What Working Mothers Need to Achieve Work-Life Balance

By Moon Harper

Dec 23, 2023 04:55 AM EST

Working Mom — (Photo : Unsplash/Brian Wangenheim )

Many moms juggle work inside and outside the home, trying to achieve a challenging work-life balance, whether working from home or following schedules. Some rely on help, while others prioritize scheduling, time management, or flexibility. Despite the challenges, working moms share commonalities in their dedication and desire for the best of both worlds.

Finding Your Balance

Achieving a constant balance is likely unrealistic because there are times when one responsibility will demand more attention than the other. For instance, when your child is sick, you'll need to focus entirely on being a mom, or if you have a work deadline, you might have to make sacrifices in your family time to meet it. When moms balance work and home, they'll stop feeling pulled in too many directions.

Get Rid of "Mom Guilt"

It's time to bid farewell to the pervasive notion of "mom guilt." As women's roles evolve beyond traditional expectations, they are being recognized and celebrated for their multifaceted abilities and contributions, extending far beyond their roles as mothers and homemakers.

Flexible work arrangements help more moms return to work, where they find a work-life balance, which can be challenging when pulled in different directions.

Maternity leave poses challenges as new moms shift their focus. Feeling guilty about limited time with a new baby and the eventual return to work is expected. It's important to know that balancing family and work, even with help from a caregiver, shouldn't make moms feel guilty about returning to their jobs after having a baby.

Separating Work from Home

Finding work-life balance is crucial, even though it's easier said than done. Moms should avoid bringing home stress from work or feeling guilty about leaving their children. Similarly, they should avoid bringing work home to maintain a clear boundary between career and family time. Setting boundaries helps keep career pressures and household responsibilities separate. It is vital to note that you can still be a great parent while setting priorities that include time for yourself.

Ask for Help or Hire Someone

Many moms hesitate or feel guilty about asking for help, thinking they should handle everything. However, asking for help is a sign of strength and self-awareness, which you can seek from your partner, neighbors, or children. Some moms may even hire babysitters to care for their kids after school. If you find yourself overwhelmed and rushing in different directions, asking for help can be beneficial, making your life more organized and less stressful.

Schedule "Me" Time

Setting schedules requires discipline, but it's crucial for carving out essential "me" time. Some moms find this time at night when everyone is asleep, enjoying activities like watching shows, reading, or relaxing with tea. Others prioritize exercise, friend time, or appointments. The key is scheduling it so it doesn't get overlooked. Calendars, to-do lists, and shared schedules help organize activities and deadlines.

Juggling between work responsibilities and family duties is challenging, but setting realistic expectations, letting go of guilt, and establishing boundaries can make it manageable. Balancing these roles requires recognizing that emergencies may happen, but moms can find the proper equilibrium with time and healthy boundaries.