Being a dad is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when you're trying to balance it with a demanding job as a developer. Working remotely adds a unique twist to this balancing act, providing both opportunities and obstacles. Here are some strategies that have helped me manage my time and sleep from the newborn stage through to the toddler years.
Before thinking of being a dad, find a good wife!
Sounds funny, but having a supportive partner can make a world of difference. Sharing responsibilities and understanding each other’s schedules helps in creating a harmonious environment for both work and parenting.
Establish a Flexible Schedule
Early Morning Productivity
When you have a newborn, sleep schedules can be unpredictable. I've found that waking up early, before the baby, allows me to get some focused work done. Even an hour of uninterrupted time can be incredibly productive.
Nap Time Hustle
As your child grows into the toddler stage, nap times can become more predictable. Use these windows of opportunity to tackle high-priority tasks. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish in a 1-2 hour nap window when you’re focused.
Prioritize Your Tasks
Use the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break, can help maintain productivity during fragmented work periods. It’s especially useful when you need to attend to your child intermittently.
Daily Task Lists
Create a daily list of tasks and prioritize them. I use tools like Jira, Trello or Asana to organize my work tasks and keep track of deadlines. Breaking down projects into smaller, manageable tasks makes it easier to make progress even with limited time.
Communicate with Your Team
Set Clear Boundaries
Working remotely requires clear communication with your team about your availability. Let them know your working hours and when you’ll be offline to take care of family responsibilities. Most teams are understanding and supportive if they know your situation.
Regular Check-Ins
Schedule regular check-ins with your team to discuss progress and any issues. This ensures that you stay connected and aligned with team goals, even if you’re not always available for impromptu meetings.
Optimize Your Work Environment
Create a Dedicated Workspace
Having a dedicated workspace helps signal to your brain that it’s time to work, even if it’s just a corner of a room. Make sure it’s comfortable and free from distractions as much as possible. Plus, it's an investment!
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Also invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones. They can be a lifesaver when you need to focus while your little one is playing or when there’s noise in the house.
Take Care of Yourself
Get Enough Sleep
Easier said than done, right? While you can’t control how much sleep you get with a newborn, try to nap when the baby naps. As your child grows, establish a bedtime routine to ensure both you and your child get enough rest.
Exercise and Healthy Eating
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps boost your energy levels and productivity. Even short bursts of exercise, like a quick walk or a few minutes of stretching, can make a big difference. Eating nutritious meals also keeps your energy up throughout the day.
Take your child outside!
Embrace the Chaos
Finally, remember that it’s okay if things don’t always go as planned. Flexibility is key. Some days will be more productive than others, and that’s perfectly fine. Enjoy the moments with your child and appreciate the unique opportunity to work remotely while being present for your family.
Balancing work and family life as a remote developer and a dad can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s definitely manageable. Share your own tips and experiences in the comments – I’d love to hear how other developer dads are making it work!
Top comments (7)
This is the first time I read such a rich experience and kind tips about fatherhood and work-life balanced. Dan, your post is more than necessary to the world. Congrats on being an amazing dad, husband, and professional!
Thank you so much for your kind words! While I just wanted to share my personal experience, I'm glad to hear it resonated with you. I always hear the term work-life-balance, but I'm always curious to learn how other parents manage this balance too. Thanks again for your support!
When I read about work-life balance often then talk about mental health, diet, physical exercises, stress relief, and quality time but parenting is something new and I'm so happy to see it's getting more frequent. Also, this post is to highlight the importance of home office jobs.
I have a toddler and a baby on the way... I relate to what you've shared above and found some of the tips very useful.
Congrats on the new addition to your family! I'm glad to hear that you found some of the tips useful. Balancing work and parenting is definitely a challenge, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Best of luck with your growing family.
Wow, impressed by this! Congrats!
Love that you highlighted embracing the chaos! ;)