From SAHM to Working Mom: Finding Balance in the Chaos

As a former stay-at-home mom of 15 years, I can tell you that it's anything but an easy job. The juggling act of managing a household, kids, and personal life all while maintaining a sense of sanity is no small feat. And yet, I used to envy those moms who seemed to have it all together. How did they manage it all without losing their minds?

During my stay-at-home years, my focus was on creating an immaculate home, providing daily meals made with love, and being involved in every aspect of my children's lives. But now, as a full-time working mom for almost 5 years, my days are far from perfect. Dishes pile up, laundry overflows, and dog hair covers the floors. Gone are the days of volunteering at school and preparing elaborate dinners. 

The truth is, no matter which role I find myself in, I've come to realize that I can't do it all. Something has to give. And the first thing I had to let go of was the judgment I placed on myself. 

Being a working mom is a rewarding but challenging role. Balancing a career, family, and personal time often feels like an intricate juggling act. But fear not, because in this blog post, I'll be sharing some invaluable tips for working moms to help you find that elusive balance. 

If you're ready to effectively cope with the pressures and demands of your incredibly busy life, keep reading. These tips are just what you need to thrive in both your professional and personal life.

1. Prioritize Self-Care & Self-Love:

It may sound counterintuitive, but one of the most important things you can do for your family and career is to take care of yourself first. Make time for self-care activities that rejuvenate you, whether it's reading, yoga, or a leisurely bath. Getting proper sleep and eating a healthy diet all play a role in self-care and the way we parent and manage our emotions. 

Don't forget about your own interests and passions. Carving out time for hobbies or pursuing personal goals can help you maintain a sense of individuality and fulfillment outside of your roles as a mom and professional.

A well-rested and emotionally balanced mom is better equipped to manage the demands of work and family life.

2. Set Clear Boundaries:

Separating your family time and office time is crucial. Set proper boundaries to provide adequate attention to each of your roles. No scheduling solution is perfect, but the effort alone will pay big dividends in your stress level and effectiveness as a parent, wife, and career woman.

When you're at work, focus on your tasks, and when you're at home, be present with your family ESPECIALLY IF YOU WORK FROM HOME! Decide on a cutoff time and GO HOME. Our jobs will NEVER be done so stop and spend some quality time you’re your family. 

Communicate your working hours and break times to your employer and family, so everyone understands your schedule. Stick to these boundaries as much as possible to maintain a sense of balance.

3. Organize and Plan:

“Failing to plan is planning to fail” – Benjamin Franklin

Maximize your productivity with effective organization and planning. Stay on top of appointments, work deadlines, and family commitments by using calendars, to-do lists, and smartphone apps. Allocate dedicated time slots for work, family, and personal activities to efficiently manage your time.

Hold weekly family meetings to review plans, delegate tasks, and ensure everyone is on the same page. This not only saves mental energy but also prevents important matters from being forgotten or overlooked.

Discover the game-changing benefits of meal planning and prepping. By planning your meals in advance, you eliminate the daily stress of figuring out what to cook. With meal prepping, you can take it a step further by preparing multiple meals ahead of time. For example, prepping a week's worth of lunches in just 45 minutes can save you from resorting to unhealthy snacks or wasting time searching for something to eat.

Make time for what matters most by implementing these strategies. Stay organized, reduce stress, and enjoy the benefits of efficient time management.

4. Delegate and Share Responsibilities:

You don't have to do it all alone. Share household and parenting responsibilities with your partner, and children if possible. Set up chore charts or lists so everyone in the house understands what their responsibilities are. 

I firmly believe in age-appropriate chores for all children. In my house, my kids start contributing to the home from the time they walk. They start by helping mommy put their toys away, brushing their teeth, and putting their clothes in the hamper. 

Remember, asking for assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness. As moms, we can’t do it all and we shouldn’t have to. Unfortunately, they won’t do it on their own so we MUST delegate without feeling guilty.

