Six Ways Working Moms can Give More Time to Children

Being a working mom is a never-ending task that requires Herculean strength, undying dedication, and consistent effort. You have to make compromises, balance your private and work life, and constantly wonder if you’re giving the kids enough time. Giving enough time to your kids is the hardest part of being a mom and employee both. Although you need to work hard to pay the bills and rid yourself of debt, nurturing your children to grow into healthy individuals is equally important.

Even if you find financial advice to deal with these problems, your mind may start messing with you by bringing concerns like is debt consolidation a good idea, or can you create boundaries? To help with your confusion, we have mentioned the following tips and tricks to get more kid time out of your day.

1.    Draw Boundaries and Respect them

Several jobs require your attention after-hours. If you feel like that’s the case with you, knowing where to draw the line is important. When you create boundaries with your colleagues and boss, you can channel all your focus towards your children once you’re done with work. For instance, if you specified to HR or coworkers that you will not be available after 7 pm, then stick with it. Avoid attending calls and replying to messages to remind them of your boundaries.

When you encourage others to respect your boundaries, it’s your turn to follow the same rule. No matter which important question comes to your mind regarding the work, avoid emailing your colleagues after 7 pm. If you don’t respect your own boundaries, no one will ever consider them. They’ll continue disturbing you after working hours through calls and emails. This is when your children need your undivided attention.

2.    Opt for Approachable Working Hours

If you’re currently looking for a job, opt for positions with flexible working hours. Keep in mind that insane working hours will only give you a guilt trip every day. Challenging projects and job commitments will come and go. You need to think about whether you can manage your work and give a great time to your little ones.

Working weekends are another thing that you need to avoid if you have a child. Even if you want to work on Sundays, request flexible shifts on weekends. Keep in mind that if you have a choice, it’s best to avoid jobs that can disturb your children’s schedules.

3.    Get the Most Out Of Your Technology

Even if you try your hardest to be with your kids after work, there will be times when it’s impossible to avoid working late at night or on weekends.  In this case, you can use technology to keep you connected with your kids. When working from the office, you can FaceTime your kids to check up on them. If you and your partner have different working hours, ask them to video call you on Zoom or Skype to hear your children. This way, you can help them with homework and give them good night kisses.

If your job allows it, you can ask your employer to allow you to work from home on alternate days. This can help you cope with difficult shifts hours. Since most companies have upgraded their work system to facilitate remote workers, your boss may allow you. 

4.    Align Your Kids Schedule with Yours

An easier way to manage responsibilities as a working mom is to align your kids’ schedules with your hours. When you and your children are busy at the same time, you will not feel guilty about not being with your little ones. So if your children go to school in the morning, look for morning jobs. Even if you come a few hours after your children come home, you still have time to catch up with things.

Similarly, don’t stay awake after your children fall asleep. Fight the urge to watch Netflix or indulge in late-night snacking after your children go to bed and sleep at the time same time. This way, you can start your day early with your children. If your work hours start later in the morning, it gives you time to do house chores, prepare meals, and send your children to school. This way, you can spend your free time with your children when you come home after work.

5.    Consider Debt Consolidation Services

If you are a working mom facing large debts, things like how much you owe and to whom might always weigh on you. It’s understandable if paying off your debts might be the only thing that matters to you in such a situation. To do so, you may work extra shifts, take additional projects, or work multiple jobs to save money and pay off credit balances. Debts can be painful for anyone, especially working mothers. A good way to deal with higher balances and interest rates is to opt for debt consolidation.

Is debt consolidation a good idea? This debt management method allows you to consolidate all your credit debts on a personal loan. The loan you will get will have an interest rate lower than the total interest rate on all your credits cards. This way, you can save plenty of money on your interest rate, don’t have to work for long hours, and spend more time with your little ones.

6.    Engage Children in Household Chores

Some moms don’t have time for their children because they have to prepare meals, clean the house, do the laundry, and do other household chores after coming home. This can prevent children from getting enough care and attention. The only solution for this problem is to involve your children in regular chores once they’re old enough. When you mop the floor or cook food together, you spend quality time together and get the chores done as well.

Besides getting an extra pair of hands in the kitchen, it’s also an exciting opportunity for your child to learn new things. When you’re getting help with chores, they finish quicker, allowing you some time to play with your kids or do other activities. If you are planning to try this out at home, remember to consider the safety and security of your children first. Don’t give them any tasks that can potentially hurt them or cause accidents.

Bottom Line

If you were wondering whether debt consolidation is a good idea for you or how you can give children enough time, you have your answers now. Try to set boundaries about time at work, get a job with flexible hours, align your child’s schedule with yours, and get their help in house chores. This way, you can give them plenty of time at home and ensure they have a healthy upbringing.

Author Bio
Lyle Solomon has considerable litigation experience as well as substantial hands-on knowledge and expertise in legal analysis and writing. Since 2003, he has been a member of the State Bar of California. In 1998, he graduated from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California, and now serves as a principal attorney for the Oak View Law Group in California. He has contributed to publications such as Entrepreneur, All Business, US Chamber, Finance Magnates, Next Avenue, and many more.