Parenting and Professionalism: Navigating the Dual Role

Let’s face it: being a professional and a parent can sometimes feel like you're starring in your own version of 'Mission Impossible.' Whether running an optometry practice, taking care of patients, or fitting them in their perfect eyewear, your day can easily go off the rails—especially when you add the chaos of family life into the mix. But what if I told you that it is possible to crush  your career and  parenting duties and maybe—just maybe— enjoy the ride?

The Myth of Perfect Balance:

We’ve all heard it before: “Work-life balance.” It sounds like the holy grail, right? But here’s the thing: that ideal balance? It’s a myth. Some days, work will need more attention; other days, it’ll be your kids. The trick isn’t about finding a perfect equilibrium; it’s about learning to juggle both demands without dropping everything.

The Struggle Bus Stops Here

1. Time Crunch Lane Your patients and  your team need you, and—surprise—so does your toddler when they “need” to show you their latest crayon masterpiece… at 8 PM. The day is short, and everyone wants a piece of you. You have a million things to do tonight, tomorrow, and the day after. 
   

2. Mom Guilt Drive  You’re at work, but your mind is with your kids. You’re with your kids but can’t stop thinking about work. It’s like you’re always somewhere else. It’s exhausting. It’s real. And you’re not alone in feeling it.
   

3. Is It Physically Possible to be This Tired? Have you ever worked a full day and then walked into a house where the laundry is piled high, the dishes are everywhere, and your kid insists that dinner be pizza, AGAIN!? Or even worse, you must run to the store after work, rush home, and cook dinner…don’t forget about the homework and bath time routine, too! You’re running on fumes, but you’re still powering through. Why? Because you’re a freaking superhero (but even superheroes need a break.)

How to Survive (or at least try hard)

1. Embrace Flexibility Listen, if you wait for the perfect moment to “balance” everything, you’ll be waiting forever. Be flexible. Some days will be better than others. And sometimes - “good enough” is good enough.
   

2. Delegate and Lean At work, trust your team to handle what they can. At home, get the kids to pitch in (they can help with laundry—even if it’s not folded perfectly). It’s okay to lean on others and ask for help. Find a village that supports you, and it doesn’t always have to be family. It can be your employer and colleagues, too. I’m not saying they should  babysit but taking some of the load off  you is just as helpful.  
   

3. Set Boundaries (for real, this is a big one) You’re a professional and must treat your time with respect. That means setting clear boundaries. Whether it’s a firm “no” to after-hours meetings or setting aside family time as sacred, defining your limits is essential for mental survival.
   

4. Let Go of Perfectionism! You won’t always be able to give 100% in both areas, and that’s okay. Perfectionism is a trap. Let your kids make a mess, let a few emails wait until tomorrow, and trust that you’re doing great. 
   

5. Meal Prep on Sundays!!

   The two ugliest words, “meal prep,” I know, it sucks. But trust me when I say it works, and you’ll be glad to be able to heat things up in the stove or microwave after a long day (while still relishing in the glorious feeling of accomplishing a home-cooked meal) 

You can have a thriving career in optics and be a fantastic parent. It’s not about achieving some mythical perfect balance, it’s about creating a life where both work and family fit together, even if it’s a bit messy. You’ve got this, and you’re not in it alone. Whether you’re sharing parenting tips or work hacks with others in the Optical Women’s Association, we’re all here to support each other in this beautifully chaotic journey. So go ahead—be a boss at the office and a supermom at home. Both roles are yours to own.

Written by: Kendra Katchko