“Balancing Work and Baby”
Being a working mom is tough! There are no two ways about it. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If you’re struggling, you should get advice from other moms in the same position and try to follow these tips.
1. Simpler Mornings
When you’re rushing to get to work, while simultaneously getting your child ready for school and your baby to settle in their bassinet before you drop them at nursery, mornings can be a disaster! Instead, prepare the night before. Make lunch for your older children and get their clothes out ready. Have your outfit hanging on your closet door, with your make-up and hair products laid out on the dresser. The more you can do in advance, the less stressful your mornings will be.
2. Drop the Guilt
We often hear moms talking about feeling guilty because they’ve left their children to go to work. Instead of focusing on feeling guilty because you’re away from your new baby, think about how your professional role is benefitting your family. For example, it might mean that you can afford to pay for membership to a mom and baby group, or that you can buy your little one the new clothes they desperately need.
3. Flexible Working
If you feel like you might benefit from a flexible working schedule, research whether other people in your company or profession have been able to do the same. Once you know the details of what others have been able to do, go to your employer or HR rep with a written plan of what you would like to do, making sure that you’ve also written what compromises you would be willing to make so that you don’t get caught out in the moment.
4. Stay Connected
A huge challenge working moms face is feeling like they’re still linked to their new baby when they return to work. You can video-call during your breaks, or record yourself singing or reading a storybook in advance and give the recording to whoever is looking after your little one.
5. Family Time
Working and raising a family is a contact juggling act. You need to make sure that you plan special family activities so that everyone, including you, gets that bonding time. Of course, it’s great to be spontaneous with your child anyour partner, but you also need to plan events and get them on your calendar. It could be something as simple as “family breakfast day” or “board game night”, or something more adventurous like having a camping weekend. Whatever you do, you need to leave work behind during these designated times. Don’t check your phone or emails, and just focus on being with those you love.
**This week, we have a guest contributor to article, Writer Chloe Kirby of 4Moms. 4Moms mission is to develop dramatically better juvenile products and build a great company. Dramatically better products redefine the most important attribute in their category. Great companies care about more than financial success. To learn more about their services and products, visit their website at 4moms.com.
