7 HABITS OF HIGHLY-MOTIVATED WORKING PARENTS
By: Sharnel Mesirow and Sarah Creem
Parents, especially those who work outside the home, are superheroes in plain clothes. Although they don’t have to leap tall buildings and fight crime for notoriety, their value is immeasurable to the small population they serve. The superhuman quality most working parents have is their ability to manage their roles as parents, employees, spouses, and friends and still find time for personal growth. The necessary superhuman acumen can be yours without the need for powered suits of armor. Consider implementing the following habits into your daily routine.
(1) TECHNOLOGY: Batman never carried around a paper to-do list or calendar, and neither should you. We live in an age where communication happens in an instant. Consequently, to stay connected as a working parent, find one comprehensive technology that allows telephone, text, email and voicemail in a common location. Telecommuting can be another way of keeping connected, while attending to the needs of a busy family.
(2) FLEXIBITY: Propose and create a flexible work schedule with your employer. In March 2010 the White House released a study on the importance of the ‘Work Life Balance.’ The study suggests creating a schedule for employees to work either by telecommuting or by establishing a schedule of flexible or reduced hours.
(3) PRIORITIZE. The ability to say “no” is crucial to being a successful working parent. Most of us are continually being pulled in opposite directions. Decide in advance to what interests or groups you will dedicate time in a particular year. Then, when presented with an opportunity, simply weigh it against your personal goals and interests. For example, if you decide to support children’s charity causes, then commit to that interest for the year. Don’t be afraid to decline offers to participate in an unrelated cause, explaining that you had to make a choice earlier in the year where to commit your time. By prioritizing your time away from work, you create an opportunity for personal fulfillment and civic engagement, without the guilt!
(4) PLAN HEALTHY MEALS. The most common question for modern day superheroes is “What’s for dinner?” Thankfully, the internet is a great resource. There are many websites that offer assistance with meal planning, and some even prepare a shopping list for you. Start Sunday by preparing a weekly menu, and getting all the recipes for the week. Magazines such as Woman’s Day also have ideas for monthly menus. By incorporating healthy foods you and your family benefit from good nutrition and good family time!
(5) GET ORGANIZED. Schedule quality time with the family every day. This may mean doing something as simple as eating a meal together. Keep your goals in mind and realize that a super-working parent is able to enjoy something and achieve something each day.
(6) EMPHASIZE THE POSITIVE. Spouses with children often find it difficult to cope with demanding work schedules. Parents who must work long hours or travel away from home often struggle with guilt. In order to avoid the “Mommy’s gotta work” excuse, super-parents engage children in their discussions of work. Instead of blaming the career that inspires you, highlight the benefits you derive from it as an opportunity to teach your children about what you do during the day, and the value of a work ethic. When your children share what they learned at school, talk to them about what you learned at work. This way work talk is not dreaded, but a way to engage with your children about the value of commitment and work.
(7) ASK FOR HELP. Even Batman couldn’t do everything alone. He had Robin there to help in the tough times. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are all great resources to lend a hand, or direct you when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Both Sharnel and Sarah play the role of “superheros” as new mothers and family law attorneys with the Portland-based family law firm of Gevurtz Menashe. You can contact Sharnel and Sarah at www.gevurtzmenashe.com.
