How to Balance Work and Family: Tips for Parents in Coworking Spaces
Modern parents often face a challenge – how to balance work and family life. Many of them fail to combine both and have to make a bitter choice between a career and kids. Nearly 20% of working parents have to leave or reduce work due to lack of childcare. Traditional options are expensive and not very flexible. You pay a fortune, but stress piles.
Is there a way out of this vicious circle? A coworking space may become an effective solution. These spaces offer on-site childcare and allow parents to work in a professional environment, knowing their children receive due care nearby. How to choose and make the most of a coworking space? Let’s find out!
The concept of coworking spaces
This idea appeared in the early 2000s. This was a time when freelance work became a trend and opened many remote opportunities. So, independent professionals were looking for places to work from beyond traditional coffee shops. And shared workspaces turned out to be an excellent alternative. However, these did not fully solve the problem of work-life balance, especially for young parents. Inventive entrepreneurs went further and created special environments with childcare. They first appeared in urban centers across the US, and the concept quickly spread to other countries.
Benefits of coworking spaces for parents
Parent-friendly coworking spaces help working parents balance their professional and family lives. They provide a professional work environment and offer childcare services nearby. So, you can focus on your tasks without that feeling of being guilty that your kid is left on its own. And not only that.
Flexibility. These spaces offer flexible hours and enable parents to work around their family schedules. You can conveniently manage school events, doctor appointments and other emergencies. These spaces usually offer many membership options – you can pay for a daily pass or get a monthly subscription.
Reduced childcare costs. The cost of childcare services becomes a financial burden for parents. Coworking spaces charge on a “pay-as-you-go” basis, unlike full-time daycare facilities for kids. If you have irregular work schedules – on-site childcare reduces financial strain and stress.
Networking opportunities. You will regularly meet other people facing the same work-life challenges. It’s great emotional support and the ability to learn from others. Also, you can participate in family-themed events, workshops, and social gatherings.
How to find the right coworking space
A coworking place will work for you as a parent if you choose the right environment. Here are a few key things to know:
Visit several places. Not all workspaces are the same. You need to tour a few of them to understand how these are arranged, assess the atmosphere and amenities and decide whether any suits your working style.
Check emergency policies. Don’t hesitate to enquire about procedures for emergencies that involve children. This will help you understand how safe the place is.
Privacy. Look for facilities that offer private areas suitable for personal calls or video chats with family members.
Location. It’s best to choose the children's school or home. Proximity reduces commute time and allows you to be more flexible during the day.
Childcare services. Evaluate if the space is right for your kid’s age. Some parents need basic baby care like games and interaction, others look for help with math problems for 6th graders while they work.
Price. Check if available membership plans match your schedule and budget. Always ask about any additional fees.
Tips for working parents
The workspace with childcare services will not solve all your work-life problems. Your success still depends on how you plan everything. Here are a few helpful tips to simplify things:
Set up a schedule. Plan dedicated time for work and family, and make sure your working partners and family members know these hours. A clear schedule will manage expectations and reduce stress. It will allow you to focus on work and relax with family.
Create a supportive network. Connect with other parents in the coworking space. Exhange childcare tips and resources, and support each other emotionally. Plus, have someone from your family or friends who is ready to help in case of emergency.
Use technology. Digital tools will automate tasks and coordinate schedules. Try family calendar apps to organize family activities and work commitments and stay on track with everything.
Prioritize self-care. Find time for personal well-being – even short breaks during work can be helpful. You can try meditation, yoga classes or simply long walks. Self-care prevents burnout and keeps you in good mental and physical shape.
Wrapping up
You are not alone in balancing work and family life, and what works for one person may not work for another. Coworking spaces offer a flexible solution you should try. Remember, a balance is not a perfect time distribution every day. On some days, you will work more, and on others, you will spend more time with your family. The main task is to find a routine that suits you best.