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Psychological research shows that social, emotional and cognitive development improves when fathers interact with their children, but joint families between children are decreasing after Covid-19 and increasing social media use has made parenting difficult these days. It becomes difficult to balance work and childcare. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Abhishek Chopra, Consultant Neonatologist and Pediatrician at Cloud Nine Hospital Group, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi, the following strategies to improve work-parenthood balance: I suggested it.
Time management: Create a to-do list and prioritize it to get the most important things done faster. Avoid procrastination – When things are delayed, last-minute rushes can take up family time. Digital tools and programs can be used to plan and remember tasks. Reduce time wasting – limit TV and social media usage and try to spend this time with your family.
Make sure you set clear boundaries. Set working hours – try to stick to the work schedule as much as possible. When you get home, try to leave work unless you feel it is necessary. Minimize distractions - focus only on your work at work, stay away from your devices when you're with family, and resist the temptation to constantly check your email or WhatsApp. Communicate your business hours to your customers and colleagues.
Division of Responsibilities: Share household chores and childcare duties. Considering helping out around the house is also a sensible option, but always teach your children to do things themselves.
Trust your team members: It's always difficult to get out of this mindset, but trust your team members when you're not around.
Prioritize quality time over quantity. Whenever you are with your children, give them time with all your heart. For example, Spending two hours with children and constantly checking your things is not the same as spending an hour with them, playing with them and having a good time.
Talk to your employer: Most employers are now more responsive to the needs of working parents. So talk to them about your childcare plans. Home office options and flexible working hours are possible on certain days.
Save extra work when the kids are away: If you want to bring work home, try to fit it into your family's schedule. Try to work in the afternoon when the kids are asleep, or get up early before everyone else wakes up.
Maintain rituals and routines that mark your physical, mental and emotional transition from work to home. It's as easy as changing your work clothes.
Change your attitude to work: Think about your children a little during your workday. Maybe you're just looking at family photos or thinking about something special you did together recently. Bring your children and family to social gatherings. This could be fun for you and your child.
Self-care is not selfish. Take time for yourself. Exhausted parents are unproductive at work and at home. Participate in restful activities, whether it's a hobby, exercise, or a short nap.
Stay in touch with your children: Talk to your children for a few minutes every day about their day, their worries and their joys. Participate in as many school events and activities as possible. Your presence is of great value to them.
Seek support: Join a parent support group. They can give you a lot of advice and understand your problem. Trust your family and friends when you need them. It makes load distribution easier.
Balancing work and parenthood can be challenging, but with the right strategies it can be overcome. The key is to manage your time, set clear boundaries, and have good interactions with your children. Ultimately, the goal is to be with your children and enjoy the beauty of parenting without the stress of work.
