You're going to do great! I think the last point is key - you'll have to be flexible. Will probably take lots of trial and error getting the schedule down, but that's half the fun!
Congratulations on the birth of your new baby! It’s wonderful that you get to be at home with your baby and that you have some flexibility with your job. It sounds like you have some great strategies - the most important of which is to be flexible and to expect that your days will not necessarily go as planned. I think it’s also important to give yourself grace when it comes to your productivity and energy levels.
Do you or your wife have any family or friends nearby who could help with baby minding from time to time? Or with errands or chores? That would be my only suggestion for you. It can be quite overwhelming when all of the caregiving (and everything else you need to take care of) falls on the two of you.
I wish you and your family a wonderful “nesting” experience. This is such a special time. 😊
Along with your tips, you could try time blocking with baby breaks for balance. When my son was younger, I used to try this, and it helped me manage both work and parenting.
First of all, thanks for sharing all your experiences! I’m kind of in a similar predicament, as the caregiver to my elderly dad. When I came here to take care of him a year and a half ago, I immediately designated a room in my parents’ house to work from (I also work remotely). When I teach and have office hours, I communicate this to other people (my mom - and sister who lives up the street), so I can do my work without any interruptions, which occasionally happen, but I try to take them as they come and don’t get upset.
I do the rest of my work next to my dad, things that I don’t need to be focused on one person (student or boss) for - I can be interrupted when my dad needs something, and we both keep each other company so I’m not away from him for long!
Wow I was really surprised by how much parents leave Sweden gives - wow!
Remote work with the newborn has its own challenges but also brings amazing opportunities to bond and create a flexible routine. There are often these small milestones that you don’t want to miss.. balancing both however do require adjustments and it’s nice how you’re reflecting to make it work. Use your breaks to recharge and reconnect with the baby and use the nap times for concentrated work! As you said, having clear routine and setting boundaries is the most essential. I had dedicated couple of hours in the day and had to actually close the room for any distraction. When I was out of the room I wasn’t working, and when I was inside I was working. Soon my kid started to understand m that as well. This was when it was Covid peak and my partner was on parental leave while I was working remotely. If you have an office space, could be a good idea to also go one or two days in a week for some hours for getting more productive hours in schedule and also a way for you to get out of the home routine. Most importantly take care of yourself. The body will give you a signal when to take a break and do that, don’t get too juggled into the whole chaos and make it overwhelming for yourself. Important to maintain that balance.
Enjoying reading these articles as you adjust through this new reality and your reflections around it. Would be useful to many!
You MASHALLAH are well balanced immaculate ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ loving Dad
Always Stay Blessed 🙌
Thanks abbu!
Ah, the ever present temptation to wander off for a quick cuddle, I recognize that from when my dog was a mere pup. Difficult!! Stay strong.
Thank you!
You're going to do great! I think the last point is key - you'll have to be flexible. Will probably take lots of trial and error getting the schedule down, but that's half the fun!
For sure! Thanks Chris!
Congratulations on the birth of your new baby! It’s wonderful that you get to be at home with your baby and that you have some flexibility with your job. It sounds like you have some great strategies - the most important of which is to be flexible and to expect that your days will not necessarily go as planned. I think it’s also important to give yourself grace when it comes to your productivity and energy levels.
Do you or your wife have any family or friends nearby who could help with baby minding from time to time? Or with errands or chores? That would be my only suggestion for you. It can be quite overwhelming when all of the caregiving (and everything else you need to take care of) falls on the two of you.
I wish you and your family a wonderful “nesting” experience. This is such a special time. 😊
Thank you so much Serena! Yeah we have great family/friends who are helping out a lot. I guess I have to be less hesitant in asking for help.
Thanks again!
Great post, Nausherwan!
Along with your tips, you could try time blocking with baby breaks for balance. When my son was younger, I used to try this, and it helped me manage both work and parenting.
Hmmm...good idea. I'll definitely give it a shot. Thanks Tinashe!
Hi Naush!
First of all, thanks for sharing all your experiences! I’m kind of in a similar predicament, as the caregiver to my elderly dad. When I came here to take care of him a year and a half ago, I immediately designated a room in my parents’ house to work from (I also work remotely). When I teach and have office hours, I communicate this to other people (my mom - and sister who lives up the street), so I can do my work without any interruptions, which occasionally happen, but I try to take them as they come and don’t get upset.
I do the rest of my work next to my dad, things that I don’t need to be focused on one person (student or boss) for - I can be interrupted when my dad needs something, and we both keep each other company so I’m not away from him for long!
Wow I was really surprised by how much parents leave Sweden gives - wow!
Take good care,
Vicky
Thanks Vicky for being so generous with your comments and for sharing your experience. You seem to be great at setting boundaries! Amazing!
It’s a pleasure, Naush! Yes, I try to set boundaries - most of the time it works.
Remote work with the newborn has its own challenges but also brings amazing opportunities to bond and create a flexible routine. There are often these small milestones that you don’t want to miss.. balancing both however do require adjustments and it’s nice how you’re reflecting to make it work. Use your breaks to recharge and reconnect with the baby and use the nap times for concentrated work! As you said, having clear routine and setting boundaries is the most essential. I had dedicated couple of hours in the day and had to actually close the room for any distraction. When I was out of the room I wasn’t working, and when I was inside I was working. Soon my kid started to understand m that as well. This was when it was Covid peak and my partner was on parental leave while I was working remotely. If you have an office space, could be a good idea to also go one or two days in a week for some hours for getting more productive hours in schedule and also a way for you to get out of the home routine. Most importantly take care of yourself. The body will give you a signal when to take a break and do that, don’t get too juggled into the whole chaos and make it overwhelming for yourself. Important to maintain that balance.
Enjoying reading these articles as you adjust through this new reality and your reflections around it. Would be useful to many!