By Hayley Anderson-Richardson
Since my last MMB Magazine Blog I have received lots of messages from working mums who are struggling with gaining a work/life balance and keeping the mummy guilt at bay.
I know this feeling all too well myself; I remember several years ago while I was in an employed job role and seemingly constantly contactable by the office and clients. I arrived at school to collect my children, my son then around 4 years old at the time asked me why I was always on my work phone when I picked them up and weren’t they more important?
Bam at that moment I changed, yes they were more important and although I knew that I needed to show that!! and I have been conscious to make sure they know that ever since, obviously they knew how much they meant to me but for them they needed me totally present at that point.
It sometimes just takes that stark realisation and to see yourself through another’s eyes.
It seems many of you also wrestle with finding balance and managing expectations.
I have found being organised helps, so I spend an hour every weekend planning my week ahead so I can just get on come Monday morning.
I have set phone off times and times when my facebook doesn’t get answered.
The journey home from school and meal times are just for my kids, no work, no matter what.
I would rather play catch up at 6am or 8pm than miss being totally present in the time they need me with them.
This fact really struck a cord with me to……….
Did you know they are only 940 Saturdays between your child being born and their 18th birthday! 260 of those are gone by their 5th birthday!
So be present with them while you can.
Here are a few other tips I have heard from the Mums messaging me recently if you’re struggling with gaining that balance:
- Good childcare helps, make sure your 100% happy and confident with your childcare, you’ll feel more relaxed at work and be more productive. (You can find out more about childcare I our previous blogs) -If you can delegate do it, no matter if that’s asking your partner to put away the washing, accepting your mother in laws offer to cook a meal, or hiring a cleaner. Every little helps.
- Find some you time, its vital you look after yourself to enable you to be the best you can be a care for those around you.
- Accept your not superwoman and nor are you going to cause your child endless amounts of damage by working, think of the amazing example your setting and what your able to provide them with. Ignore what the press says what they are saying about working mums one week they will be saying about stay at home mums the following week.
It is for these mums that I am spending the coming week starting to put together a program to help busy working mums regain control, this will be to launch later this year.
I would love to hear your thoughts, what helps, what you think would help you.
Let’s work together to offer some amazing support and advice to other working Mums, helping them get the best out of their work time and family time.