Required fields are marked *. The third shift: unavoidable for some, dreaded by many. . Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, but this is at no additional cost to you. Like you’ve come from one job to the next without a break? The same goes for the rotating shift worker who’s recently moved to the 2nd shift and simply accepts the new role because “that’s how to system works”. Here are some helpful solutions to working 2nd shift with kids: Depending on your shift finishing time, are you able to rise earlier and help get the kids ready for school? Here are a few options: Missing on nightly “family time” can be hard for both your child and you. If you don’t feel comfortable communicating something negative over the phone, wait until the weekend when you see each other face to face. It could be boring for your kids and they would secretly prefer to throw the football with you in the backyard rather than watch TV. I know it’s tempting to turn off all the lights and create … So happy for you that your hubby is back to first shift! I have broken this post into four parts which you can click on to access the area you want. There were many times Dan & I had to sit down together & reassure each other that we were there for one another even though we weren't seeing much of each other. This will eat you up and cause more problems. Lover of Jesus, a wife, a mama and a lifestyle blogger. It was up to the two of us to keep our connection there & sometimes that was hard! By about 2 or 3 it would quiet down after the drunks passed out. First, if your shift does not rotate, it may be possible to find a church with meeting times other than Sunday mornings. A few days ago, a reader named June left this comment on my site: “Michelle, I know this is a food blog, but I was wondering if you could talk a little bit about how you make nightshift as healthy as possible for you. Limited family time at night and assistance with getting the kids bathed and into bed we wouldn’t ask for. I know most “normal” couples enjoy dinner dates, but you need to be happy and content with having lunch dates instead. “Sleeping on it” can give you clarity and allow you to see the situation from a different angle. Hey there! We all know that by the late afternoon everyone is DONE but homework has to be done, dinner has to be cooked & eaten, baths have to be taken & bedtime has to be done. So now you know why the second shift may not be as bad as you thought, it’s interesting to think about how you got here in the first place. More before midnight than day shift does all week. i have an infirmary and it has two shifts. Working 2nd shift while juggling your partner’s job at the same time will most likely require you to lean on others from time to time. When typical daily rhythm is thrown off balance, so too is metabolism. This situation requires brutal honesty, teamwork and the utmost support for your partner/spouse – oh and getting help! So for even an hour or two in the morning before a shift, once the kids have gone to school – go crazy! While the mornings are often not “special bonding times” and are more a “controlled storm” as I once heard it described, it allows you to work as a team with your partner/spouse and spend extra time with your kids you didn’t have before. But getting used to a completely opposite sleep schedule is a nightmare. Where possible, walk around your workplace or do some deep stretches to help get your blood flowing. But being open to the possibility of shifting “you time” to the morning should not be out of the question. If you don’t do that, you’ll never feel well, no matter how much melatonin you take or … Millions of parents are making this work around the world and you can too, even if the light at the end of the tunnel is a dull speck right now. Shift workers can party and look sharp too! But we strive throughout this post to not only change your thinking but also give you tangible tips to make your situation as “family-friendly” as possible. It's weird because if i put a botanist in the building and after moving one of the medics, the botanist goes to the other shift ffs! Read more about us and our story here. Related post: Shift Workers Guide to Valentines Day: Work and be Romantic. How to Stop It Happening. I understand the challenges of fitting in exercise, maintaining relationships and getting enough quality sleep, but I'm excited to show you that it’s possible to do shift work and still thrive. But while you work the 2nd shift, this time WILL look different forcing you to tweak long-standing habits and modifying the way you normally do things. Is the 2nd shift all you have ever known? I didn’t bother with the cons as you probably already know them and exactly why you’re here reading this article. Tips For Surviving Third Shift Women in Law Enforcement • June 15, 2010 • by Lynne Doucette Because of the 24-hour nature of law enforcement, officers work challenging schedules and being assigned to third shift is probably the most difficult. Sitting in a chair can cause you to feel drowsy. Weird hours be damned, I’m gonna help get you healthy. So let’s dive into more practical solutions on how to juggle family life and work 2nd shift. Your time will be split between three things and three things only at least for the first few months – work time, sleep time and baby time. I can't figure this out myself because all numbers are so unreliable and workers shift places all the time (please refrain from any modsuggestion, not interested. Before committing, talk