Tips For the Working Mom
Photo illustration by Sarina Finkelstein; Getty Images
(Originally published on LinkedIn)
Hi, you hard-working moms!
Here are a few tips that have helped me with my work/life balance. Just know, I will give you all of these tips that help, and at the end of the day your mom guilt will kick in, and you will never feel like you have it all handled or that you are a good enough mother... and that just means you are doing everything you can. If we care, we will always worry and wonder. If you are even reading this, you are a better mother than most, and are making an effort! We are always a work in progress.
Be Present
The best and hardest thing to do with your little ones is to be in the moment. I know it is not the easiest thing to do after a long day of hard work, but I have found that putting away those phones, computers, and focusing on that moment with your child is vital. This makes you feel good, makes your child feel special, and creates a healthy pattern for both of you. If work/life balance is important to you, start with this simple step, and you will be shocked at what a difference it makes in your day!
This also applies to your work-day. To be productive and successful, it is important that while we are working, our minds are not at daycare with our kids or thinking about all the dishes that need to be done. We all worry and create stories in our minds, or at least I do. Add a "check in" slot to your calendar and it will give you that sense of relief that your little one is just fine. Time management will help with this!
Time Management
One of the things that myself and a lot of my other working moms struggle with, is time management. This is the practice that relieves a lot of your anxiety and stress! Of course, those horrible colds are going to come up, and your schedules are not always going to be concrete but having this helps!
Use that calendar (ONE CALENDAR) and set achievable goals (FOR WORK AND HOME LIFE):
Most Importantly: In every one of these categories, make time for YOU! We all have different situations (I am a single mother) but adding that nail appointment, workout, massage, girls night out, or 30 minutes of reality tv is what we need for us to stay sane!
Monthly:
Add all personal and family activities/appointments, etc. to your calendar.
Pick at least two fun activities to do with each family member (baseball game, picnic, arts, and crafts, etc.) and add those to your calendar.
Weekly:
Make a list of everything you want to accomplish this week and add it to the days that work best for you to still have that family time.
Prioritize and focus on what is most important.
Add those tasks throughout the week (before, at lunch, or after work) when you think you will have the time.
*What has really helped me is even adding "Make ___ lunch" at a certain time that you know you will be available. This seems silly, but having time slots and having it on my calendar somehow makes it more achievable.
Daily:
You should have your weekly list already done, but things come up! Welcome to the mom life.
Every morning, make a list of your goals for the day and tasks that need to be completed, both personally and professionally. Add those into your calendar and don't forget the "check-in" spot to call whoever is watching your little one (this might seem crazy protective). I guess it gets easier as they get older haha!
If you do not have time, it is not the end of the world, add it to the next day and have your kids, or partners, or whoever may be your support system HELP!
Sleep!
Get as much sleep as you can. Without sleep, we are worthless and not our best the next day for our kids and professions. The laundry can wait... get some much-needed rest.
*Meditating apps, and audible self-help books have helped me clear my mind and fall asleep faster!
Reality
Know that if you are working and are a mother, you are already a ROCKSTAR! Do your best and don't compare yourself to others. We are all different, in different situations, with varying styles of parenting that work for us.
