Most of all research on work-life balance focuses on women, and significantly less research specifically addresses men's experiences.
However, recent survey results reveal that men experience work-family conflicts at rates similar to women. Interestingly, at least one study found that men reported a higher instance of work-family conflict than women.
Work time is work time, family time is family time, easy to say but hard to fulfill. Children do not understand the concept of working hard very well; they simply wonder why their dad did not finish his work when he was at the office and is ready to come home and play with them.
The first step to becoming the best family man who works is to separate work time from family time. Making this adjustment is incredibly difficult. Learning that it is better to spend one or two more hours at the office on days when work piles up rather than bringing it home. Children and spouse are more likely to feel ignored if you are working at home while everyone is there. Also, with more distractions at home, more work can be completed in an office environment.
Devote Time to Physical Fitness
If you think you will not encounter stress as the best working family man, think again. It will happen. Physical fitness relieves stress and will help avoid taking it out on the family. It is also important to set an example for children about what it means to be physically healthy. Understand the different love languages and which resonate most with each family member.
Each family member feels love in different ways. Some need to hear words of affirmation, some need to spend quality time together, some need physical touch, sharing models of pajamas with dad, some need to receive acts of service, and others need to receive gifts. Practice using each of the love languages with all family members until you discover which resonates most with each member.
A Happy Spouse Creates a Happy Home
This is the most important relationship as the best working family man. Plan a date night every week and mix things up. Go to new restaurants and try new things, including pajamas as part of this segment of family life.
The wife loves it when the man cooks at home so she can have a well-deserved break and take care of preparing dinner. Also, whatever both like to do, make sure to have fun together. Investing time in the relationship with the spouse is one of the wisest decisions you can make for the good of the whole family.
Parents and Children, Do Something Fun Every Week
Nothing means more to a child than one-on-one quality time with their dad. Try every week to do something with each of your children. It is understood that this can be complicated to schedule, so at least spend alone time with the children every two or three weeks.
Some ideas include visiting a zoo or aquarium, going to a sporting event, going on an outdoor adventure, or even practicing using the same models of pajamas to increase that father-child relationship level.
Plan Vacations Taking Everyone's Opinions into Account
Sitting together as a family and discussing what kind of things everyone would like to do during vacations is a renewing and empowering activity. Make concessions when necessary, but also consider what everyone has to say when planning a vacation. This way, you can go on vacations that please everyone with the least possible argument.
Advance in the Constant Roles of the Home
When it comes to daily household chores, divide and conquer. Families are a blessing, and it is everyone's daily job to ensure they stay united and happy. It will not be easy, but becoming the best working family man will make home life happier and easier.
In life, people tend to invest time and money in the things that matter most, and when it comes to father-child relationships, this principle is especially relevant. But the father-child relationship can be complex. Parents and children with different interests may have conflicts relating to each other. Sometimes, parents and children feel competitive with each other.
Other times, communication problems worsen when both want a better father-child relationship, but neither really knows how to do it.
A Good ExampleThere are many aspects to consider to develop a strong bond with children. Whether they notice it or not, children learn to be men mainly based on their fathers. A father's influence on his son's personal development is often unseen but nonetheless real. Even children become the best imitators of their parents.
To the extent of acquiring gestures and habits typical of the parents; and it is no secret that the use of pajamas is one of those habits.
When young men see their fathers interact with others, including their partner, they learn about respect (or lack thereof), how men interact with others, and how to deal with problems and differences. Understanding that a father's influence over a son is incomparable will help you think more deeply about your relationship with your son and take your responsibility as a good role model seriously.
Spend Time Together
As a father, you must ensure to have alone time with your children. This time together will let the children know they are important to the father, especially if you make time for them amid a very busy schedule. Spending time together also communicates that they are a priority in your life and that you enjoy being with them.
While they are young, you can participate in noisy outdoor games, read books, have pajama parties, build with Legos, or play a game. Once they are older and have more defined interests, try to participate in the things they enjoy as well.
Whether a child likes basketball or debate, find ways to engage with him. Play hoop in the driveway or learn to be debate judges when they are in high school, sharing uniformity by wearing the same pajamas. Some of your best memories will be the moments you spent together doing something you are passionate about. Children are forever.
El Búho Nocturno, the brand of the classic pajama par excellence.