6 Ways Working Parents Can Spend More Time Parenting

Here are some tips I recently shared on Lifehacker and ABC News:

Choose webinars over in person training: Webinar technology allows for one-way communication from an individual speaker to an audience, and it can include polling and electronic Q&A. You can now avoid two days trekking through airports on both ends of a conference, which is a major win if you're a working parent.  Services like Cisco’s WebEx don't require any special software or hardware. All you have to do is launch your Web browser from your home office and you can attend or deliver real-time training, seminars and presentations.

Rearrange your schedule to start late and stay late:  You’d be surprised, but most managers don’t necessarily care when you do your work, as long as it gets done.  You might ask for an arrangement in which you can start later, so that you can see your kids off to daycare or school, and then resuming from your home office after they’ve gone to bed.  Since my son was born, I’ve gotten my best work done at 8PM, after he’s down for the night.

Combine business travel with vacation:  Most working parents view business travel as yet another responsibility that takes away precious time from the family.  At the same time, work duties often keep us from taking a week or more to jet set off to a fun vacation setting with the kids in tow.  The next time you have to fly somewhere for your job, stop and think.  Even if it’s not the perfect getaway spot, is there enough to do that your spouse and kids could join you there for a long weekend? 

Ask for the gift of household help:  My relatives are always asking us what they can gift us for birthdays and holidays, and I’m usually at a loss.  After all, my son can only play with so many toys, and anything he needs we have probably already purchased.  So they end up sending checks, which go into the bank account ceremoniously.  The next time someone asks you about a gift, suggest a housekeeping gift certificate so instead of spending hours at home cleaning and organizing, you can devote them to quality time with your family.

Empower other employees with valuable responsibilities:  It’s difficult to transition from being a team of one to a team of several, especially if you’re a new manager.  But even though you might think you can do a task better yourself, if you don’t want your family time to suffer you must get into the habit of delegating assignments.  To do this effectively, Plan a task to delegate based on your employee’s knowledge, skills, and willingness, clearly state the expectations and requirements of the project, and explain why the task is important and what you hope your employee will get out of it.  Then, follow up to monitor progress, even if it means checking in by phone while at the park or the museum.

Involve your children in your work:  Despite your best efforts, you may find that your work time cuts into your family time more than you would like – and you may need to get creative to ensure that children in particular don’t feel neglected.  One manufacturing employee I know brings her kids to the office and lets them create artwork for the break room, while a business owner I met last year has his kids and their friends participate in focus groups and brainstorming sessions for new products.  The more you involve them directly, the less they will feel like your work is taking you away from them.

Comments

[DC Jobs]

It makes sense for those that are telecommuting, that delegating to their team will make their lives much easier.

The problem is, most people find letting go of control and delegating, tough to do. For those in this category, the idea of spending more time with their children might be just the motivation they need to learn a new skill.

[Jason Seiden]

Hmm... involve your kids in your work... do you think that's really possible? For a knowledge worker, I mean?

Crazy.

Great list, AL—right down to the end.

[Alexandra Levit]

@Jason: You do it better than anyone I know!

@DC: Agreed. I struggle with delegating myself. I think it's a skill that you have to hone over time.

[Costa rica vacation]

I love the beach vacation! We enjoyed the sun, sand and sea. And better yet, when we do it together with the people we want. The scenic beauty that offers the beach, full of energy allows us to continue with daily tasks

[Volker from Germany]

Hi,
I randomly came on this side and would like to leave nice greetings. I would be glad if you visit my homepage also! Maybe you want to visit Sylt Westerland in Germany http://www.MeerblickSylt.de or the Baltic Sea http://www.OstseeblickHolm.de for vacation?! We have there very nice flats with a nice view. Maybe we'll see soon!
Kind regards

[Ferienwohnung Greetsiel]

Viele Gruesse aus dem schoenen Fischerdorf Greetsiel.

[Mary-Louise Parker]

The problem is, most people find letting go of control and delegating, tough to do. For those in this category, the idea of spending more time with their children might be just the motivation they need to learn a new skill.