Being a working mama ain't no joke. It's hard. There's so much to manage. There are definitely positives and minuses to working outside of the home, but the daily grind can really wear you down- especially if you don't learn how to balance your work and motherhood. Even though you'll always feel a little bit torn between work and being home with your baby, being a working mom doesn't have to be a negative. Here are some ways to find a good balance being working and motherhood.
Don't Try to Manage Everything
Here's the truth: if you're trying to do it all yourself, you're going to get overwhelmed. The fact of the matter is that you are working and your spouse probably is too, so you've got to ask for help. Trying to take it all on will just make you blow up eventually. Figure out what you each are best at getting done efficiently and effectively, and then divide and conquer. Don't feel bad about asking for help when it's needed, and take support from family, friends, and others when they offer it. You only have a short amount of time to spend with your child, so maximize it and try to avoid becoming too protective. Just enjoy the time you do have and let things sit sometimes: dishes and cleaning can wait!Find Childcare You Can Trust
Another thing that you can do is make sure that you line-up your childcare early. Good and reliable childcare really is essential if you want to find the best work and life balance without having to worry every day at work. Check in with other moms in the area, and don't feel bad about asking for a tour or interview if it makes you more comfortable. If you happen to have a job with unpredictable hours, make sure that your daycare provider can handle some extra time and be flexible every now and then, as necessary. If you have to change jobs completely, find out your new hours and flexibility early on, then find childcare that meets those needs. Click here today to get some tips on how to minimize this stress while managing everything else in your life. |
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Let Go of Guilt and Leave Work at Work
A lot of mothers feel as though they are constantly choosing work over their children even if this is not the case. The constant battle between short-changing yourself and short-changing your child can be hard, and it can be draining as well. Although it can be hard, try to let go of your mom guilt and enjoy the positives of being a working mom: interaction with others, less financial stress, extra insurance benefits, and future retirement and travel freedoms. Let yourself enjoy conversations with folks who can actually talk back, and then leave work at work and come home for intentional time with your little one. It may mean even more since you don't have it all day, every day. |
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Take Time for Yourself
You may feel as though every second is either put towards working, or looking after your child. You may feel like you don't have any time for yourself at all, and this can really take its toll on you. Though it can be hard, you've got to make sure to give yourself time to relax and do something that you enjoy- maybe it's working out, grabbing coffee with friends, or taking a long bubble bath. Taking this mental time out will really help you feel refreshed, and help you be a better mama and a better, more-balanced employee. In the long run, it's what's best for you kids and family!What do you do to help balance work and motherhood?
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Kelsie
Great read for mothers who are also working. I showed this to a coworker who recently became a mother and she found it very helpful.
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