Finding harmony between career responsibilities and motherhood can often feel like a juggling act. Both roles are demanding and fulfilling, and mastering the art of balancing them is a great achievement. Here are some tips to help you manage work alongside your important role as a mother.
1. Organise and Prioritise
Have you ever heard the expression, ‘fail to plan, plan to fail’? As painful as it can be at times, investing a bit of time each week to planning can genuinely help you achieve the balance you want.
Create a Schedule: Use planners, digital calendars, or apps to organise your day. Block out specific times for work tasks and family activities. Ensure you take the time to prioritise key deadlines and priorities at work and home so you have clear tasks to focus on. This reduces the risk of bouncing between work and home tasks and feeling overwhelmed.
To-Do Lists: Maintain daily and weekly to-do lists. This helps in narrowing down important tasks and breaking larger projects into manageable steps.
2. Flexible Working Hours
If you’ve ever been at work and received the dreaded call to come and pick your child up from daycare, you’ll know how important flexibility and empathy from your employer is. Not only should your employer be understanding when you need to leave at the drop of a hat, they should also be willing to work with you to mutually agree on some flexible arrangements. Many organisations now support remote work, which can greatly assist in balancing family commitments. Communication is key here, especially if being allowed to work remotely, and helps to build mutual trust and respect between you and your employer.
3. Quality Family Time
Dedicated Time: Ensure that when you're with your children, your time is undivided and meaningful. Engage in activities that strengthen your bond, such as reading together, playing games, or taking walks.
Nighttime Routine: Establish a consistent nighttime routine that allows for bonding and unwinding, making it a special time for both you and your child.
4. Self-Care
We hear this all the time and it’s so true…you can't pour from an empty cup. Make sure to allocate time for yourself. Engage in activities that help you feel refreshed, whether it's reading, exercising, or having coffee with friends. When you're well-rested and happy, you can be a better employee and mum.
5. Seek Support
Family and Friends: Don't hesitate to ask for help from family members or friends. A strong support network can assist in managing household chores, babysitting, or just providing a listening ear.
Professional Help: Consider hiring a babysitter or part-time nanny if your budget allows. Someone reliable to take care of your child while you focus on work can alleviate stress.
6. Efficient Work Habits
Minimise Distractions: Designate a workspace that is free from distractions. Set boundaries with your children, explaining that you need focus-time during work hours.
Effective Communication: Use technology to your advantage. Tools like project management software, calendars, and communication apps can streamline tasks and improve productivity.
7. Cutting Yourself Some Slack
Remember that it’s okay not to have everything perfect all the time. Sometimes, laundry can wait, and it’s alright to order takeaway for dinner. Sometimes, there are urgent work emails and phone calls that might interrupt your family time. Perfection isn’t the goal; your well-being and your child’s happiness are.
