How the hell do you balance having a full-on career with being a present and happy mama? That's the question that every working mother must have asked themselves at some point.
It’s a journey that’s equal parts juggling act and joyous adventure, filled with its fair share of challenges and triumphs.
When I first became a mama, the thought of returning to work felt overwhelming. The questions were endless: How will I manage my time? Will I be able to give my best at work and at home? What if I miss out on important moments? Over the years, through trial and error, I’ve picked up some tips and tricks that have helped me find a balance that works for our family. And today, I’m sharing them with you.
Prioritise and Plan
The first step to finding balance is prioritising what’s most important to you. For me, it’s about being present for my children while also feeling fulfilled in my career. This means making conscious decisions about how I spend my time.
I’m a big believer in planning, and my planner has become my best friend. Every Sunday evening, I map out the week ahead, scheduling work tasks, family time, and even downtime for myself.
I prep as much as possible the night before, especially if I'm commuting to the office - healthy lunch food for myself and the kids, getting my outfit ready and anything they will need for school in the morning. I don't expect much of myself before I've had a coffee or three in the mornings, and being ahead of the game makes that much easier in the rush.
Embrace Flexibility
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of flexibility. Plans change, children get ill (damn you, chicken pox), work emergencies arise. It’s crucial to be adaptable and not be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. I’ve found that being open to change and having a backup plan can reduce stress significantly. Whether it’s having a list of go-to activities for the kids when you need to jump on a last-minute call or being okay with pushing a deadline, flexibility is key.
Delegate and Ask for Help
We might be trying to do it all, but I've learned you don't have to do it alone. Delegating tasks, whether at work or at home, can be a game-changer.
At work, this might mean trusting your team with more responsibilities. At home, it could be making sure the jobs really are equal between you and your partner or hiring a cleaner for a few hours a week. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a smart way to ensure you’re not spreading yourself too thin.
Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to spending time with your children, quality wins over quantity, every time. It’s easy to feel guilty about not being around 24/7, but what matters most is making the time you do have together count. It's not just me - studies have shown that the quality of interaction with your children is far more important than being there for every moment.
Engage in meaningful activities, be present, and create special moments. Whether it’s a bedtime story, a weekend outing, or simply having dinner together, these are the times your children will cherish.
I make sure I put my phone away when I come in from the office, so that I can hear about their days rather than doom scrolling Instragram or checking work email. I also explain to my children that because daddy and mummy both work hard, we can do things like fantastic holidays and days out together, so that they know we're only doing it out of love.
Set Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries between work and home life is essential. You have to be all over that shit. When you’re at work, focus on work. When you’re at home, be present with your family. This might mean setting specific work hours and sticking to them or creating a dedicated workspace at home to help you mentally switch between roles. Communicate these boundaries clearly with everyone who needs to know, so they can all understand and respect them.
Self-Care is Non-Negotiable
Amidst all the juggling, it’s easy to neglect yourself. But self-care is non-negotiable. You can’t pour from an empty cup, as they say. Big fan of that saying! Whether it’s a few minutes of meditation in the morning, a regular workout routine, or simply taking time to read a book, make sure you’re taking care of your own needs. When you feel good, you’re better equipped to handle the demands of both work and parenting. This one is so easy to put off, but I really feel its key to handling a career and kids without becoming resentful along the way.
Celebrate the Wins
Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate the wins, no matter how small they may seem. Balancing a career and children is no small undertaking, no matter how normalised its become in modern Western society and every step forward is worth acknowledging. Whether it’s successfully completing a big project at work or your child reaching a new milestone, take a moment to appreciate and celebrate your achievements. You got this, mama!
Balancing a career with children is a continuous learning process. There will be days when it feels like you’ve got it all figured out and days when everything seems to go wrong. And that’s okay. Remember, you’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.
I hope these tips have been helpful, and I’d love to hear about your experiences and strategies for balancing work and family life. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below.
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