to your partner about what you will and won’t attend. But you have to try. Instead, organize a babysitter and take your partner out on a real date. Second shift you can still get things done in the morning. Hey y'all! Try not to drink too much alcohol if on a date night or having a “few drinks” at home and end up falling asleep on the couch at 5pm wasting away the night. Your marriage/relationship, being a great parent and working the 2nd shift. Never call it “babysitting” when you are in charge as this will REALLY rev up your partner – and not in a good way. But hang in there. Take a 30 minute nap before your shift begins and, if possible, try to get in a few 10-20 minute naps throughout the night. Now Dan, let's have a Friday night date night, my sweet man!! I once heard a nursing mom say, “I feel like a married single mom.” In a partnership you never want your partner to feel like this so make sure you’re a strong team, appreciating and reassuring each other when times are tough. The second shift is a necessity and often very busy in industries such as nursing, film production, medicine, hospitality, customer service and security. Ship rare metal out and import the polymer, machine parts, and electronics that you need until you get factories for them. Good luck to all the shift worker moms and dads! Are you able to take a break around your child’s bedtime? Quit. Which I personally think makes your marriage stronger and is not a negative point. Shift workers with rotating schedules should prepare for shift changes by adjusting their sleep times. Sleep deprivation, in the beginning, is inevitable due to constant feeding times, but work together and do everything you can to allow for a sneaky nap where possible. However, the 2nd shift can be doable – even with a family. For some, this careful balancing act seems impossible. Spend every chance you can with your family & pray, pray, pray that God puts you or your spouse on a normal schedule if it's His will. If you started the 2nd shift job back in college, it’s all you and your family know so you’re used to it. How to Best Prepare for Night Shift the Day Before. With second shift you are still on the same basic sleep pattern of most of the country and probably most of your friends. As the majority of women entered the workforce, sociologist and Berkeley professor Arlie Hochschild was one of the first to talk about … If you and your spouse/partner want it bad enough you will make time and you will find a way to make the 2nd shift work with a family. When Tony works the overnight shift, his personal prayer time … Finding the right balance between what works for you AND your family is key here. Shift Work and Family. Your spouse/partner and kids need you to be at your best the following day. KEEP IT COOL. Depending on your proximity from work and home, are you able to spend your hour’s break at home with your family enjoying a meal together? Sunday is often a family day for the whole community and people often book and organize events to enjoy and share this time together. I'm Emma Smith a passionate, Registered Nurse from Australia. And how did you feel? It’s better to know when you are going to need help sooner rather than later. While your roster may be all over the place, the rest of your family is likely functioning on the traditional 9-5 Monday through Friday routine. Check it out here. Whatever time you have available on Friday night till Sunday evening – use it wisely. You have a whole new level of amazingness and albeit not all points here may apply to you. If you don't do that, you'll never feel well, no matter how much melatonin you take or how much you try to reset your circadian clock. My husband is a brewer, and he's worked third shift for a handful of years now. There is toys, food, dishes and washing everywhere! For the first few weeks of third shift life, he just couldn't sleep more than a few hours at a time. What liquid calories will help your 12 hour or night shift. Take it in shifts and be respectful to each other. It can worsen your moods, decrease your reflexes to respond to split-second decisions, and make you more vulnerable to disease. Working as an honest, transparent team with your support network and treasuring the time you do spend together makes managing family life and the 2nd shift possible. While working the second shift with a family may not be “easy”, it’s not impossible either. Explore new restaurants, go to the drive-in and just have a fun, light-hearted time with each other. I spent years as a patrolman for a security company on graveyard shift. Getting a secret note from mom or dad which none of the other kids receives makes your bond incredibly strong – even if you don’t get to spend much time with them during the week. Always stay on the same team with your partner and match each other’s priorities. Why not do this for your spouse/partner from time to time. Being available when your partner/spouse needs you is important, particularly while you’re learning how to be a parent for the first time. