Return to work – Top practical preparation tips

When you are due to return to work, not only are you trying to mentally prepare yourself for all that comes with that transition, but you also need to practically prepare. The motherload is very real and very overwhelming, delegation and communication is criticial for you and your family as you return to work. The practical preparation list could potentially go on for miles, but below are 4 top tips to help ensure the transition is a little smoother.

4 tips to help with the practical preparation ahead of your return to work:

Finding the right childcare

Childcare is one of the biggest stresses and anxiety fueled challenges parents face for the return to work. A childcare crisis does not allow for parents to have a lot of choice when it comes to making the decision of where to send their children. However, if you can, taking the time to find the right childcare for you and your family is important. It can be a huge anxiety reliever for those early weeks. Doing a phasing in period also helps everyone with this big transition. Work with your childcare provider to plan this out.

Beat the morning rush

Prepare as much as you can the night before, for kids and adults – clothes, lunches, bags….You’ll be thankful you were your future friend.

Food

Use slow cooker a lot! Easy, quick prep meals. Batch cook whole family meals that everyone can (hopefully will) eat. Meal plan, this also saves on food waste.

Sickness plan

Well a loose plan anyways, especially at the start. With partner and family/childcare provider, discuss the back up options. A few potential scenarios and how you might manage them. Sickness, particularly with the smallies, is inevitable when they start childcare as they are exposed to more and different viruses etc.

Always remember, you are the one facing the return to work, and all that entails. You do not have to do all the planning for your family. You need the family team around you to support you, its key to speak up and delegate and communicate what you need and when. This isn’t all on you as the returner.

“You can do anything, but not everything” David Allen