It’s not easy trying to juggle a career, maintaining a home and raising your kids. With some planning, organising and setting priorities though, you can ensure both your job and family flourishes. Try these 7 tips for a happy work life balance.

1. Find A Good Child Care Support

It takes a village to raise a kid. But with lack of family and community support, it is essential to enlist the help of as many people as you can. As your friends for references to maids, babysitters, nannies, and daycare centres. This will not only free up your time but also make your little ones more social.

2. Make Your Mornings Stress-Free

Getting everyone ready and out the door, every morning can leave you frazzled. Avoid the morning routine stress by getting organised the night before. Lay out the kids’ and your clothes, keep packed lunches and snacks ready and stored in the fridge, and if convenient, let your kids shower at night instead of morning. This will give you room to breathe and maybe sneak in a coffee break as you get everyone (and yourself) ready for the day.

3. Talk To Your Employer About A Flexi Schedule

A nine-to-five grind routine doesn’t necessarily mean more productivity. Combine that with a long commute to work and getting back to take care of home and kids, and you will face a burn out pretty quick. Talk to your employer about a flexi-work schedule that involves telecommuting, being able to choose a shift, or reducing your hours to part-time. Most bosses will be accommodating if they know the value you add to their company. If all else fails, at least try to negotiate work-free weekends, where you are not expected to be on call 24/7.

4. Try These Cooking Hacks

If you like making home-made meals for your kids, it is good to always plan ahead. Make your life easier with these quick dinner recipes for your tiny tots that are wholesome and delicious.

5. Don’t Try To Do Everything

Never try to be a supermom who has everything under control. Living up to a perfect standard of motherhood will only add to your stress. Sometimes, it is alright to have a messy home and laundry piled up. Find a balance in running your home, work and managing the kids in a way that gives you mental peace.

6. Work Free Weekends

Make time for your kids on the weekend. Establishing a weekend routine, even if it is as small as making breakfast together, will give everyone something to look forward to. Create fun-filled outdoor activities too like playing at the park or going for ice cream. This will give you a lot of time to bond with your children emotionally.

7. Spend Time With Your Partner

Between taking care of your kids and holding down a full-time job, the relationship with your partner becomes the first casualty. Don’t forget to spend quality time with him. Afterall, he is your biggest support system. Plan date nights, at least once a month to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company. Make sure, you don’t end up talking about work and the kids on your special nights.