For working parents with school-age children, this time of year is especially chaotic. The season brings end-of-the-school-year projects, state testing, report cards, parent-teacher conferences, the transition to 10 long weeks of child care arrangements, the awkwardness of explaining to colleagues why you’re out of the office again, the need to follow up with the pediatrician about health forms for September (they’re overdue already), and the worry about whether your child will do better in math next year with a different teacher.
How Working Parents Can Manage the Demands of School-Age Kids
As a working mother or father, you’ve already got two jobs — and having two jobs isn’t easy. But you’re also going to spend a minimum of 13 years with a third, critical, role — that of stewarding your child’s education. It’s a position that can create significant practical challenges for any family. But here’s the good news: There are effective ways to manage the overwhelming demands of drop-off, homework, and parent-teacher conferences while still delivering and succeeding at work. Start by remembering what you’re managing toward. Amidst all the noise and busyness, it can be helpful to “re-center” by remembering the two key outcomes you — and every parent — are really shooting for: independence and opportunity. A few other tips: Make Family Study Hall a habit. Treat teachers and administrators as you would valued colleagues. Explain the why, not just the when, of time away from work. Pre-plan and bundle volunteer commitments. Invest your time where it matters most. And make non-working parents your friends.