TechieMaMa

Driving to work every morning while leaving my baby at home with my husband (who’s currently rocking his parental leave) is a mix of emotions—gratitude, guilt, and let’s be honest, a little relief to enjoy coffee while it’s still hot. Balancing work and parenting feels like a juggling act, but with a few smart hacks (and some advice from friends), it gets a whole lot easier.

Here are my top 5 hacks for thriving as a working parent in 2024:

1. Tag Team with AI Assistants

AI assistants like Alexa or Google are a working parent’s secret weapon. They can handle everything from grocery lists to nap reminders. At home, my husband uses ours to keep track of baby schedules while juggling household chores.

• Sync your family calendar so nothing gets missed—pediatrician appointments, work deadlines, or even reminders to restock diapers.

• Program routines for mornings or evenings to keep things running smoothly.

2. Prep, Freeze, Conquer

Meal prep is a game-changer when you’ve got a baby. Spending a few hours on the weekend to cook and freeze meals saves so much time (and sanity) during the week.

• Stick to meals that freeze and reheat well, like soups, pasta sauces, or casseroles.

• Label everything clearly so your partner can grab and go during busy days.

Recent Win: My husband texted me mid-day to say, “The lasagna you prepped was a lifesaver today!” It’s little victories like that that make the effort worth it.

3. The Time-Swap Hack

Balancing work and a baby is all about teamwork. My husband and I have created a system where we “swap” responsibilities throughout the day to keep things manageable.

• Block time for quick check-ins with your baby when you’re home, even if it’s just 15 minutes before bedtime.

• Plan daily handoffs with your partner so one of you gets a break (even if it’s just to enjoy a quiet cup of tea).

Our Routine: When I get home, I take over baby duties while my husband unwinds. It’s simple, but it works.

4. Automate the Chaos

Automation is your best friend when life gets busy. Between groceries, cleaning, and finances, automate as much as you can to lighten the load.

• Schedule grocery deliveries or set up recurring orders for baby essentials.

• Use a smart vacuum to keep the floors clean without effort.

• Share to-do lists on apps like Todoist or Notion to stay on the same page with your partner.

5. Quality Over Quantity

Some days, you’ll feel on top of the world. Other days, it’s all about surviving. And that’s okay. What matters most is making the moments you have with your baby count.

• Prioritize screen-free moments when you’re with your baby, even if it’s just during feeding time or bedtime cuddles.

• Leave little voice or video messages for your baby when you’re away—it might feel silly, but they’ll love hearing your voice.

Reminder: The small things—a warm cuddle, a silly song, or just holding your baby while they drift off to sleep—are what they’ll remember.

Final Thoughts

Parenting while working is no small feat, but it’s absolutely possible with the right mindset and tools. Lean on tech, lean on your partner, and remember that you’re doing great—even on the messy days.

Got a parenting hack that’s been a lifesaver for you? Share it below—I’m always looking for new ideas!