WORKING MOM

Being a mom is a huge job on its own, now talk of having to work a 9 to 5 job for 5 days a week as a mom. This can be a real big challenge for you especially if you have a partner who works the same hours or even longer. You will find yourself struggling to give your best to your job while being the best mom you can be to your child. While we worry about whether our children get enough of our time, let’s keep in mind that there so many happy, confident and well-balanced children raised by busy working parents. These few tips will make trying to balance work life with being a mom easier.

Work with an employer that understands your family situation. Your employer should be well aware that you have children. Make them understand that you’ll stay competent and committed to the job but you might have to leave unexpectedly sometimes to attend to emergencies. You might also not be able to stay back and work extra minutes like other staff.

Set schedules that work for you and your child. Make things easier for you both by creating routines and sticking to them. Try to always wake up at the same time in the morning and also sleep at the same time at night. Also, try to pick her up from school at the same time every day.

Trust your child’s school. Do your research well before enrolling him in a school. Having to worry about his wellbeing while you’re at work might be a big disaster. Form a healthy relationship with the school directors and teachers and have some of their phone numbers in case you need to make a quick call.

Make the right plans and back up plans. If your child gets out of school a few hours before you can close from work, enroll him in an after school program. Have it in mind, that even the after school might have to close unexpectedly one day, so have a backup plan in place. Your back up plan might be another daycare center, a babysitter or friends and family.

Get support from family and friends. Allow some family members and friends to help with picking up your child from school sometimes. Add their names to the pickup list and as emergency contacts. They can also keep her on the weekends occasionally, so you and your partner can unwind after a long working week.

Make preparations for the next morning the night before. Pick out school uniforms, your own clothes, and other items before you go to bed. If you’ll need to iron, do it at night instead of the early morning rush. Choose what you’ll make for breakfast and the items you’ll put in lunch bags.

Spend time together. Talk about school and work. Ask questions about the friends she’s been making and the things she’s been learning. Create time to go through her books and revise them with her.

While in the middle of all these, pay attention to your body and it’s needed. Take care of yourself!