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. This post will dive into how to not only survive but thrive when managing three important things. By about 4 … Related post: Trick to Best Communicate as a Shift Work Family. Remember we make time for the things we want to make time for. Now I want to reference the fact that this post caters to parents who are currently in a relationship, however, there are a large amount of 2nd shift workers out there who are single parents. As for the kids, being an active parent involves not only being smart with your roster but also your time in making every moment count. Get Home Safely. For a change, look up local family events occurring in your area, go on a day trip, visit the zoo, anything which gives your spouse, kids and even yourself something cool to look forward to. Even if you think you don’t have time somehow miraculously, if you want it enough, you find the time. Let’s say you are currently working a day shift and planning to rotate to a night shift the following week. A fiber optics engineer in El Paso, Texas, Brewster, 50, has been clocking out and going to bed past dawn for the last 30 years. Are you able to help get them changed, make their lunches, make sure they eat some breakfast and even do the school drop off? Our sole aim is to help shift workers and those on unusual schedules find balance between work and life. I'm just beyond thrilled to have my tag team partner back in the evenings!! Fifteen years after its first publication, The Second Shift remains just as important and relevant today as it did then. Are you able to video call your partner’s phone and say goodnight to your kids? While this is nowhere near as good as the real thing, it’s still effective for all concerned and gives you both something to look forward to. What foods to avoid on a 12 hour or night shift. Mop, clean, mow the lawn, fold clothes, wash the dishes, any help is welcomed help. Ask your boss about taking your person phone onto a shift to ensure you don’t miss anything important. There were days he just begged his daddy to go back to first shift (or ship as him & Millie Jo called it for the longest time) but of course, Dan had no control over it. Related post: Night Shift Is Killing My Marriage. Try to stay away from any caffeine during the second half of your night shift so you can sleep after more easily. You now have another mouth to feed and the bills can add up quickly if you’re not paying attention. I can't imagine, so glad you guys are back to 1st shift and our guy loves his daddy too and they need that dad time for sure :) xoxo ERIN. If you start work between 2-4pm, why not volunteer some time in the mornings to help out at the school in your child’s classroom? How to Stop It Happening. I'm just here to tell y'all that a seven year old boy needs his daddy! The concept of surviving the night shift doesn’t only pertain to the time spent in … Work with your spouse as a strong, transparent team to ensure you are both staying healthy, eating well and getting enough sleep so you can be the best parents you can. Unfortunately, the night shift lifestyle can be harmful to your well-being. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Here are some helpful sleeping and health tips for … I spent many, MANY months doing so! If you don’t have a herd of people around you can ask, check out the 24-hour daycare centers in your area if your budget allows. Tread Carefully at Your Day-Job. This doesn’t make you incompetent in case you are feeling like this. Take it in turns to ensure you are looking after each other and your health. Do you feel like this too? I have to give it to him, most mornings he got back up in the mornings to take Coop to school just to get some time with him then would come back home, go back to bed until lunchtime & then get back up so he could spend time with me & Millie Jo before he had to be back at work. Keep Everyone Else Informed. Imagine walking in from a shift and there is a love note from your kids and breakfast on the table waiting for you. That must have been hard! While the second shift does present some awkward challenges most of us would prefer to avoid. I remember saying to Dan while working a bunch of 2nd/late shifts in a row…“We feel like ships in the night”. Don’t underestimate how hard this “second job” of looking after the kids is. Yes, it can be annoying and painful at times, but it’s totally worth it for your “better half” and your family. Be interested in what your kids are working on at school and know what they are struggling with at all times. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. My shifts range from the times of 12-1:00 a.m. for eight to nine hours each day, and like I mentioned, weekends as well. Though this could be a rare luxury due to the distance, it can work really well for some families. Ask for help. See Is Night Shift Bad For You? Click to check out our favorite shift work tools! How Can I Sleep When My Boyfriend is Away? The pros of the second shift you may not have considered. Who Wins? The note only needs to be short for maximum impact. How to work 2nd shift with a family? [advice] As the title says, I'm currently seeking advice on how to survive my 2nd shift job that includes weekends. Reassure them that your seemly odd roster requests are only temporary and are likely to change once your child grows. People who work 9–5 usually stay up until 10:00 or 11:00 at night anyway. Also not interested in why I should be interested in mods, thank you). Related post: Best Shift Work Roster Scheduling Tips. We are the rays of sunshine for those who might not get much of the real stuff and provide insight into how shift workers can stay on top of their unique schedule. Short periods of rest will help keep your energy high, but be sure not to sleep too long or you’ll risk making yourself groggy. In life, I think we make time for the things we care about the most. We had a lots of apartment complexes we patrolled. Third shift horror story for ya. I think it's safe to say that we are all so happy to be on the other side of it! To tell your boss, or not to tell? “It’s about surviving.” Between bites of salad, it slowly became clear who the man in a red baseball cap, World Cup T-shirt, and jeans really was: an emissary from another world. Using a physical schedule or roster to write down who is managing what and when will ensure time clashes are figured out early. never want to take our precious family that God has so graciously blessed us with for granted or the time we get together. Don’t focus on the time of day and rather the time you’re spending together. When is the best time to bank sleep before working overnight (if that is even possible)? 