Working mothers have it particularly difficult, with the impossible task of balancing work and family responsibilities. We're all in different boats after having kids, going back to work when your child is small is non-negotiable for many of us. It could be for financial reasons, or you want to continue working to climb up the corporate ladder.
There's no doubt working mothers are multitasking masters. However, between diaper duties, scheduling playdates, and zoom meetings, today's working women are finding it difficult to achieve unrealistic work-life balance goals. They don't just carpool the kids, get dinner ready, they also put in long hours at work to keep up.
We’ve listed a few worthwhile suggestions to assist working mothers to balance both parts of their lives as smoothly as possible.
Be 100% Present
When it comes to work, we have to get it all checked off. While many jobs are mentally and physically taxing, leaving work and preventing any tasks to spill over at home can be a challenge. This is when the true meaning of work-life balance comes in. You want to establish strict routines and habits that allow you to be the most productive at work. You don’t want to be the mom that glued to their laptop and phone at dinner. Be present at home without any distractions from work. Truly be devoted to your kids and family when you’re at home.
Plan Family Activities
Just like we schedule zoom meetings and conference calls, making time for a fun family activity will make everyone excited about the weekend. Make it a goal each weekend for a fun activity that’s new and exciting for everyone. Plan a picnic out at the park or movie night, there are plenty of ways to make your kids excited about going out and spending quality time with you. Set every activity out on your calendar and plan ahead of time.
Ying to Your Yang
Every household is different, with single moms and co-parenting couples, the balance comes from having a partner that can support you and takes 50% of all responsibilities. It’s not just about being a babysitter, but actively taking a role to help you balance your busy work schedule and mom duties. Taking care of cleaning the house along with cooking and grocery shopping can take a load off any mom’s life. Set aside responsibilities that you need your partner to take care of to keep a well-balanced life.
Create Lists and Stick to Them
Planning is one of the ways you can be on top of your mom game. From doctor's appointments to groceries to meal prepping, dumping everything you need to get done on a list can help save you from rushing to the store last minute. Especially if your job is in corporate with plenty of meetings and presentations going on, planning your work tasks along with all your home responsibilities will keep everything running smoothly. Use a single planner or even an app to keep track of your to-do lists so you never forget.
Make Self-Care Time
Last but not least, if you don’t want to burn out it’s important to schedule out time to yourself to relax and take a deep breath. As a mom, we always seem to put our own needs last. In such a stressful atmosphere of work and home life, finding time for yourself is critical to sustaining inner peace and balance. You can practice anything that calms you from a nighttime skincare routine, a candle-lit bath, a spa day, or meditation. Recharging your mind and inner peace is just as important to taking care of your family and work tasks.
Balancing life after being a mom can be overwhelming in all aspects. No matter what situation you’re in, it’s important to take a deep breath and remind yourself of everything there is to be grateful for. You’ve got this!
