Juggling parenthood and a career can be challenging — even more so when you are single or when both you and your partner are employed outside the home. In the midst of driving your kids to a child care center and after-school activities, meal preparation, and housework, it can seem impossible to find quality time to spend with your family. Mendon Child Care Center in Monroe County, NY, understands the importance of family time and has a few recommendations to help busy parents maintain a work-life balance.

5 Tips for Busy Working Parents

1. Follow a Nightly Routine

To make your morning less hectic and more pleasant, make sure your children’s backpacks are packed the night before. Double-check that any daycare or school forms are signed and clothes for the next day are laid out for your child. Prepare a simple breakfast that can quickly be reheated or served cold the next day. While you’re at it, lay out your own work clothes the night before to save time on last-minute wardrobe decisions.

2. Avoid Bringing Work Home

If possible, leave work behind at the office. If you must occasionally work from home in the evening, try to reserve dinner time for the family. Set aside a special area in your home separate from where your family spends its time together to do your work.

3. Shop & Pay Bills Online

Shopping online will help you save time that would otherwise be spent running errands. Everything, including groceries and toiletries, can now be bought on the internet. You can also quickly pay bills online by setting up direct debits that are automatically taken care of each month.

4. Prepare Meals for the Week

Spend a bit of time on the weekends preparing and freezing some simple dishes that can be easily thawed and heated for a quick weeknight meal. For dishes that require assembly just before cooking or serving, gather the ingredients and store them in airtight containers or plastic storage bags to shorten preparation time after work.

5. Schedule One-on-One Time With Each Child

When you are making plans for the week, schedule a small block of time each day to simply talk or read with your child. If you have more than one kid and both parents aren’t available, consider treating each one to a special evening per week when they will receive an extended period of individual attention.

When you’re a working parent, you also need a child care center you can depend on. Whether your little one is a preschooler or needs an after-school program, trust the caring professionals at Mendon Child Care Center to provide one-on-one attention and stimulating, age-appropriate activities. Call them today at (585) 624-2337 to schedule a visit, or read about all of their programs on their website.