How I've Found Balance as a Working Mom

Organization is Everything 

Each week I create a list of events and tasks for the family. I prioritize what needs to be completed and partner with my husband to set goals for each day. We keep a family calendar and menu posted in the kitchen. A great trick is to meal plan and prep for the week ahead on Sunday afternoons, making the question “what’s for dinner?” non-existent. We also save time and limit risk by using a grocery delivery or pick up service. During the week, prepare the night before by prepping diaper bags, backpacks, and sack lunches for the kids. Setting reminders of things outside our normal routine like zoom calls and virtual classes is also a big help. At work, I live by my Outlook calendar. Color-coding the calendar allows me to evaluate how much time I am spending on each of my work projects and determine if any adjustments need to be made. 

Value Quality over Quantity 

As a parent, it’s a top priority to find quality care for your little ones. Knowing they are well taken care of helps me to stay focused while working. In the evenings, I make sure to unplug during family time.  Try to create special family activities and routines that you all can look forward to, like family game night or Taco Tuesday! Also, be sure to stay in the loop while working. Most childcare providers have apps that allow them to share pictures and updates with you throughout the day. 

Cultivate a Village 

We are in this together even when we must physically distance.  Connect with families your kids share interests with.  Virtual girl scout meetings, vacation bible school, and violin lessons have been an amazing fit for our family. Facetime with friends and family and explore apps like Houseparty to stay connected.  My 8 year old uses Alexa to video call her bestie almost daily!  If this pandemic has taught me anything, it is to never take technology for granted.

Make it a Family Affair 

In our house, everyone pitches in - even our toddler! Chores are finished faster when we work together. Let your 2-year-old spend 30 minutes moving the clothes from the washing machine to the dryer. Have your 8-year-old clear the table and empty the dishwasher. Be sure to let the family know what to expect for the week ahead. Children thrive on routine and like to know what is coming next.   

Self-Care 

Take time for yourself.  Read the book, buy the shoes you wanted! You cannot fill others up with an empty bucket. Spend kid-free time with your partner. Making this a priority will help you and your significant other feel more connected. When you are in sync, life is at its best. Remember to stay hydrated, exercise, eat healthily and take breaks. Your body will thank you by being there when you need it most. 

Set Boundaries 

Remember that it’s okay to say no. Take care not to overextend yourself. Say yes when you can, but feel empowered to say no when it is just too much. Give it your all in the office, but avoid bringing work home at night and on the weekends. Personally, I am very success-driven, which makes it easy to become a workaholic. I must give myself a clear start and end times to ensure I am balancing work and home life.  Rest is essential for kids and adults alike. Make sure everyone in the family gets enough sleep. Establish regular bedtimes and routines that leave you and your partner time for each other at night. Spend time before bed reading versus scrolling, allowing you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. 

Many of us are working from home as a result of the pandemic.  Some have little kids at home and we are all doing our best to make it all work.  Give yourself, and the kids a lot of grace.  This is tough on everyone and the future still remains uncertain.  I find that giving my big kid a task list as well as some structured online learning and activities helps her to break up the day.  We have personally used online programs like Outschool and Varsity Tutors as well as to go kits from our local pottery place.  She has a schedule posted in the kitchen and I check in throughout the day to make sure she stays on track.  My two-year-old enjoys the safety and education offered at our community KinderCare.  Going to school is the highlight of her day.  There is no right or wrong answer in times such as this.  Each family will need to do what is best for them.  One thing is for certain, we will come out stronger and wiser on the other end. 

#inittogether #findingbalance #lovewhatyoudo