Trying to get your work done at home when you have a screaming toddler and a crying infant that need your constant care and attention can feel seemingly impossible. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are ways you can cope and get everything done. Here are a few simple tips from Baby Care News to get you started.
1. Keep Your Clothing Comfortable
Learn to get comfortable with prioritizing comfort. When you work from home and have babies to care for, your clothing should complement your lifestyle. You don’t have to sacrifice style. You can look good and be comfortable simultaneously. For example, go shopping and treat yourself to some soft pajamas and sweats. Wear leggings around the house and buy a few of your favorite nursing bras. Wear what makes you feel good.
2. Plan Quality Time With Each Child
Find ways to create a special moment with each of your children. You won’t feel as much pressure to buy them toys or create big events to make up for the time you spent working. Quality time can be as simple as making lunch together, snuggling on the couch before nap time, and being there to read a book before bed. Then, when the weekend comes, you can go out and have fun or just stay home and have a lounge day together.
3. Take Advantage of Your Support System
Recognize your limits, and don’t be ashamed to reach out for help when you need it. Contact your family and friends when your children are being a little too wild while you try to finish up your work for the day. If you can’t find someone to come over and help, talk to your manager about needing a mental health day.
4. Prioritize Self-Care
Make self-care a priority. Talk to your partner about watching the kids for one night. Rent a hotel room, watch your favorite tv show, and order your favorite takeout. Give yourself some time to relax and get a spa treatment or go shopping. When you feel your best, you’ll be a better parent.
5. Create a Schedule
When you have work and home responsibilities that overlap one another throughout the day, a schedule will be your best friend. Research shows that children thrive on a routine. If you get them used to doing certain activities at specific times during the day, you can also help them develop.
6. Share Responsibilities With your Partner
When one parent takes on all the child-rearing responsibilities, they will rush into burnout, and resentment will start to build in your relationship. Sit down with your partner at night and make a plan for the next day. You can alternate responsibilities, and if everyone does their part, you’ll keep the machine moving forward.
7. Talk to a Professional When You Feel Overwhelmed
Talk to a mental health professional on the inevitable days when it all becomes too much to handle. You can find specialists that will teach you coping mechanisms and help you work through stress and anxiety. Waste no time reaching out if you’re not sure how to handle difficult situations.
Remember that every parent has guilt. You’ll have moments every day when you feel like you haven’t done enough. Remember that the fact that you worry shows you are a great parent.
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