Balancing work and home life is always a challenge and workplaces need to introduce more flexible, family-friendly policies, paid family leave, and, importantly, greater options and accessibility to child care. 

It really doesn’t have to be that hard.

Most parents have to work in this day and age, not to ‘‘have it all’’, but quite simply to make ends meet. 

Gone are the days when one wage was enough to put food on the table and a roof over ones head. 

Many parents would much prefer to spend more time at home with the family, or return to the workforce later and suffer tremendous guilt because this is simply not an option. 

Mums especially feel torn between a family role and a professional one. 

A happy balance isn’t easy.

Taking time off to have a family can still jeopardise career prospects and promotion. And companies and businesses, especially smaller ones, can’t afford to keep positions open indefinitely. 

As a parent you may have to alter career paths and work goals, priorities and time frames. 

Sometimes the family has to come first.

Then there is the toss-up who stays home to care for a sick child, for that ‘‘surprise’’ pupil-free day and the dreaded long school holidays. 

Not all of us can take the time off and fewer still can conveniently work from home. 

Job sharing may be the answer for some, but the majority of us have no choice.

Shift work and long hours can take its toll on ‘‘normal’’ family life. We live in an era when the majority of us are already time poor. 

After a strenuous or gruelling day at work it’s hard to get motivated and play with the children. 

Tired and stressed parents can find it difficult to make time for themselves, let alone the kids, who are likewise clambering for parental attention.

Yep, being a working parent can suck at times, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

It does become easier as your children grow up and by watching you as a role model they will understand that in due course it will be their turn to join the workforce. A natural progression.

Parents are skilled at multitasking. 

It is possible to successfully juggle family and work commitments, but it takes patience, practice, determination and good time management.

Little things like turning off the phone and television when you get home, sitting together around the table, making time one on one, putting your home life first, planning special things to do together.

Too many of us think the sky will fall in if we are not at everyone’s beck and call.

Remember it’s not the amount of time, but moreover the quality of time we spend together that’s important.

Working parents deserve recognition. 

Been there, done that, read the book. 

We don’t give each other enough credit.

Today is your day. 

Put your feet up and relax. 

Give yourself a pat on the back.

Happy parenting!