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Balancing Work and Parenting Without Sacrificing Me -Time

- Lifestyle - November 28, 2024
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Let’s be real: being a parent is a full-time job! Not just your basic 9 to 5 but a 24-hour duty, where you have to take care of the baby, manage household chores, and even a job that could be running a business, going to the office, or working from home. This may already sound exhausting enough, and having “me-time” feels like a thing of the past. It is like having a never-ending-to-do list and the time ticks away while your little one is demanding constant attention. 

But here’s the catch- balancing parenting and work while taking time for yourself does not have to be at a perfect timetable, it just means to find what fits for you while thinking the best for your baby. It is all about making some small changes in your daily routine and reclaiming your time while seeking help whenever needed, from your partner, family member, and even friends. Mother’s work-life balance is essential in the modern world, where we have working moms who are constantly cribbling about managing parenting and work. 

How to Balance Work & Family?

It is essential to understand that balancing work and family is not about equality but about harmony. Life and relationships are not measured on a weighing scale of who did more or who participated less, it is about managing what you need and how much you can give. Sometimes your family would want more from you while sometimes being a full-time working mom means you need your partner or family to take the major part of managing chores while you are out. It is all about keeping the conversation going. The trick here is to accept and adapt that it’s ok to have off days. 

It would help if you started by figuring out what your family expects and actually needs from you. And how ready are you to manage balancing parenting and work? Do you really need to keep up with all the deadlines that your job requires? What are the family responsibilities that can be shared? Who are the right people to turn to in need of support? Ask these questions and once you have the clarity, balancing parenting and work seems more effortless. 

Understanding the Importance of Me-Time

‘Me time’ isn’t a luxury but a basic necessity for any human being. It’s like refuelling your car so it can keep going smoothly. Taking time for yourself does not make you a selfish person, rather, it helps in keeping your mind clear and making you handle the responsibilities in a better way. 

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If you are a full-time working mom, a quick coffee break, a small yoga session, or having a movie night after your kid is asleep seems like a good start to managing your precious “me time”. You must focus more on doing this regularly and making it a part of your routine.

7 Tips for balancing parenting and work effectively

It is common to see new moms work from home and help raise their children. This allows the mom to give rest to her body and helps the baby create a bond with the mother. Following these 7 tips and tricks would help you in understanding how to work from with a baby. 

1. Create a Flexible Routine for Work and Family

Maintaining routines is a lifesaver, but they don’t have to be rigid. Try to build a schedule that is suitable for your family’s unique rhythm. Maybe keep mornings majorly to focus on work while your kids nap or go to school, and make evenings a family time. Adjust it as needed because flexibility is key.

2. Set Clear Work and Family Boundaries

Boundaries are your best friend. Make sure your employer and colleagues know your working hours, and be available for that period only. Similarly, let your family know what your daily routine is and if you’re unavailable for non-urgent things. A clear “do not disturb” sign can work wonders during work-from-home or part-time jobs for mothers. 

3. Prioritise Work and Parenting Tasks

Not everything is urgent or important. Learn to prioritise by asking, “What needs my attention right now?” Use tools like to-do lists or planners to help you stay on track. And don’t forget to celebrate those small wins—it’s the little victories that keep you motivated.

4. Ask for Help from Your Partner or Family

Being a supermom is good but you don’t have to do it all. Your partner, extended family, or friends can step in to help with your load. Whether it’s taking turns with bedtime routines or asking a grandparent to babysit for a few hours, delegating isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s smart parenting.

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5. Make Time for Self-Care as a full-time working mom

Self-care isn’t just about going on vacations or having spa days. It’s about doing whatever makes you ‘happy’. Maybe it’s enjoying a peaceful morning coffee, reading, squeezing in a workout, or spending time on a hobby. Remember, when you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to care for others.

6. Be Flexible with your work and Parenting

Life around a baby is unpredictable. You might have a perfectly planned day, and then your toddler decides they need you every five minutes. Any plan can be destroyed within minutes. Remember, flexibility allows you to adapt without feeling like you’ve failed.

7. Talk to Others

Ladies, understand this better! Sometimes, just venting your feelings to someone can make all the difference. 

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Whether it’s a fellow mom, your partner, a friend, or even an online parenting group, just sharing your feelings with others would help you feel less alone. And maybe you can get some of the best solutions to your problem that you have been overthinking for almost a month. 

Stress Management Techniques for Working Moms

Stress is inevitable, but it can be managed. Start with deep breathing exercises or mindfulness practices, this would help you stay calm in chaotic moments. Indulging in physical activity, even if it’s just a quick walk, can also reduce stress levels.

Another great tool is journaling. Penning down your thoughts would help you in tackling them better. Sometimes just putting your thoughts on paper can make things feel more manageable.

Finally, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if stress feels too heavy to carry. Seeking help from a therapist can provide better insights to help you navigate your challenges.

Conclusion

Balancing parenting and work while taking care of the ‘me time’, is not a one-size-fits-all guide. It is a personal perspective that differs from every individual’s experience. A full-time working mom would have to manage her work, baby, and house chores individually. While new mom working from home could be tedious as she has to stay at home, doing continuous work and managing the house simultaneously. Every mom goes through a different emotional and physical roller coaster. 

Remember you are doing your best, follow the trial and error methods, also make sure to celebrate every small achievement, like doing daily walks, spending time with your little one, listening to music, etc. Moreover, keep in mind that you are not alone on this journey. 

FAQs on Mother Work Life Balance

1. How do you balance work and parenting?

It is all about setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and being flexible. Plan your day, and communicate your thoughts with your family and employer, while setting personal boundaries. 

2. How to work from home with a baby

It’s all about multitasking and setting realistic expectations. Finish your work during baby’s naps or independent playtime. Don’t shy away from asking for help if possible.

3. How do I juggle being a mom and work?

Juggling requires both setting clear priorities and having a support system. Don’t try to do everything at once – create a flexible routine, distribute your work with others, and remember to take breaks for yourself.

4. How to be a good mom and work full time?

Being a good mom isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being there for your kids and keeping them loved. Balance comes from understanding that both your job and parenting matter, and it’s okay to lean more into one when needed.

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