It’s only been in the last year that I came to the realization that it’s perfectly fine and I don’t need to feel guilty about having a social life, and that I don’t have to spend all my free time with my family outside of work. I want to add here that my eldest is now 15. I’d like to blame the pandemic for getting in my way and that I would have done it a few years earlier, but I probably wouldn’t have done although that time when the world was locked down did make me realise that having a life outside of my family is also just as important.

 

As a busy parent, it’s not easy to juggle balance between work, family, and a social life. You’ve got deadlines to meet, meetings to attend, and kids to take care of. It can be even tougher when you feel like you’re missing out on all the fun social activities because of your parenting responsibilities. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! However, maintaining social connections with friends and colleagues is important for personal well-being and happiness, but is just about finding the right balance for you and your family.

 

Here are some tips on how you can create a balance:

 

1. Communicate with your partner: If you have a partner, make sure you communicate with them about your social plans and work together to create a schedule that works for both of you. This will ensure that you both have time to socialize while also being available to take care of your children.

2. Plan in advance: Plan your social activities in advance so that you can make sure that you have adequate time to take care of your parenting responsibilities. This will help you avoid any last-minute stress or guilt.

3. Involve your children: If possible, involve your children in your social activities. For example, you could plan a family outing or invite your friends over to your home where your children can participate in the activities.

4. If you don’t work remotely then don’t just sit at your desk to eat your lunch go out and spend time socialising with a friend.

5. Set boundaries: Set boundaries for yourself and your social life. It’s important to know when to say “no” and prioritize what’s best for all of you.

 

Lastly, remember to be kind to yourself. Give yourself permission to take time to socialise and don’t feel guilty. Finding the right balance between your social life and parenting responsibilities may take some trial and error, but with patience and communication, you can achieve a healthy balance that works for you and your family.

This article was written by Charlotte Worth one of our partner coaches who helps her clients to unlock their full potential by enabling them to navigate any bumps in the road, embrace their strengths and achieve their work-life goals. You can find out more about Charlotte on her profile page.  

 

June 3, 2023