5 Working Mom Tips: How To Survive & Thrive

I’m not going to sugar coat it. I wasn’t sure about going back to work for the second time. 

Being home for my kids is an important job; I love watching them learn new skills, and being the one to teach them new things. It is was supremely fun, but also challenging too. I always tell my friends about to be new parents – this is the best job I’ve ever had, but it’s challenged me in ways I would never have dreamed. I don’t think this will change – working or not. 

Our household is a little outside of the box. Although it’s a close race, technically I am the bread winner, the one who brings home the bacon. Right now, I am the sole full-time working parent in our household, as my husband is the stay-at-home dad on parental leave rounding out our year with Miss P. (Can you believe she turns 1 in July and Mr J turns 3 next week?)

Being a full-time employee & mom is not an easy task. Honestly, I still don’t feel like I have the balance just right. I don’t know if I ever will. But here’s what I’ve learned about it after returning from maternity leave now twice back to my job.

1. Let It Go, Let It Go, Let It Go
Yes, picture me singing that Frozen movie anthem for you here. Figure out what you can let go of. Your house may not be spotless, or you may end up eating convenience foods (or pre-frozen meals). Repeat after me YOU CANNOT DO IT ALL. If you try, you’re just going to burn yourself out. So let it go, and be at peace with that.

2. Say NO, firmly and nicely
All of those little social obligations you have? You can’t do them this month. Send your regrets and focus on what you can do – family & work and making this transition the best you can.

3. If it will take less than 1 minute, do it now.

 Enough said.

4. Plan your day the night before

 I often will lay out the outfit I”m going to wear, what I’m going to eat for breakfast, any snacks or important items I’m taking with me. This 10 minute exercise at night saves me precious minutes in the morning that otherwise would cause me to be late.

5. Schedule in your time, exercise, rest & kid time all count

I am just learning how to do this one – I”m scheduling myself into those important things that I want to be able to do. The things that won’t get done if I don’t make time and set an intention for in advance. Exercise, time to rest & relax, date night & time to play with my kids are all ones that I schedule in. Some are in stone, others more flexible but it just reminds me on what I really want to spend my time on.

In short, moms, it’s all about giving yourself GRACE. Grace to be human, grace to be humble, grace when things don’t work quite right. Be kind to yourselves.

What’s your secret working mom tip?