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A practical survival guide for balancing your career and your children without burning out.
Juggling working from home with childcare can be a challenging task, especially in a world where remote working has become increasingly more common. The lack of separation between home and work life can make it difficult for parents to maintain their productivity whilst also looking after their children.
However, with some planning and organisation, it is possible to successfully juggle your career and caring for your children. Here is our expert guide to finding your balance.
Without a doubt, one of the best ways to juggle working from home with childcare is to enrol your child in a nursery. Our high-quality, Ofsted-rated childcare settings span across the North West, covering areas such as Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Tameside.
Help with Childcare Costs
To help with the financial element, you can apply for 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare! Working parents with children aged two, three, or four can be eligible for up to 30 hours of free childcare, which can spread the cost and relieve financial pressures.
If you want to see what our nurseries have to offer, come and explore our settings during our upcoming open days, or use our Find a Nursery tool to search using your home postcode.
Don’t be afraid to ask for support! Arranging days out or visits with a family member or friend can give you the time and space you need to crack on with work.
Note on Babysitters: Some parents consider hiring a babysitter. If you do, it’s crucial to check they are registered with Ofsted in England, have a clean/up-to-date DBS report, and are first aid trained. This time-consuming checking process is why many opt for a nursery setting over private childminders.
Speak openly with your employer about what you need. This establishes clear expectations and helps avoid conflicts. Discuss flexible working hours, adjusting deadlines, or reducing workloads during busy periods.
Some employers are open to condensing the working week into 4 days rather than 5, giving you an extra non-working day. Another option is working part-time, though we recognise some families need two full-time incomes to make ends meet.
Creating a weekly and daily schedule helps you plan priorities. Consider your work commitments, childcare, household chores, and appointments. A schedule identifies your most productive times for focus, and times when you need to be available for your children.
If your child is old enough, create a visual schedule with them too, outlining activities to fill their time while you focus.
Keeping them occupied reduces interruptions. Activities can include reading, drawing, playing games, or watching educational videos. You can also involve them in household tasks (like cooking or cleaning) to teach life skills and create a sense of accomplishment.
Motivation Tip: Create a household chore sheet they can use to track progress towards rewards, like pocket money, sweet treats, or a small toy, when they complete their tasks.
Many struggle to work in chaotic, messy environments. A dedicated workspace creates a clear separation between work and home life. Ideally, find a quiet area away from the hustle of family life.
If space is limited, set up a temporary desk in a quiet corner. If you’re struggling with noise, consider using headphones with no music playing, or special sound-reducing earphones to improve focus.
Prioritising breaks helps prevent burnout and improves productivity. Engage in activities that reduce stress—take a walk, read a book, or practice mindfulness.
Something as simple as making a cup of tea and stepping outside can refresh your mind. Set boundaries and communicate to your children that this is your time to rest and recharge.
When children start at Kids Planet, we follow their routines to ensure a smooth transition from home life to nursery, ensuring continuity of care.
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