Being a parent is role I love but one fraught with challenges.

However, on an average day, being a parent is what I live for.

And I know ‘parents’ come in all different shapes and sizes.

The Working Parent

One I want to touch on now is the Working Parent (WP).

The WP with the job (or career) faces so many challenges, which I think includes:

1. Most likely working outside of the home to bring in the money (often long hours)
2. Chunks of time spent away from family, friends and home-based commitments
3. Trying to be all and everything to everyone to make up for that time spent at work

So in my humble opinion, the WP embraces integrity, responsibility and faces never-ending challenges.

And I can really appreciate the working parent, both of my parents were WPs.

In fact, my mum not only worked 12 hour days but she kept house and did it all without complaining. (Hmmm … I really don’t know how she did it!)

While I do recall seeing my mother’s guilt for being a WP surface every now and again most of the time I remember her always having time to read a book, play a game and be there for me whenever she could.

And I will never forget what a brilliant job she did.

The Parent Juggler

Many parents today are juggling way too much – extending themselves to the brink of exhaustion, burn out and resentment.

The daily struggle of getting the balance right with work, family, friends and other commitments seems impossible but you can do it!

Just take a deep breath – know that you’re not alone. So many of us are going through the same thing.

But you’re a survivor. Hang in there, baby!

Some Tips & Hints

And if you want some help, here are my top tips for all parents:

• Just spend time with your children. Read a book, play a game, go for a walk, make art, go the park. Your time makes a real difference to them.
• Nourish your relationships and communicate – when work looks like it’s taking over switch off from the office and focus on your family.
• Recharge your batteries. To be the best you, take some time for yourself. Whether it’s having a coffee with friends, going to the gym, mediating, sleeping, playing sport, getting creative or simply relaxing at home – do whatever makes you happy! You need to balance your needs with your kids and partner. Finding a balance might be tough but it can happen. (And taking time for you is allowed!)

Over time, you’ll learn, grow and understand more about responsibility, purpose and making some of those difficult parenting decisions.

The Bottom Line

Life is not just about what you do, how much you earn or what you can fit in!

It’s a lot more. It’s the family you love and create, the friendships you form, the challenges you encounter and the life you make with someone.

It’s all part of something special and it’s your journey.

Linda is a ’30-something’ year old, every day mum of two energetic boys (who inspire her and keep her on the go!). A social butterfly who enjoys coffee catch ups and outings with friends, her family life and is a passionate writer who also finds time to co-ordinate the local playgroup