Deciding to be a working mom is a choice that comes with both benefits and disadvantages. I know it can be a daunting and overwhelming task balancing work and family, but how well you manage this can make a significant difference to your life. As a working mom, I love using my skills outside the home and making financial contributions; but then I miss out on family time with my spouse and my daughter. Keep reading to learn how to balance work and family for a working mom.
Can a working mom have both a successful career and a fulfilling family life? Absolutely yes, it is possible! Work-life balance is something most moms really crave for, but trying to balance work and family can be difficult. You may not always feel in control but there are things you can do to help manage the balance between work and family.
8 Things to do as a Working Mom to Balance Work And Family Life
1. Keep a time log
There are 24 hours in a day, and you can’t create more time, so you need to find ways to maximize the time you’ve got. Taking a week to jot down how you currently spend your time offers a good starting point for making changes. You may be surprised at the amount of time you spend on less important things. Keep track of how much time you spend each day on things like job-related activities, housework, spending time with your spouse and kids, etc. Use this data as a baseline to improve your time management that best suits your role as a working mom.
2. Be flexible
You should know that, no matter how organized you are, there will likely still be some days that do not go as planned. This may include minor setbacks and major emergencies. When this happens, it is a good idea to have a backup plan. Some of these plans include:
- Allowing some space in between appointments.
- Preparing a few meals ahead of time.
- Requesting for a friend or family member to pick up your kids from school or watch them in case of an emergency.
- Paying for home cleaning service.
- Accepting help when offered.
3. Do some “outsourcing.”
The burden of the housework should not fall solely on your shoulders. This is an area that is easy for your spouse to help you out in and if your children are older, delegate simple tasks to them so they can learn to build good habits early and play an active role in contributing to the family. Another option to consider is selectively paying others to help out with certain tasks. Pay someone to come and clean the house or take care of the yard, so you can focus on other tasks.
4. Avoid distractions and time wasters
As a working mom that needs to balance work and family, see time as a precious commodity that shouldn’t be wasted. When at work, be mindful of the time you spend socializing with coworkers if it affects your productivity. Limit long lunch breaks so that you can get the most out of your work time. Then at home, focus on your family rather than your phone or the TV to ensure that the time spent together is meaningful.
5. Connect with your partner
Make your relationship a priority because it will have an immense impact on everything else. Go out on regular dates, doing things that the two of you enjoyed doing even after you have kids. Ensure to have an honest conversation with your partner that doesn’t involve work or kids and really listen to what they have to say.
6. Create special and family activities
Make the time that you spend with your family really count and meaningful by planning activities that everyone will look forward to and enjoy. Get ideas from your family and let them decide on what activities to do.
7. Stay organized using calendars and lists, plan ahead
The mental load that working mothers take on is a responsibility that no one else can understand. When you plan ahead and organize your schedule, you become more productive. Use planners, apps, and other resources to keep track of your to-do-list. Plan ahead as much as possible so that nothing is left to the last minute.
8. Create “me” time for yourself
Becoming a mom comes with a lot of responsibilities, challenges and changes who you are, but it doesn’t negate your individual identity or needs. Moms have the habit of putting everyone’s needs first and theirs last. If you consistently ignore your own needs and interests, you will become more stressed, unhappy, and less effective as a parent or partner. Finding time for yourself is important in maintaining sanity, peace of mind and balance within the hectic environment of work and family life. Learn to pamper yourself and do activities that will help you relax and recharge.
Conclusively, It is possible to pursue a fulfilling full-time career while taking an active role as a mother, if you learn to find a balance that works for your life. The above tips will help working moms to make juggling the two sides a little bit easier. If you are feeling guilty about not being with your family all the time, it is time to let it go. Focus on the positive things that your work life is contributing to your family. Be confident that you are making the best choice for yourself and your family, and they will feel the extent of your love and understand your sacrifice.
Hope you enjoyed 8 ways to balance work and family for a working mom. What are your tips? Leave your comments below.
Until Next Time,
Sincerely Jackline
For more great posts on motherhood, DIYs, fashion and more Subscribe by email
Interested in more motherhood related posts? Check out this one, Potty Training Tips : 5 Ways to Know Your Child is Ready
Blog – Instagram – Twitter – Pinterest
Pin for later:
