< Previous50 C EO M I D D L E E A S T AP R I L 202 1 he coronavirus pandemic has caused work and home bounda- ries to blur, and finding a balance between working and parenting has become even harder. Many parents have experienced a new appreciation for the need to bal- ance their work and family lives. The pandemic’s movement restrictions has caused boundaries to blur, with work, school and family life blended at home. Parents have found themselves feel- ing overwhelmed with increased levels of irritability, impatience and subse- quent guilt towards their children. Finding a balance between being a professional and a parent is not a final destination, but an ongoing mindful balancing of these important roles. How do we find this balance? BE HONEST Acknowledge the challenges you face. Notice your feelings without judge- ment. Recognise what you need and know your limits. It is only when we recognise our reality as it is that we can do something about it. Verbalising your needs and giving names to your feelings ASK FOR HELP As the African proverb wisely states, “It takes a village to raise a child”. Prioritise and show up for the roles only you can fulfil. Your children need warm, loving attention and quality time with you. If you have the op- portunity, ask for help. Rather than feeling guilty, be grateful for getting help with a ride to school, with school- work or meal preparation. Remind yourself that your professional role also benefits your children. It enables you to take care of them and afford opportunities for them. Openly discuss and collaborate with your spouse. In- clude children in household chores and responsibilities: The younger ones can put away their toys or feed pets and older children can take part in cleaning the house or take the dog for a walk. SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH CHILDREN Be curiously and attentively pre- sent with your children. Do not try to multitask and avoid distractions while listening to your child. Put away and turn off electronic devices. Be mindfully present with your child. Hold family meetings where eve- ryone’s voice counts. Get input on and discuss household matters, such as timetables and chores. Discuss family concerns and plan fun family activities reflecting each member’s preference. Take opportunities to catch up during the children’s bath time, around the dinner table or when reading bedtime stories. PLAY, PLAY, PLAY Take time to be led in play by your younger children or if you have older children, find shared interests or fun board games to play. This gives you and your child the opportunity to connect and enjoy each other and may brighten up your day. in itself brings a sense of relief. Sharing them honestly may allow you the op- portunity to get the help you need. RESPECT YOUR CHILDREN While they are playing in the park, rather than merely telling them that play time is over, ‘because it’s time’, explain to them that you feel tired and need a moment to put your feet up before preparing dinner and therefore want to go home. This demonstrates that it is all right to say what you what you feel and need and teaches them to consider the needs of others. TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF Prioritising the need to take care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your children. Not only will you have more patience and energy to spend and enjoy quality time with them, but you will also cultivate within them the important value of taking care of one’s self. So, take that moment to enjoy a cup of tea in silence. Meditate. Take that walk. Have that coffee with the friend with whom you’ve been wanting to catch up. FINAL THOUGHTS END RONETTE ZAAIMAN, MSC, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT THE LIGHTHOUSE ARABIA, SHARES TIPS ON HOW PARENTS CAN NAVIGATE THE DEMANDS OF HOME AND OFFICE BALANCE IS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS TA CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE IN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Awards Wednesday 16th June 2021 - JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, UAE NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE 14TH ANNUAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT MIDDLE EAST AWARDS FOR SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES VINAY RAVINDRAN Group Sales Manager T: +971 4 444 3155 GSM: +971 55 810 1197 E: vinay.ravindran@itp.com FOR NOMINATION ENQUIRIES RAJIV PILLAI Editor T: +971 4 444 3262 E: rajiv.pillai@itp.com FOR EVENT ENQUIRIES EBONIE PLATFOOT Events Manager T: +971 4 444 3689 E: ebonie.platfoot@itp.com FM-MIDDLEEAST.COM/AWARDS #FMMEAwards PLATINUM SPONSOR PLATINUM SPONSOR SILVER SPONSOR CATEGORY SPONSORSCALIBER RM 72-01 RICHARD MILLE BOUTIQUE DUBAI | ABU DHABI | RIYADH | KUWAIT | DOHA | ISTANBUL | MOSCOW www.richardmille.comNext >