Motherhood is discovering strengths you thought you never had. While being a mother means being a superhero who does not wear a cape, there are circumstances that you may be faced with a challenge on what to prioritize.
If you are a mom who works full time and at the same time has a child who now goes to school, you might be overwhelmed with a lot of things on your plate.
You may reach a point where you have to select whether to keep your job while being a parent or lose your job and focus your time, dedication and energy 100% on being a parent. Most often than not, some moms end up choosing one over the other.
If you are faced with this situation, know that you are not alone! A lot of moms are torn between giving up their career to devote their time to their children while others choose to keep their job but sacrificed their time as a parent.
Yes, you are maybe working at the comfort of your home, but now you have to prepare your child for school, prepare food and help your child with their homework.
You’re working on a project, you have back to back meetings, deliverables and trying to be as professional as you can be during a team meeting while your child screams getting your attention, your child coming into you asking for help needing to use a bathroom, or your child is extra clingy and wants to be with you while you’re on a coaching call with your boss on video.
Mahirap! Gusto mo nang sumuko pero ano bang choice mo?
While working full time and being a parent is tough, always remember that it is a privilege to be able to work at the comfort of your home, earning a living while being with your family.
Tips for working moms like me
So, here are some tips for moms who work from home and have school-age children.
1. Build a routine that works for your family.
Discuss your schedule with your spouse and your children. Have a visible calendar to put down your family’s schedule. A whiteboard, a post it or a google calendar can be used to list down your activities that includes:
- Work hours
- School time
- Movie and leisure time
- Meal time
- Time to do homework
- Time and day to review each subject with your child
- Important appointments or events
Having a visible calendar allows your family to follow the schedule and adjust when necessary.
2. Prioritize
Getting things done is a challenge that you wish you can multiply yourself to be as productive as you can. Prioritize what’s most urgent to less important tasks.
List down the things that you need to do before you start your day or a night before so you can plan ahead. As you perform each task, mark or tick it off when done. This provides you an overview of what you have done and yet to accomplish.
3. Have a dedicated workspace
It may not be possible for everyone but as much as possible, dedicate a space for work. Teach your family including your children that when you are in that space, that you cannot be interrupted. Use signs when and when you cannot be bothered.
4. Collaborate with your child’s teacher
Your child’s teacher is still responsible for teaching. Your role is to guide your child along as needed. Let your child teacher’s know if your child needs more support or cannot complete any school task due to work schedule conflict. Communicate with the teacher for a game plan and action items if needed.
5. Keep your kids entertained
List down activities that your kids can do while you work. There are many amazing activities online to choose from including coloring activity, puzzles, playing with bubbles, building activities using Lego to name a few. You can also allow your children for a limited screen time while working to give you time to do your job uninterrupted
6. Take time for self-care
Most often than not, some moms say they don’t do self care because they don’t have time. Remember, you cannot be the mom and the parent that you want to be unless you take care and prioritize yourself.
Self care can be as easy as taking a hot shower, watching your favorite movie or listening to your favorite music. Managing being a parent, work and school can take a toll on your energy so you have to be creative in finding ways to take time for yourself.
Managing being a parent, work and school can take a toll on your energy so you have to be creative in finding ways to take time for yourself. If scheduling a time for yourself is not ideal and doesn’t work for you, seek help from your family. Reach out to a trusted family member who can take care of your children while you get your nails done or do some shopping.
Remember, self care is the best form of self love.
Like all things parenting, trying to keep a balance between school and work is just a phase.
Challenges like this have some benefits and can be good for your family. This situation can help you become more resilient and work well under pressure.
It can also be a good training time to teach your children to become independent. Working together as a family improves your bond and communication.
