For working parents, summer is a time of juggling schedules, managing professional responsibilities, and cramming in as much family time as possible. Strategies and planning can make the summer productive, engaging, and fun for the entire family. Here are some practical tips for making the most of the busy season as a working parent.
1. Plan Ahead and Establish Routines
Creating a structured plan can alleviate stress for working parents and their families.
- Plan family vacations, childcare, camps, and essential days off work. Ensure you’ve worked in big deadlines at the office.
- Establish routines and expectations with your children around daily life including chores, activities, and a family calendar everyone can access.
- Build in unstructured family fun time. We can’t plan every moment and can build in time for spontaneity and enjoyment.
2. Communicate with your Employer and Employees
Let your colleagues know of any schedule changes for the upcoming season.
- Communicate if you’ll be working remotely and/or working non-traditional hours.
- Let your colleagues know how best to reach you and how quickly to expect responses from you.
- Strategize with your colleagues about maximizing your time in the office to meet deadlines and ensure your productivity when you are in the office.
3. Communicate with your Family
Communicate openly and honestly with your family about your work responsibilities and personal wishes for the summer.
- Have a family meeting at the beginning of the summer to discuss plans, expectations, and what you need to be successful in your workplace and at home.
- Encourage family members to share their desires for the summer season.
- Allow for check ins throughout the summer where every family member has a voice in summer decision making.
Parents are used to multi-tasking and balancing, but summers can be an especially challenging time for working parents. These tools should help ease some of those challenges.
