This is one question that haunts many parents with multiple children. However, the definition of “doing it all”, I am sure you will agree, lies in the eye of the beholder.

As a mother of two, and having worked in early years at Jumeirah International Nurseries for 17 years, I know that as children grow, the challenges change.

Each new stage can reshape the way you think as a parent. At the same time, we still need to find balance within our households so that we can protect our own stability and sanity.

Change may be constant, but your approach can remain steady, firm and loving.

It is important to set realistic expectations about what your children can do independently, then offer the support they need to learn through experience.

There is no single right way to raise a child, or several children.

Start With the Basics

Begin by identifying the basic needs of your family.

These include eating, sleeping, hygiene and affectionate interaction between you and your children. Once these foundations are in place, you can begin to focus on other areas.

Understand Individual Needs

Once the basics are covered, take time to understand what each child needs as an individual.

Some children need more physical affection. Some need one-to-one time with you. Others may need quiet time on their own.

The goal is to understand what helps each child feel happy, secure, healthy and balanced.

And in the middle of all this, remember yourself too.

Make time for your own needs, and where possible, spend time with your partner, a close friend or someone who helps you feel supported.

Build Routines That Work for Your Family

Once you understand both the basic and individual needs of your family, routines can help bring everything together.

You may prefer to follow a structured daily schedule, or you may simply work around key anchors such as mealtimes, naps, school runs and bedtime.

The important thing is consistency.

When routines become familiar rituals, children often feel calmer because they know what to expect. Parents benefit too, because there is less pressure to constantly decide what comes next.

Then Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy It

Once the basics, individual needs and routines are in place, allow yourself to simply be present.

Enjoy your children. Be loving, honest and available.

Not every moment needs to be productive. Not every day needs to run perfectly.

Sometimes being fully present is enough.

Watch for Signs That Something Is Not Working

As you move through each stage, pay attention to repeated meltdowns, sudden changes in behaviour or moments when family life begins to feel consistently overwhelming.

When that happens, pause and reassess.

Perhaps a routine needs adjusting. Perhaps expectations need to change. Perhaps your child needs more rest, more connection or more independence.

And perhaps you need support too.

Ask for help from your partner, extended family or friends when you need it. Where appropriate, professional support can also be valuable.

There is nothing wrong with needing help.

You Do Not Have to Do Everything Perfectly

Managing children, yourself, your home and everything else life brings can feel complicated and exhausting.

Starting with what matters most, then prioritising from there, can make it feel far more manageable.

Do your best. Trust yourself. Love your children and enjoy the company of the little people in your life.

They will grow sooner than you think, and each stage will bring a completely new set of challenges.

So breathe.

You do not have to do it all perfectly.

You just have to keep showing up with love.

 

Mrs Samina Khanyari
General Manager
Jumeirah International Nurseries