From a cramped seat on an airplane squeezed between two toddlers, I’m at my first moment of peace and quiet in a long time. What has created such constant chaos in my life? The struggle as a working mom: it’s tough!
I know this is nothing new to write about, but the STRUGGLE IS REAL. We all have to survive and sacrifice as working moms and figure out a way to tread water through the tough years. Here are my three biggest challenges and solutions for finding balance as a working mom.
JOB SCHEDULE
Finding a flexible job is essential as a working mom. I recently wrote a blog post, “3 Red Flags When Job Hunting as a Mom,” which highlights the biggest red flags to look out for when interviewing.
From there, one of the most important conversations you can have with a potential employer is about what the work-life balance is like, and how your “real” life might affect your work day: doctor/dentist appointments, running late in the morning from tantrums, winter colds, sports, etc. There’s nothing you can do about it, but being upfront sets the context for the type of employee you’ll be.
You’ll be able to work very hard while at work, but coming early, staying late, or working on the weekend is pretty much non-existent. But that’s life! And if it’s a problem in the interview, then it will be a problem down the road. Let them know you’re a dedicated and hardworking employee, but you’re also a dedicated and hardworking mom. They’ll respect your honesty.
KIDS’ SCHEDULE
Keeping your kids on a schedule is a challenge, no doubt. But it is so helpful in setting expectations for everyone in the household. A set morning schedule for waking up, eating, and leaving for school will help you keep your sanity. If you’re having a hard time keeping everyone on track, consider using a timer or ask Alexa to help you!
My kids wake up groggy in the morning, so I let them watch TV and cuddle up on the couch for 10-15 minutes. Then we eat breakfast together, get dressed, and brush our teeth. It’s a photo finish every day but I try not and make it too stressful for everyone since it’s the start of all of our days.
A nighttime routine will also help you keep your sanity. Dinner, baths, books, and bedtime all should be a part of the routine and no surprise to anyone. I recently wrote a blog on an easy craft project you can do to create a “Night Time Routine Clock” which you can use to help guide your nights. It’s not worth the fight! Just blame it on the clock.
HOME SCHEDULE
Our home is a tornado most nights, and with a young family, it can be even more chaotic. So in an effort to control the crazy I have finally thrown in the towel on a few household chores that I need help with: laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping. I simply can’t find the time in my day for them, and by hiring help I have found the free hours I need to spend time with my kids and husband and not drive myself (or them) crazy.
The first team to find and budget for in your house is a cleaning crew. Either once a week or every other week. Keep their tasks simple to control costs: toilets, tubs, floors, dishes. The stuff you just can’t get to! I can pick up around the house and take out the trash, but scrubbing a toilet after a long week… forget it!
Cost: $75 for a team of 3 to go through the house for an hour or so. Will depend on the size of your home.
The second revelation I’ve had recently is in finding a “house helper.” I was looking on Care.com and TaskRabbit.com and they have all sorts of listings for people who can assist you with a variety of tasks, and they don’t have to be expensive either! I interviewed a few people and found a college girl to come by the house once or twice a week to help fold and put away laundry. I’m telling you that it’s a life changer for a few twenties.
Cost: $17 per hour for 3-4 hours per week. Will depend on how much help you need.
And the last time-saver for my family is at the grocery store. My weekend time is precious so now I order my groceries online and they deliver whenever I want. I struggled with Vons.com a few times and finally gave up, and I have been impressed with Instacart.com lately (but not their extra fees). But for the time it saves me, I think it’s worth the extra cost. Plus my shopping lists are saved, coupons are automatically applied, and I have the option to shop at any store I want!
Cost: $15-20 (with tip) for a personal shopper to get your groceries and text you as they shop with any substitutions.
