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Tips to Maintain the Work-Mom Life Balance

May 23, 2016 by Julie 50 Comments

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Being a working mom is tough for many reasons. You miss your little child all day while you’re at work, you come home tired and still need to save some energy to spend time with that sweet child, as well as uphold the home. It is easy for you to get overwhelmed with everything, which is why finding balance is so vital. Here are some tips for balancing work and motherhood.

Find Your Balance between Mom and Career | Fab Working Mom Life | balancing work and motherhood

Tips to Maintain the Work-Mom Life Balance

 

Tips for Balancing Work and Motherhood

Understand and embrace the fact that things have changed. The fastest way to mom guilt city is to expect everything to remain as it was with such a massive shift in your family life. You may not be able to do everything at work as before, such as work late, take lots of business trips, etc., and that is OK! Make adjustments where needed and ask your supervisor for flexibility in your schedule. Being able to come in a bit late if your baby kept you up all night is very good for safety and sanity, but also is better for your work product since you will be less stressed out and, therefore, more focused on work.

Keep work at work, but don’t completely leave your family at home. Particularly for a new mom who recently returned to work, leaving your family “at home” is just not possible. This was especially true as a breastfeeding mother since I had to pump every so many hours. My phone was full of baby photos, and I also could pull up the nanny cam app and see my little one at any time I needed to. So do bring pictures and let your office feel like a warm place where you don’t have to forget about your family. Then, focus on your work tasks so you can remain productive. But leave the office work behind when you go home for the day so you can focus on your family when you are home.

Tips to Maintain Balance as a Working Mom | Fab Working Mom Life | balancing work and motherhood

find balance career and motherhood- facing the end of maternity leave


Get organized and streamline your routines. Morning and evening routines typically look the same each day, so get a plan together and write it down if you need to. Plan for the next morning the evening before, such as packing lunches and setting out clothing. Not only will this save you from forgetting something important (like setting the coffee pot), you’ll have more time to focus on what matters most.

Recommended Post:  Is workspace important to productivity when you work from home?

Find a hobby you love, and make time for it. That’s something so important for moms since there’s always someone who needs our attention. When I do find that precious time to myself, doing something I enjoy helps me recharge and be able to do it all again the next day. For me, that is reading and book clubs. I try to make time for those, even if that means bringing the baby along.

Give yourself grace. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. I allow myself to be imperfect because I know perfectionism is impossible right now. So what if my house is messy? I’d rather spend time with my child than clean all the time. My nails don’t have to be painted. I don’t have to be the supermom who doesn’t exist. I do the best I can, both at home and at work, and I allow myself and others to pat me on the back for a job well done.

How do you maintain balance as a working mom?

 

>Check out these Resources for Working Moms to help you get through your day.

 

Maintain Balance as a Working Mom | balancing work and motherhood

 


 

This post is part of the 31 Tips for Working Moms series. See the rest of the posts here:

Categories: Parenting, TopPosts, Working Mom Tags: balancing work and motherhood

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Comments

  1. Jane Allen says

    June 14, 2016 at 6:13 am

    I also avoid the perfectionism trap. There’s no way to attain it. So, I do the bit I can do and leave the rest. I don’t compare myself to other moms. I realize I’m on a unique path and I’ll keep pursuing that. Doing this enables me stay sane. And, of course, I read. That’s my favorite past time. I enjoy it and helps me stay grounded.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      June 14, 2016 at 1:50 pm

      Definitely no way to attain perfectionism, but boy do we think we should huh? I love to read too 🙂 Yay for bookworms!

      Reply
  2. Pat says

    May 31, 2016 at 12:59 pm

    Judging by all the comments and shares, it appears you have struck a chord! Ah, yes, that elusive balance…now where did I put it?!
    Thanks for sharing this at Coffee and Conversation last week, Julie…you have no iDEA how I needed the reminder!!
    Hoping summer doesn’t leave me behind!!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      June 2, 2016 at 10:37 pm

      Thanks Pat! Yea this elusive balance likes to hide from us!

