Working From Home As a New Parent: Where to Start

Being a new parent and juggling a full-time job can be exhausting. As if having a new baby isn’t tiring enough, keeping scheduled meetings and job obligations can often leave you feeling stressed out, tired and constantly under pressure.

Working from home is becoming increasingly normal nowadays, and more people are trying to figure out the best balance between working from home and raising a family. Since the start of the COVID pandemic, there has been a huge increase in the number of people working from home. While there are perks, it can be difficult for those with a family and even more so for new parents. However, with some careful planning, you can ensure that both you and your home are ready to manage the challenge of working from home while also navigating the difficulties of being a new parent.

Continue reading to learn how you can succeed as a new parent while working from home.

Put A Plan In Place

Individuals who choose to work from home often do so to achieve a better work-life balance. However, working from home while pregnant or with a newborn brings about many challenges for new parents. You may still be trying to find time to buy a cot, paint the baby’s room and get all of the things you need to look after your new bundle of joy. On the other hand, you might also be trying to figure out exactly how you are going to manage to work from home now that you have a new child to look after. To avoid becoming completely overwhelmed, it’s crucial that you put a plan in place from the very beginning and set yourself and your home up properly for what lies ahead.

Developing A Mindset For Success

It’s important to stay calm, see the big picture, and accept things as they come in the midst of the chaos of hormones, nerves, and a lack of sleep. When you’re working from home with a newborn and taking care of your infant, it’s essential to master your mindset in order to avoid the epic meltdown, which is sure to follow if you don’t. Listen to podcasts, read parenting books, speak to friends and family who have been through it before and get develop the right mindset moving forward.

Embrace Technology 

Working from home with a newborn will have challenges even if you are the most organised person you know. You won’t always be able to sit in front of your laptop or desktop computer, so be sure to invest in a good smartphone or tablet that will allow you to work when you need to multitask. Using baby monitors, smart devices, and the right productivity software, you can ensure that you remain productive throughout the day while still being able to take great care of your little one.

Adaptability Is Key

As a new parent, you need to prioritise your baby’s care above all else. However, you will also need to make sure that you keep on top of your work commitments. Being adaptable and flexible is key in helping you to work around your newborn’s schedule. If you are in a position to create your own schedule, make sure that you modify it as needed. On the other hand, if you must work specific hours, be sure to speak to your employer about what kind of allowances they can make for you as a new parent. Ultimately, the best things you can do when your baby arrives is to stay flexible, roll with the punches and do your best to stay on top of everything. Avoid being too hard on yourself, ask for support when you need it and do your best.

Consider The Housework

Keeping a clean house while working and nursing a newborn can be extremely difficult, and many new parents simply accept that something is going to have to give. However, if you have the means, you can get some help with this part of your life by hiring a cleaner to visit once or twice a week. If you can’t afford help, ask your partner, friends, family or neighbours to help you out when they can. While a clean and tidy house might not seem all that important, knowing where everything is and not sitting in a mess all day can help you to stay organised and feel less stressed.

Find A Solution That Works For You And Your Family

As everyone’s work commitments, family situation and newborn are completely different, it’s important that you find a solution that will work best for you. Following the tips outlined above, you will soon be able to create a schedule that works for you and that will meet your needs moving forward, both in your professional and family life.