Tobi Asare

There are lots of tips to help your child adjust to starting school, but what about the parents who are trying to blend their careers and family life? I found there to be a lot less information to help parents navigate the change, so I wanted to share a few of my reflections.

There are lots of incredible parents on LinkedIn who are several steps ahead in this journey so please feel free to share any other tips in the comments.

1. The school day is short!

This caught me out a little bit, I was so used to the consistency of an 8am -6pm nursey day that the idea of finishing at 3 pm and then arranging after-school care threw me.

Each school and local area will have childcare different provisions, be sure to check them out in advance and set your alarm to secure your preferred choice when the booking for school after-school care opens (I am deadly serious)!

2. Give yourself time to settle into a new routine

Blending a new routine and a busy work schedule can be quite the change to get used to. Remembering which days were PE, what to pack and trying to make the train on time had me frazzled initially.

You may want to think about working flexibly for the first few days. Or do a few practice runs . Above all be kind to yourself and remember that you will soon settle into your new routine.

3. Time to get organised

I thought I was organised.... but then my son started school! School asks a lot of your little ones from homework to packing snacks etc. The reality is everything they are asking of your child, they are really asking of you!

You have to be incredibly organised to stay on top of everything including your work demands. Sync your work calendar and school calendar if that is an option. Use any method of organisation that works best for you and don't be afraid to try out different methods.

4.The holidays

Holidays bring about a big shift in how you use your annual leave. Now is the time to map out your annual leave and decide when you want to take time off work .

Travelling during the school holidays is insanely expensive. If you are keen on travelling you may want to book 12 months in advance or be prepared to find some last minute deals.

Holiday camps are a lifesaver but also costly. You can typically use childcare vouchers (if you still get them) towards camps. Always wise to weigh up the cost of holiday camps vs annual leave or unpaid parental leave to see if you're better off taking parental leave (unpaid) or using your annual leave.

5. Be prepared for big emotions

The change to school is quite a big one for your child, but most schools are experts at helping your little one settle in. You may find they are a little bit rattier or irritable. It could be because they are tired or don't know to express how they feel about the change. Those 8.05am tantrums are sometimes the expression of big emotions that they don't know how to contain.

This can be hard if you are trying to rush out of the door for work. Try if possible to build in an extra 5 - 10 mins for extra cuddles or hugs to provide them with reassurance . So you don't feel under huge time pressure in the mornings.

6.Build Community

Lots of other parents will be experiencing the same transition and I am very much of a 'it takes a village mentality'. The WhatsApp group will be a lifesaver at times saving you from many a forgotten school event. I've found the village of parents to be amazing when I haven't been able to make a school event or if I am running late due to train delays. Likewise you become an extension of theirs and in parenting life it is always powerful to pay it forward as we all know what it like to rush to pick up and sometimes not quite make it!

For more tips to help you navigate the world of working parenthood check out The Blend: How to sucessefully manage a career and a family.

All views my own

Tobi Asare

Greater London, England, United Kingdom 500+ connections

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