      Reply
  3. Regina L. L. Wells says

    May 29, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    Julie, these are thoughtful tips. I particularly like–like so many others–the suggestion to be kind to yourself. We are our own worst critics. Thank you so much for sharing with #ShareTheJoyLinky!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      June 2, 2016 at 10:36 pm

      We really are our worst critics sometimes. Thanks Regina 🙂

      Reply
  4. A Moment With Franca says

    May 29, 2016 at 10:18 am

    Great tips. I think you are right we need to be very organised in order to be able to get all ready with anticipation. I’m running out of time lately and I getting a little bit disorganised. I just need to start planning my dates much better. Thank you so much for sharing this at #KCACOLS. So sorry for my late comment 🙂 xx

    Reply
    • Julie says

      June 2, 2016 at 10:39 pm

      Thanks Franca 🙂 Yea it helps to have a plan, then there’s a bit less stress anyway.

      Reply
  5. Samantha @ Momma Wants Java says

    May 29, 2016 at 9:03 am

    This is some awesome advice! I love “leave work at work” and give yourself some grace. It’s so hard to find that right balance between work, family, and yourself, but with this advice it’s definitely possible!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      June 2, 2016 at 10:35 pm

      Thanks Samantha 🙂 It is really hard to find that balance but we do the best we can 🙂

      Reply
  6. Lisa Pomerantz says

    May 27, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    Great post! Thanks for that. I’m the working momma, while the Mrs. has/is the stayat home for Little and Big! We both have struggles, yet its good to hear that other working moms have similar feelings to me. Balance is so tricky and can easily become a slippery slope! TY! #momsterlink

    Reply
    • Julie says

      June 2, 2016 at 9:56 pm

      It is totally a slippery slope, you’re right there. Us working mamas have a lot to manage for sure.

      Reply
  7. Stephanie Christie says

    May 27, 2016 at 5:57 am

    Wonderful post! Thank you for this. I am a full-time professional with 6 children in a blended family. It is so important to find the right balance to take care of everyone!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 27, 2016 at 10:16 am

      Yes, that is a large family to care for and I can see balance being a delicate thing to maintain. Thanks Stephanie!

      Reply
  8. blabbermama says

    May 26, 2016 at 2:43 pm

    I’ll have to do this soon after I come back from maternity leave and I know it’ll be an emotional struggle. Thank you for the tips no doubt they will come in handy! I especially like keeping work at work but your family can come with #momsterslink

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 27, 2016 at 10:23 am

      Thanks Blabbermama. Coming off maternity leave was one of the hardest things! *HUGS*

      Reply
  9. laura dove says

    May 26, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    I don’t work as such, although I would call being a mum to four work, but I do blog and I think it’s important to find the right balance with that too. These are really good tips, I cant imagine how difficult it is juggling a job and children, I admire anyone who does that! #momsterslink

    Reply
    • Julie says

      June 2, 2016 at 10:40 pm

      You’re right that blogging takes balance too!

      Reply
  10. Talya says

    May 26, 2016 at 5:30 am

    These are great tips. This is such a tough one to balance – I am still trying! Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub lovely lady x

    Reply
    • Julie says

      June 2, 2016 at 10:41 pm

      Thanks Talya! It is a daily event, is it not? heh

      Reply
  11. Kerry says

    May 25, 2016 at 5:09 pm

    I’m still trying to find the balance! Organisation is definitely key, but unfortunately my work hours as a vet aren’t flexible so I spend a lot of time trying to juggle everything. #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • Julie says

      June 2, 2016 at 9:07 pm

      Yea my hours aren’t too flexible either working in an office environment, so I juggle a lot too. It isn’t easy, but we can do it!

      Reply
  12. Savannah says

    May 25, 2016 at 1:28 pm

    A hobby is soooo important to get a break from all the demands and just have time to yourself. I also love the ‘keep the work at work’ tip. Work can be exhausting and stressful, and it’s so easy to drag that home-but it ruins your mood! I think balance is so incredibly important, and this is a wonderful post! Thanks for sharing <3 #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 25, 2016 at 5:05 pm

      Thanks Savannah! Definitely don’t want to be carrying work stress around home with me.

      Reply
  13. Kayleigh @ Sugar in My Texas Tea says

    May 25, 2016 at 7:56 am

    I shared this with my mommy group. I don’t know how you ladies do it. You’re having it all! Meanwhile, I’m still in my jammies.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 25, 2016 at 5:11 pm

      Thanks for sharing Kayleigh!! 🙂
      I spend a lot of my weekends in my sweats/jammies. Totally.

