Balancing Work and Family Life
What are some websites that offer insights and help for balancing work and family?
- YourChild: Child care has sections that cover such topics as:
- How to find quality daycare programs
- Pros and cons of different types of care
- Breastfeeding and working
- Finding quality care for children with special needs
- Alternatives to full-time work/full-time child care
- Weaving Together Family and Work is a four-page document with tips and a workbook-type format, so you can use it as a tool to come up with a plan for your family.
- All In a Day's Work ideas for how to shift gears when you get home, and keep work and family time separate.
How about some books to help us cope with the stress of work and family?
- Recommended reading to help couples negotiate the work/life balance.
What are some research, advocacy and support groups?
- The University of Michigan Work/Life Resource Center (WLRC) helps University of Michigan families achieve a balance through connections with campus and community resources to help integrate personal and work life. The WLRC can assist with:
- Child care
- Elder/dependent care
- Emergency, back-up child care
- Balancing work and personal responsibilities
- Creating flexible work schedules
- The Families and Work Institute conducts research to provide data informing decision-making on the changing workplace, changing family and changing community.
- The National Partnership for Women and Families is involved in public education and advocacy to promote policies that help women and men meet the dual demands of work and family.
- Mothers and More: The Network for Sequencing Women is an international group that supports women who are “sequencing” (altering their career path in order to care for children at home). Mothers and More advocates for more choices for women in how they combine work and child rearing, and provides support through local chapters for women who opt to “sequence.”
- at home dad is an online resource and network for Stay At Home Dads (SAHDs). They have links to SAHD’s blogs, a message board, and networking for playgroups.
Compiled by Kyla Boyse, R.N. Reviewed by faculty and staff at the University of Michigan
Updated July 2009
U-M Health System Related Sites:
U-M Pediatrics