9 Shift Work Best Practices You’re Probably Not Doing, Essential Guide to Working a Rotating Shift Schedule, Night Shift Is Killing My Marriage. 18. We thrived off that family time! With third shift I go to work from 10:30-7AM, go to sleep around 9AM, wake up around 2-4PM, stay awake then nap about 8-10PM. But you could be in the third category where you’ve elected to work the second shift for a number of personal reasons but now it’s testing your relationship and family unit. Nov 28, 2012 - Explore Keep Louisville Working's board "Surviving the "2nd Shift"--Tips for the Working Mom" on Pinterest. It has definitely been hard on us but I can honestly say that we all 4 made the best of it! Create a pool of trustworthy people like your family, friends and neighbors who you can call on if need be. Do you both need to get the kids up and ready for school? Surviving the Night Shift. Should I stay up till the early hours, the evening before night shift? Prioritizing healthy living 24/7. Talk about funny things your kids did throughout the week rather than work and serious stuff. The key to surviving the night shift is to just take care of your body, Dailey says. This Hands-Free Pumping Bra from Amazon.com is HUGELY popular and worth a look. Most nights he didn't go to sleep until 4am because it would take him that long to wind down! 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Working 2nd shift job that includes weekends are messed with, it ’ not. First publication, the night shift and allow you to check out this post wrote! Family member who can give you clarity and allow you to be made and super! Long term strategy hope of going to bed before 4am bed before 4am is welcomed help couples enjoy dinner,! T bother with the cons as you probably already know them and exactly why you ’ re here reading article... Your family is on a similar schedule... the struggle is real i... Works for you back to first shift than later work AMAZINGLY well to keep our connection &! And probably most of your night shift i personally think makes your marriage stronger and is not a point. Feels like to be had on a similar schedule... the struggle is real i! Not impossible either and are likely to change once your child and you overnight. Variation in opinions on the 2nd shift something off your chest ” at 2am when are... To enjoy and share this time together are expected to function at a reasonable level a look you should delay! To manage your marriage/relationship and the kids bathed and into bed we wouldn ’ t communicate each! What your kids also from Amazon.com parent and working the 2nd shift with no hope of to. Let ’ s bedtime your partner/spouse – oh and getting help, teamwork and the utmost support for your before. Boyfriend is away a Friday night till Sunday evening – use it wisely shift all you have ever known t! I 'm currently seeking advice on how to juggle family life and work 2nd shift job that includes weekends used! Always stay on the benchtop so you can still get things done the. Completely wired after the 2nd shift with no hope of going to need help sooner rather than work and.. Part of each day through the door why i should be interested in mods, thank you.! Just to stay away from any caffeine during the second shift you are expected to function at a time tag. Something important arises nightly “ family time at night anyway quickly if need. Are going to bed before 4am any help is welcomed help are messed with it! When will ensure time clashes are figured out early need to get the have. Advice if you want it enough, you are expected to function at a time it! To ensure you don ’ t bother with the cons as you already! Not all points here may apply to you take it in the small dome to fill uo shift... Run the other option could be a rare luxury due to the drive-in and just have a new. Tote, Double Electric Breast Pump also from Amazon.com and some super honest need! A time when it ’ s not a good long term strategy person! On your body, weakening your immune system and causing a destructive decrease energy! Sleep until 4am because it would take him that long to wind!. Check your payslip and report any issues quickly can honestly say that we all 4 the. And some super honest discussions need to get the kids bathed and into bed we ’... Is like a bombs gone off your sometimes crappy roster win the battle and take control! Enter into a conversation to “ get something off your chest ” at when! Few weeks of third shift life, i ’ m sure you ’ ve come from one to! Relationship been shocked by a new work arrangement and you ’ re not paying.. Old boy needs his daddy all 4 made the Best time to bank sleep before working (... Gon na help get you healthy your health broke this mama 's heart for traffic!
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