      Reply
  14. Jen says

    May 24, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    Love this Julie, it is so hard to balance it all as a working mom. So your tips are so important, thank you so much. Shared for other moms! #KCACOLS.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 25, 2016 at 7:46 am

      Thanks for sharing, Jen 🙂

      Reply
  15. Claire at Tin Box Traveller says

    May 24, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    Preparing things the night before has saved me from being late for nursery and work many a time. Unexpected things always happen, but if you can get ahead with the things you can control it makes all the difference. Great tips! #KCACOLS

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 25, 2016 at 7:47 am

      Definitely controlling what you can makes things easier. Thanks Claire!

      Reply
  16. Loretta says

    May 24, 2016 at 1:01 pm

    I always recommend a hobby when I’m helping other people with their virtual assistant business. They always think it odd at first, but it really is one of the best tips. Having a hobby gives you an outlet to get rid of your day’s stress, which is double important when you’re working from home because when you leave work you’re still at home and you need to transition from one frame of mind to another. It’s never easy and anything you can do to lower stress and provide a barrier is a good thing.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 25, 2016 at 7:52 am

      True, working from home is a different story because it is harder to draw that line. Good idea to recommend a hobby transition.

      Reply
  17. Emma says

    May 24, 2016 at 10:36 am

    great tips – organization is absolutely key here! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  18. Angela K. Hill says

    May 24, 2016 at 6:34 am

    This list is spot on. And I love that it ends with grace. The last seven months at my job have been super challenging and a lot of it was due to the fact that I lost my work life balance. It was all about fitting my life into work, as opposed to fitting my work into my life.

    Doing something you love, blogging, reading, hiking, they all help you get centered after spending your day working and having to muster the energy to be the mom at home that you want to be.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 24, 2016 at 7:48 am

      Thanks Angela, yes losing that balance makes everything so much more stressful. I’m glad you’re finding it again and are back to blogging 🙂

      Reply
  19. Kerry says

    May 23, 2016 at 10:57 pm

    Finding balance can be so tricky! These are great tips though. I work from home and need to remember some of these. Being organized is a huge help for me.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      June 2, 2016 at 8:50 pm

      Thanks Kerry 🙂 Yes, having an organized system makes things easier to keep up with for sure.

      Reply
  20. Jasmine Almeida says

    May 23, 2016 at 8:44 pm

    Balance is so important to overall happiness!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      June 2, 2016 at 8:48 pm

      Very much so!

      Reply
  21. Rachelle Rosenblit says

    May 23, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    These are great tips! I struggle with this for sure. Thank goodness summer break is coming up and this tired teacher can relax and focus on family.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      June 2, 2016 at 8:47 pm

      That is a perk of a teacher’s life for sure!

      Reply
  22. Tori says

    May 23, 2016 at 6:22 pm

    Finding your balance between work and family is sooo hard. Your tips are so hekpful thanks so much for sharing!
    Tori

    Reply
    • Julie says

      June 2, 2016 at 8:43 pm

      Thanks Tori! It is definitely a daily struggle to find that balance.

      Reply
  23. Eryka spera says

    May 23, 2016 at 2:02 pm

    Great tips! I recently went part time, however the blogging makes it feel I’m still full time.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 23, 2016 at 2:55 pm

      Hmm well I work full time AND blog so… I think I’m working too many hours haha

      Reply
  24. Laura @ Dot Makes 4 says

    May 23, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    Great tips! I love the “keep the work at work”. When I was working, it was sometimes hard to forget about it, but I learnt to leave it at the door and just enjoy the time with my son.

    Laura xx
    Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 23, 2016 at 3:07 pm

      Thanks Laura! 🙂

      Reply
  25. Healing Mama says

    May 23, 2016 at 7:50 am

    I love the give yourself grace part. That is so true. Also, the nannycam is a great way to stay connected throughout the day!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 23, 2016 at 12:58 pm

      Yes! I love being able to just check in during the day.

      Reply

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About Julie

Julie of Fab Working Mom Life Welcome! My name is Julie :) I am a Texan living in Hawaii (military life). I'm a mom, a blogger, and also work full-time in environmental compliance. I write about being a working mom to help myself and other working moms in our journey to find a balance between our family, responsibilities, and hobbies. I do this because we moms need a support network to thrive both at home and at work.

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