Say goodbye to textbooks and laptops and say hello to sleeping in and outdoor activities! For children, summer vacation is always something to look forward to. But for parents, new challenges arise when school lets out in June. Routines are disrupted, which can result in increased stress levels and decreased productivity.
However, there are many ways you can balance your job and family time appropriately while your kids are at home during work hours. Consider these tips to make sure each is getting the proper attention it needs and deserves.
- Workouts and family time. Everyone should strive to stay fit throughout the year, and many people have very particular exercise routines or schedules. Adapt your workouts to include your kids by going for a walk and enjoying the nice weather or playing a sport together. This keeps your children engaged while satisfying your physical activity needs.
- Set boundaries. Many agents are out in the field throughout the day, which lends itself to some flexibility in your schedule. Take advantage of this to create reasonable boundaries for what constitutes work hours and when you can tend to family matters. This can lead to a healthier work/life balance and keep all parties satisfied.
- Schedule actual time off. Successful REALTORS® are known to never have an off switch. However, you should be wary of working nonstop during the summer. Setting aside time for relaxation and recharging can help you and your family stay mentally fit. To stay organized, plan any vacation time or trips well ahead of schedule to ensure work gets done beforehand and expectations are met.
- Separate from electronics. This can be easier said than done, as electronic devices dictate so much of our work and personal time. However, being present in the moment is extremely important when raising a family. Sure, turning on the TV or playing on an iPad can distract your kids for a few hours while you type away at your computer, but spending quality time with family is priceless. For time you’d normally spend texting on your phone, enjoy the longer days and nice weather—together—instead.
- Perfection isn’t necessary. Those who are dedicated to their work often strive to be flawless in it. But when kids are home from school, you can’t take that same approach. With increased responsibilities during normal work hours, you may feel like you’re being pulled back and forth between your job and your family. Don’t ignore one or the other in pursuit of perfection; rather, shift the weight of whose needs are most important at that moment. This can prove difficult but necessary in order to maintain harmony on both sides.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Some people take pride in the fact that they work long and strenuous hours while simultaneously raising a family. But this can lead to problems in your personal life and mistakes being made on important work tasks. If you feel like you’re putting in too many hours every day, talk to your boss about how you can better balance your life to be more effective during the hours you are on the clock. And ask friends or extended family if they can help with watching your kids when you have important work to be done. Nobody can take life on all by themself, and asking for assistance is a healthy way to find balance.
