Balancing Full-Time Work and Parenting: Tips for Success for the Start of the School Year
As the back-to-school season approaches, the excitement and challenges are obvious for every teacher or working parent. But for moms and dads who teach or work full time, this time of year brings a unique blend of preparations, as we juggle getting our classrooms, homes, and our own children organized and ready for the new academic year.
Here are some tips and strategies to help any mom-teachers or full-time working moms navigate the busy weeks ahead.
1. Master the Calendar
The key to balancing work and parenting is a well-organized schedule. Invest in a quality planner, like the a full-sized desk calendar (linked here), which offer ample space for daily plans, to-do lists, and goal setting. Sync your personal and professional commitments on your phone to avoid overlap and ensure you’re always prepared when you are not at work. Color code your calendar by the family member using Midliner Pens or Flair Pens (as neither of them will bleed through). Allow your children to pick out their own calendar to encourage family planning and calendar communication. This is a great place for them to write down homework, chores, and other things on their own “To Do Lists.”
2. Delegate and Share Responsibilities
Involve your family in the preparation process. Have your children help with school supply shopping (or even better, save time and money by buying the pre-packaged supplies from your PTA - which in turn puts some money right back into your child’s education), label their items, and organize their backpacks. At home, assign age-appropriate chores to lighten your load. A family calendar in a central location can help everyone keep track of activities and responsibilities.
3. Create a Dedicated Workspace
Whether it’s lesson planning, grading, or working from home, having a dedicated workspace at home can increase productivity and reduce stress. Equip your space with essentials like Flair Pens and Zebra Midliner Pens for color-coding and note-taking, keeping everything neat and accessible. This area should be separate from family spaces to minimize distractions. My girls each have a desk in their room and desk organizers to hold the “fun” and “fancy” pens.
4. Meal Planning and Prep
Healthy and quick meals are crucial for maintaining energy levels, especially during the busy school season. Take time on weekends to plan and prep meals for the week. Consider easy, nutritious options like Copycat Starbucks Egg Bites, Savory Sausage Breakfast Muffins, or Sausage Blueberry Muffins for breakfast. Prepare crockpot meals for dinner such as Butter Beef Tips, Olive Garden Chicken, or Beef Stroganoff. You can also try out simple, yet flavorful meals such as Chips Chicken, Lazy Chicken 4 Cheese Pasta, or Easy Philly Cheesesteaks. Planning your meals ahead of time not only saves time but also ensures you and your family have balanced meals throughout the week. You can also find other meals from Fashionably Grounded.
5. Grocery Shop Online for Delivery or Pick Up OR Grab Pre-Made Meals for Those Busy Nights
Walmart Grocery has been a GAME CHANGER for us since right before Covid. I canot believe we have been having them do the shopping for over 7+ years now (according to our account)! By shopping online, you can easily compare prices, find the best deals, and avoid impulse purchases that often happen in-store. Scheduling pick-up or delivery at your convenience means less time spent navigating crowded aisles and waiting in checkout lines, giving you more time for other important tasks. Additionally, many grocery stores offer loyalty programs or special discounts for online orders (such as Walmart Cash), further enhancing your savings. Embracing these services can streamline your shopping routine and keep your budget in check. Many grocery stores now also offer the “Grab and Go” type meals. Purchasing pre-made meals is nothing to be embarrassed about! These meals offer a variety of delicious and nutritious options without the hassle of cooking (and are also a LOT less expensive than the drive-thru), allowing you to enjoy a stress-free dining experience. Plus, they often come in portion-controlled sizes, helping you maintain a balanced diet effortlessly.
