Happy National Working Parents’ Day! Yes, there is a day for that. The internet powers that be recognize the hard work that goes into being a full time parent while working a full time job and saw fit to acknowledge the energy and effort that goes into doing both. That’s not even talking about if you are trying to go above and beyond in both roles. Whew…the responsibilities that come with both can be unreal…but are so rewarding as well!
This day just happens to come at the conclusion of a hurricane watch for our state. For the past five days, schools, colleges and government agencies were closed. This period of time meant that parents and citizens were busy preparing their children, families and households for potential threats and destruction from the severe weather warnings. That also meant that employees, business managers, and entrepreneurs were organizing their week to accommodate for the missed days from work. For me, a mom of two, full time student, community leader and business owner with a husband who was working in New Jersey for six days, it meant that I had a lot to do before bunkering in with my family. Indeed a hectic period but it gave me time to reflect and develop five tips during the storm.
- Organize and Reorganize- With each new role, responsibility and opportunity that comes your way, it’s important to organize your life to accommodate for the changes that will come with it. As I work to complete and achieve new goals, I always evaluate what will come with it and how my family will be impacted by it. Having meetings with my village (support system) and developing new ways to stay organized is imperative to achieving success.
- Multi-task- When working as a parent, I have to find crafty ways to get it all done. Especially during this period when we were unexpectedly in the house for several days. This particular time, I brought in reinforcement and gave them their iPads. This made them feel like they were a part of me getting my work done, provided an opportunity for them to have fun, and allowed me to keep an eye on them while completing my task.
- Spend quality time- Between work assignments, I took breaks to bake cookies, play a game, have a dance party and watch a movie. Bonding is key to any successful relationship and that includes the ones we develop with our children.
- Rest- Every once in a while, I implement the practice that’s suggested when you have a newborn…sleep when they sleep. I took naps with the girls, rested during the down time, and enjoyed being in-plugged.
- Appreciate- A grateful heart is a happy heart and taking quick moments to appreciate the life you have is paramount to that happiness. Listening to the sounds of the rain, reflecting during the storm, and enjoying the quality time spent with my family made me appreciate this life that I live even more.
I managed to spend quality time with my family, complete items on my to-do list, and get ahead of tasks to kick-off the upcoming week. It was a relaxing yet very productive weekend. While reading, this little face looked up at me as to say- “Mommy, work time is over!” I happily obliged.
Until next time,
Xoxo