Juggling the Circus of Modern Parenting: A Guide to Finding Joy in the Chaos

Being a modern parent can feel like you're juggling a million balls in the air while riding a unicycle and in the last few years as if that wasn't enough the unexpected joys of ad hoc school closures, sickness, anxiety and unanticipated change has been wild. Add a full-time job into the mix, and you might feel like you're auditioning for the circus! But fear not, my fellow parents, because there's a way to make this seemingly impossible feat a little less daunting.

As a mama of five kids under the age of 10, I've been in different family types from nuclear to solo parenting, and now the blend, and let me tell you, it's been quite the adventure! But, applying design skills and lens of sorting, theming, prioritising, simplifying, structuring, and harvesting, my husband and I are finding ways to create a life that's more joy-filled and less overwhelming.

The first step is to sort through your daily tasks and responsibilities like your Marie Kondo-ing your life. Does that weekly team meeting at work "spark joy?" Probably not, but it's necessary. Same as feeding the kids, changing the beds, taking the bins out. Prioritising is key, so you can focus on what really matters and what can wait. Once you've got your priorities straight, simplify your approach by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Just like how you'd eat an elephant - one bite at a time!

Structuring your day is also important to make sure you're using your time wisely. It's like building a house - you need a solid foundation to hold everything up, we call this solid investment SLEEP, of course sleep sometimes gets interrupted, so taking time to meditate, have a gentle walking meeting or even just shut your eyes and breath for a few minutes can be helpful. Make sure you're giving your most important tasks your undivided attention during your peak productivity hours. But also make time for breaks and fun with your family!

Don't forget to harvest the things that bring you joy and give you energy. Whether it's binge-watching your favorite show, taking up a new hobby, or having a dance party with your kids, make sure to make time for the things that make you happy. It's like a little oasis in the desert of responsibilities that will give you the energy you need to power through. It often surprises me how many adults are unaware of what brings them joy and powers them up, make a list, laminate it, visit it often!

And most importantly, don't do it alone! Surround yourself with friends, family, people from school who can become your village. Community is key.

Check in with your partner often to make sure you're both getting the necessary respite. As someone who's been in different family types, I know that the journey can be rough, but with some humor, lightness, and a sense of adventure, you can create a joy-filled and fulfilling life that works for your unique family. Just keep trying, keep laughing, and keep loving, and you'll find your way!

But what do you do when it is all falling to shit and feels like the world is coming to an end? (which inevitably from time to time it will!). We have a saying that my Mum shared with me when my first was born:"this too shall pass" is such an important mantra to remember when things feel overwhelming. It's easy to get bogged down by the day-to-day tasks and stresses, but it's important to take a step back and remind yourself that everything is temporary.

One way to recharge and reset is to have a "reconnect appointment" with your partner. When you're juggling work and parenting, it's easy to lose sight of your relationship with your significant other. But, by carving out intentional time to connect with each other, you can strengthen your bond and remind yourselves of the love that brought you together in the first place. This could be a date day, a walk after school drop off, lunch mid week, a weekend getaway, or even just a few hours in the diary together aligning on the stuff that is coming up so you can feel prepared and connected. Possibly the funniest thing I found in my diary were appointments for 'sexy time' that my husband asked my PA to slot in, I knew he was winding me up and it made me laugh so much.

At the end of the day, being a modern parent is an adventure full of ups and downs, but with some humor, lightness, and a willingness to try and try again, you can create a life that's both fulfilling and joy-filled. Remember to sort, prioritize, simplify, structure, and harvest the things that bring you joy and give you energy, and don't forget to take time for yourself and for your partner.

And when things get tough, remember, "this too shall pass."