Balancing Work and Home Life, by Dr. Brad Schwall
Are you a workaholic? Your family could be suffering because of it. Working parents must devote time and energy to their jobs and careers, yet not committing to family can have serious consequences. How can parents balance work and home life without sacrificing one or the other?
Work and family life are both demanding – they require time and energy. How can parents stay committed to their work, but still devote energy to their families?
Prioritize
The first step to balancing work life and home life is to grant that work is important, but recognize that committing to family life is of crucial importance to your marriage relationship, the future of your children and their relationships, and your own personal well-being.
As a working parent, you may have the responsibility of earning an income for your family, yet that is never your only job. Having money to take care of needs is not what builds the character and emotional strength of your children.
What about those who must work long hours or even those who have extra obligations such as dinner meetings? What do parents need to do to protect time with family?
Work smart and set boundaries
Long working hours may be necessary at times. Fulfilling extra obligations may be helpful in establishing your career. But, watch out for work patterns that are burdensome on your family.Any time you must work outside your normal working hours ask yourself:
- Is it necessary?
- How much does it help me advance?
- Can this work be done during normal working hours?
- What limits do I need to set?
Be creative and firm when it comes to protecting time with your family. Find time to be with your family.
What about parents who have to travel? What are some tips for handling being away?
Stay connected
Business travel does not excuse you for being clueless about what is happening in your child's life.
Talk, text, and/or e-mail with your child each day. Pay attention to what your child is doing. Ask specific questions about what is happening. Understand that your child may not re-cap everything that happened or do so just to make you feel better about being away. Stay tuned-in and your child will know you care even when you're away.
What is the best way to find balance?