There’s no way around it: in today’s world, most people struggle with balancing work and having a new child in their lives. Parents typically feel a good deal of apprehension as the end of maternity and/or paternity leave approaches.
No one wants to give up on their career, but these early months of a child’s life are so important. If you’re wondering about how to keep balancing work and a new baby in Phoenix, AZ, read on to find out our leading tips.
Search for great childcare
While it seems like it’s early in the child’s life to entrust him or her to someone else, the reality is that your child will thrive in the right hands. Do your research and find a place that’s a good fit for you and your child. Check references, scan the reviews and do a walkthrough if possible.
Once you’ve made your choice, it’s important to communicate often with your child’s caretaker. Building a strong relationship with their caregiver will mean you’ll know exactly what’s going on with your child every day. This way you can focus on work when the child is at day care and focus on your child during the rest of the day.
Create a calendar
Whether it’s digital or an old-school calendar on the fridge, having one place where every important schedule item is located is key. This will give you all the information you need, from when each parent will be on solo duty to when the infant will be with their caretaker. Having a shared calendar means you can get a good idea of what the week will be like at a glance.
Make backup plans
After this past year with the challenges the pandemic has introduced, parents are becoming experts in having backup plans. It’s a good idea to have someone such as a family member or friend as a designated person to fill in if the normal caregiver isn’t available. This means you will be able to have a babysitter in the event of the day care closing or another emergency.
Talk to your employer
Make sure to be open about your parenting concerns with your employer. Work out exactly how much time you have for maternity or paternity leave. Ask about what the employer’s policy is if your child is sick.
Keep the mornings simple
Establishing a morning routine is important if you want to get your child to day care on time. You want to create a schedule and then stick to it whenever possible. The reality is that your child isn’t going to care about your schedule, so be sure to build in extra time for unanticipated events!
When you’re looking for caring, nurturing infant care in Phoenix, AZ, simply contact the friendly team at Magical Star Preschool. We are a family-oriented childcare center with a loving staff and teachers. Our top priority is to create an environment that’s safe for your child to learn, play and grow. Contact us today to learn more and find out how we might be the right fit for you!