It can be challenging returning to the workforce after having children, particularly if the child is still very young and you want to be able to balance parenthood with your work life or career. While a totally wonderful and rewarding experience, having children also brings a lot of responsibility and complications when it comes to earning an income.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some handy tips to help new parents get back to work, whilst still having quality time to spend with their young ones.

#1 – Having a Plan Is Important

Before attempting to get back to work, you need to have a plan. A lot of thought needs to go into the process.

What will your routine be once you do return to work? How many hours of work per week would be ideal? Will you enrol your child in daycare or an early learning centre? Will you employ a babysitter or carer, and can you afford to?

If you put enough thought into everything well before you make any life changes, then things are far more likely to run seamlessly and smoothly.

#2 – Settle Your Child Into the New Routine First

If you plan to have your child enrolled in daycare or an early learning centre, it could be best to get them used to this routine prior to you starting your new job, or returning to your previous job role after maternity leave.

You might discover that your child isn’t comfortable and decide to switch to another facility. This will be easier to do if you still have time on your hands.

The same goes for a babysitter or carer. Have your young child get acquainted with and familiar with this person while you are still at home. This way they’re more likely to be a lot more comfortable when you do start leaving for work.

#3 – Try and Maintain a Routine

Young children respond best when they get used to a routine, so the more routine things can be when you do return to work, the more comfortable your child will feel. Familiarity is the key here. Constant changes to a routine can be scary for small kids, so trying to keep things same-same as much as possible is a positive step.

#4 – Take Advantage of the ParentsNext Program

ParentsNext is a program that was devised by the government and is designed to help new parents return to the workforce. You can access the program through a Jobactive provider if you have children under the age of 6.

Your Jobactive provider will provide you with access to skills training, as well as give you all the assistance you need to find a job that suits your lifestyle as a working parent. The program understands that flexibility is required, so that’s one of the main focuses.

Some other things the program focuses on include:

  • Meeting regularly with your Jobactive provider
  • Working out the study and work plans
  • Arranging a plan for participation
  • And more…

#5 – Build a Relationship With Your Child’s Carer

Whether the person who will be caring for your child is a carer in the home, a babysitter, daycare centre or early learning centre, it’s important to foster a relationship with this person (or people) so you feel comfortable and confident that your child is in good hands.

This is also a great way to reduce the stress for both the parent as well as the child. Building a good rapport allows you to stay abreast of how well your child is coping and enables you to solve any problems that may arise.

#6 – What Will You Do If Your Child Gets Sick?

Young children will quite often fall ill. It’s just normal and natural. Therefore, you’ll need some form of a backup plan for when this happens.

Will you be able to take time off work if your child is sick and cannot attend daycare? Will a personal carer or babysitter be willing to care for a sick child?

One plan might be for you or your partner to arrange for some time off work until your child recovers or have a relative on call who can help out in the case of emergencies.

In Conclusion

It’s possible to return to work even if you have small children. It just takes a little planning and setting goals to make it happen.