Strategies for when both parents return to work
Sometimes both parents need to return to work full or part-time. This may be during the same hours of the day (using childcare) or covering each other (or doing both). These arrangements can initially be very hectic, and in some cases set your relationship up to feel like 'ships passing in the night', as you play 'tag teams' with your baby. However, eventually things do settle for most couples, as you get into a routine. Many parents see it as a temporary arrangement that is suitable for while their baby is young.
When both parents work, being 'organised' is usually considered an understatement. Another important aspect is clear and frequent communication, working out what each parent needs and who is going to do what (dropping off and picking up the baby), household chores, dinner each night etc. Utilising any available support network, and introducing practical strategies for the working day, are the major elements for working parents to be able to manage their lives and keep relatively sane in the process.
Strategies for when both parents return to work
The following looks at some strategies for when both parents return to work.
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Use the weekends or evenings together to prepare for the next day or the coming week. This could entail preparing things for work and the baby's childcare, doing the shopping and working out what each of you need to do and achieve. |
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If possible work out a 'late' and 'early' system. This means that one parent starts work early, while the other drops the baby off to childcare, or waits for the carer to arrive. Then the parent who started early can hopefully finish early, to enable them to pick up their baby from childcare, or let the nanny or grandparents to go home, start dinner and bath the baby etc. |