So many women do it every day. Get out of bed, get everyone ready for school and head out the door for a work day of her own. After working all day, evenings are where the real work begins – making dinner, giving baths, doing homework – it’s a miracle that it all gets done. But, you know what? It does. Millions of moms balance work and family every day – how do they do it? And, how can you find even more of a sense of balance in an overwhelmingly busy society? With my daughter Amber as a constant source of inspiration, I thought I’d dedicate a post to all those women who make miracles happen daily. Here’s a look at getting it all done: tips for the business-savvy mom.
Balancing Work, Family, and Career: Tips for the Business-Savvy Mom
Live your life guilt-free. You have to! How else will you get through it all? Something is always going to fall through the cracks and not get the 100% attention it deserves. But you know what? It’s OK. You’re only human and you have to remember that.
Get organized the night before. That sounds so exhausting, doesn’t it? But you know what – in the end – it will pay off. When all you have to do is roll out of bed and get everyone out the door, life is a lot easier. Those mornings when you’re running around looking for homework, picking out clothes and making lunches feel hectic and completely overwhelming. Make it easier on yourself with a bit of added effort in the evening.
Check in with your family when you can. If your kids are older, set up a schedule for them to call you when they get home from school. If they’re younger perhaps think about a set time with the nanny or day care for a quick check-in each day. It will make you feel better to know what’s going on with everyone and will give your children the reassurance they need that you’re there for them.
Be super confident and comfortable with the childcare you have for your kiddos. Dropping off your kids each day only feels OK if you feel good about the care being provided to them. Do your research and don’t commit until you find the nanny or day care that matches all your needs and gives you a comfort level you feel good about.
Make sure you have the flexibility you need at work to be able to care for your family the way you need to at home. Having the stress of super rigid working hours or the inability to leave for special occasions – like school plays or holiday activities – makes you feel like you’re missing out on family life. But, if you set those ground rules with your employer ahead of time, you’ll feel confident that you can spend time where and when you’re needed as a mom.
Enjoy it! Give yourself a pat on the back for making it all happen and loving every minute of the hectic-ness life brings to the table.
Are you a working mom trying to balance it all? What are your tricks of the trade?
