent Routine
For example, meal prep the night before so that you won’t be rushing to make meals and pack lunches in the morning. Preparing ahead will make your mornings go smoothly and allow you to get more things done, even before the day starts. If you follow a routine consistently, you and everyone in the family will automatically know what to do, eliminating chaos and confusion.
Trying to keep up with work, life, and family is a challenge most people struggle with. With the right habits and strategies, you’ll be a more effective parent who is happy and healthy. Who doesn’t want that? If you need more information on a childcare center in Merrylands, contact Clovel Childcare.
