It seems easy to empower, right? being financially independent and juggling work at the office while also managing all the chores at home and taking care of a child? Let us tell you, it is not! From personal experience, I can affirm that it entails navigating the complexity of managing the expectations of the workplace and home and making sure that the needs of the child remain uncompromised. At the end of the day, you end up having no personal time for yourself, which leads to issues like stress and burnout. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
We understand that the transition to motherhood can be a huge change in one’s personal life and professional dynamics. In fact, working mom life can be extremely stressful and chaotic. So in this parenting guide, we’ll guide you through some practical tips and tricks to make your life easier as a working mom!
Key Strategies for Managing Work and Family Balance
Set Realistic Expectations for Yourself
The expectations of others can be overwhelming so act accordingly! One of the first and most important things to do when you’re a working mom is to set clear and realistic expectations and boundaries for yourself and also for those around you. One of the most common problems for working moms is that we often face setting high and often unrealistic standards for ourselves. These expectations and standards can lead to feelings of failure and low self-esteem, as parents are often unable to meet them. Communication is the key! So, what’s the solution? communicate with your employers, and also your family members regarding the expectations, seek flexible working arrangements if possible. Also, have a conversation with your family members to help you with your responsibilities at home.
Learn to prioritize for Effective Time Management
So much work and so little time! We feel you! Make your life easier as a working mom, manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks efficiently through daily or weekly schedules. Organize your daily to-do list and prepare a daily or weekly working plan that contains both your family and work chores. You can use easily available tools like planners, calendars, or apps to keep track of deadlines and important dates. You can also break down your work into smaller chunks to make it more manageable and this can also help you feel less overwhelmed with the workload.
Don’t be Reluctant to Seek Support
Remember this: You are not alone! One of the holy grails of parenting tips that we can give you is to seek support without any hesitation. Trust us, seeking support from your friends, family, or even professional services would not make you any less of a superwoman! Sharing responsibilities can make all the difference if you have a partner in the picture. Make sure you both are on the same page before your first day back at work. Coordinate your schedules and childcare arrangements, and divide up household chores.
Find a Good Childcare Service
We have come across mothers who want to do it all, because leaving their children at home while they are at work makes them guilty. This is not a healthy thought to have. One way to alleviate much of the guilt and sadness about going to work is to find good child care, whether you choose a nanny, a big daycare center, or a home day-care. No matter what you decide, make sure you do your research. Get recommendations, interview day care centers or nannies, do a walk-through if you’re able to, check references, and ask about immunization records. It’s also important to communicate frequently with your nanny, babysitter, and/or daycare teachers and administrators. This way, you’ll be on top of your little one’s safety and well-being, while still actively involved in your office work.
Be Patient With Yourself
Work and family balance is important, but your well-being is important too! You don’t have to be perfect your first day back, your first week back, or really ever. Give yourself some breathing room to get back in the swing of things. Don’t schedule big presentations or client meetings or say yes to big projects right off the bat if you can help it. If you can’t avoid taking on something big, try to find ways to move other items off your plate so you can give that one project your main focus. Make sure to have enough time on your calendar to check on your child too. Remember, taking care of your child may be a huge responsibility but spending some quality time together is good for your mental health too!
Find Support, Support and More Support!
Building a support network can look different for every parent. Some may seek support from family members, friends, and other loved ones in their lives. Others may prefer to join online support groups. If you feel like the stress is too overwhelming, you can always join support groups, share your mental load with other working moms with similar issues, and gain tips from them. No matter how you prefer to find your support team, always ask for help when you need it because there are tons of parents out there who are willing to lend a hand.
Prepare Healthy Meals, Not Complex Ones
Healthy meals don’t necessarily mean elaborate meals. Sometimes, it can be a simple and nutritious salad that can be prepared easily, thus giving you more quality time with your child. There are a lot of ways to minimise meal prep time so you can get a nutritious dinner on the table without a ton of work, including planning meals with a weekly menu, plotting out groceries accordingly, and prepping over the weekend and freezing them. For teeny tinies, you might try preparing purees ahead of time by storing them in ice cube trays to be thawed out when necessary.
Final thoughts..
Managing expectations with a baby and work is a dynamic process that requires patience, flexibility, and a lot of support. By setting realistic goals, leveraging available resources, and prioritizing self-care, you can navigate this challenging phase and manage your work more effectively. Remember, it’s not about being perfect but about finding a balance that works for you and your family.