5. Communicate Effectively:

Open and honest communication is vital both at home and in the workplace. Talk to your partner about your needs and concerns, and communicate your boundaries with your employer and even your children. Nobody is a mind reader, even the most connected of relationships. 

Building a support network of friends, family, and other working moms can also provide invaluable advice and empathy.

6. Quality Over Quantity:

Make every moment with your family count, not by how long it lasts, but by how meaningful it is. Disconnect from distractions and give your loved ones your full attention. Create lasting memories that truly matter.

Ditch the phone and prioritize your family!

Bonus tip: Instead of tuning out with music in the car, engage with your children and partner. Ask thought-provoking questions and have meaningful conversations. Share the gift of undivided attention, even if it's just for a few fleeting minutes.

7. Be intentional with your Quality Time:

Make plans with your kids during off time or weekends. Allow your kids to choose the activity they wish on the weekend. This communicates value to your children and lets them know that they're important to you. During this time, focus exclusively on them and enjoy your time together. 

Examples include going to the park, going for a walk or bike ride. Watching a movie at home. Crafting or family games. Going swimming in the pool or playing catch outside. 

Enjoy dinner together as a family.  Unite as a family and savor a delightful dinner. Connect by sharing your day and relishing the closeness of family during your evening meal. This is a chance to bond and connect with our blossoming children. In our household, we embrace gratitude and cherish family advice cards.

Switch off your cell phones, TVs, and any distracting gadgets during time spent with your family so work cannot interfere. 

 8. Show your children what you do.

Let your children know about your career, why it's important to you, and why it's important to them. The more they know about where mom spends her day, the more accepting they'll be of your absence while you're at work. 

Take your kids to the office whenever possible and familiarize them with your work. Let them see your workplace first-hand and learn all about what you do.

Introduce your kids to your colleagues' children. This way, you can form a common link between work and family and more easily maintain your work/life balance.

9. Be involved in what our children do.

Showing up for our kids' extracurricular activities isn't just about being physically present; it's about investing in their passions, dreams, and emotional well-being. 

When we make the effort to attend their games, recitals, school presentations, or science fairs, we send a powerful message of support and love. These moments might seem insignificant, but they build the foundation of a strong parent-child relationship. 

By being there to witness their achievements and setbacks, we provide a safe space for them to explore their interests and learn important life skills like discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. 

Moreover, our presence offers a sense of validation, showing our kids that what matters to them matters to us, and fostering their self-esteem and self-confidence. Ultimately, showing up for our kids' extracurricular activities is an investment in their future, creating precious memories and nurturing the bonds that will last a lifetime.

 10. Embrace Flexibility:

Flexibility is a working mom's best friend. Explore flexible work arrangements such as telecommuting, part-time work, or job-sharing if they are available and feasible. Flexibility can empower you to adapt your schedule to fit your family's needs.

11. Hire a maid for the household work:

If the pressure at your office is too much or your time is spread too thin, hire a maid for the household chores. Do whatever it takes to spend lots of quality time with your children. Hire someone to do the mundane work so you can do the most important work of all: being a loving parent to your children. And if all else fails….leave it. It’s not going anywhere. 

We will never look back and think to ourselves: ‘I wish I did more dishes and laundry when my kids were home.’ 

12. Practice Self-Compassion:

Working moms often face high expectations and guilt for not being able to do it all perfectly. Remember, no one is perfect, and it's okay to make mistakes. Be kind to yourself, learn from your experiences, and adapt your strategies along the way.

Conclusion:

Balancing work and home life as a working mom is undoubtedly challenging, but it's not impossible. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, staying organized, and seeking support when needed, you can master the art of balancing your roles effectively. 

Remember that it's not about being perfect but about finding a harmonious blend of work and family life that works for you and your loved ones. 

You've got this!

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My Book: I am Amazing: How I Transformed Trauma Into Happiness & Broke Free From the Past