Parenting

Career: 10 secrets of working parents

Try these tips from human resource professionals and veteran parents to make your home life and career more manageable.

By Today's Parent staff

Career: 10 secrets of working parents

Career: 10 secrets of working parents

Tricks of the trade

Who says you can't have it all? Learn how to keep your family (and boss) happy with these straightforward tips.  

A version of this article appeared in our October 2012 issue with the headline “10 secrets of working parents,” p. 64.

Career: 10 secrets of working parentsPhoto: lafor/iStockphoto

Lock down quality child care

Start looking for child care early. It will be easier to focus on work it you're not worried about your kids. And figure out a backup plan in case of illness — talk to a stay-at-home friend or relative about helping in a pinch.

Career: 10 secrets of working parentsPhoto: fatihhoca/iStockphoto

Trick yourself with the clock

Set your clocks 10 minutes ahead. That way, you're rushing against a deadline with a few minutes of give.

Career: 10 secrets of working parentsPhoto: Christopher Bernard/iStockphoto

Limit the kid talk

Colleagues will be happy to hear tales about Junior's latest achievements, but choose your moments. It might be best to wait until someone asks.

Career: 10 secrets of working parentsPhoto: xavierarnau/iStockphoto

Stow a clean shirt at work

Despite best efforts, occasionally you'll arrive decorated with spit up or coffee. You'll be glad to have a change of clothes handy.

Career: 10 secrets of working parentsPhoto: seraficus/iStockphoto

Ask for help

Friends and family often want to help but don't know what would be useful. Ask for what you need. Take what's offered. Say thank you.

Career: 10 secrets of working parentsPhoto: nautilus shell studios/iStockphoto

Get ready the night before

Anything you can do to ease the morning rush will help — packing lunches, finding your car keys.

Career: 10 secrets of working parentsPhoto: joebelanger/iStockphoto

Give your children jobs

Older children can organize their backpacks before bedtime or load the dishwasher.

Career: 10 secrets of working parentsPhoto: Imgorthand/iStockphoto

Stocking the freezer

If you're making a pasta bake, double the recipe and stash one in the freezer.

Career: 10 secrets of working parentsPhoto: JackJelly/iStockphoto

Budget for a cleaner

Even if it's just once a month, or for the first few weeks you're back at work, you'll appreciate not having to spend your nights scrubbing toilets.

Career: 10 secrets of working parentsPhoto: izusek/iStockphoto

Schedule downtime

It may sound like a paradox, but it's important to get downtime each week. Otherwise, your Saturdays will fill up with groceries, swimming lessons and vacuuming.

Career: 10 secrets of working parentsPhoto: ozgurdonmaz/Istockphoto

speedy meals for working parents

Career: 10 secrets of working parents

This article was originally published on Sep 04, 2012
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