The tensions between childcare and work were not new to them. They were already dealing with tensions between work and childcare.
Not all of them were able to do it on their own. But, according to a 2020 study by the Pew Research Centre
- The mothers felt that they had to shoulder more childcare duties than their partners or spouses.
- The pandemic was more likely to make it difficult for working moms to manage childcare.
- Over 33% of mothers said that they managed childcare while working at home.
Working mothers are under pressure from the pandemic, which has led to many quitting their jobs. 56% of 2020 resignations were made by women, even though they only make up 48%.
You might worry about balancing a career with raising your child if you are a new mom. What happens if you are a working mother? It’s better to let go of your career ambitions and stay at home. Is it selfish for you to want it all?
You are not selfish for wanting to balance your work and family life. The fact that you care about your child is a sign of love. It’s important to plan your journey because you are embarking on an exciting and life-changing adventure. It isn’t easy to find the perfect balance, but it is possible.
Is it really worth the effort?
You may be unsure whether to continue your career. If you look at the statistics, it’s best to focus on yourself.
The American Psychology Association published a study asking, “Are moms working happier than those at home?” After interviewing 1,364 mothers, the researchers found that moms who have part-time work are happier when their children are infants than moms at home.
Millennials are more likely than ever to choose to stay at home with their children, citing a lack of work-life balance as the main reason. In Gallup’s survey, 56% of women with children aged under 18 stated that they would like to “stay home and take care of their family and house.”
While being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job, you can still find happiness by pursuing a career. Finding the balance between work and home is a challenge.
Find your balance
A balancing act can be frustrating because you feel behind. You’ll always have a school bus to catch, diapers to change, or important meetings to attend.
This can lead to self-blame. It is easy to blame yourself for leaving the office early or for being late to pick up your child from school. You might think everything will be done on time if you have the right ratio of energy and time.
It’s just not the way things work.
A good work-life equilibrium rarely comes down to a simple math problem. It’s not as easy as deciding to devote X hours of your time to work and X to family.
Balance is being there when you are needed most. This can change quickly and often, depending on your personal or professional situation.
You may need to spend more time at home if it is your child’s very first year of school. When your child is more independent, it’s okay to spend more time in the office.
You can feel more confident in your decisions if you pay attention to these phases of life. While you may not be able to do everything, you can still feel at peace by prioritizing the most important things for you right now.
This type of awareness can be a skill. BetterUp will help you improve your self-awareness. Our coaches can help you learn how to adjust your actions based on your changing priorities.
Tips for balancing parental and work duties
Here are some tips that will help you cope with the ups and downs of parenting.
Let go of mom guilt.
Moms in our society are treated harshly. If they work full time, they are accused of “abandoning their children. Fathers are expected to provide for the family.
If your guilt over maintaining a career is making you feel bad, think about the positives that your work can bring to your family and life. You can use the extra money to save for your child’s education, to provide health insurance to your family, and to afford to live near good schools.
It’s also something to be proud of that you are demonstrating to your family a great work ethic.
This is all a great bonus for the love and time you spend with your child.
Find time-saving tricks
How do single parents manage? How can a single mother work without assistance? How can you accomplish the most in the least time, whether you are a single parent?
Use life’s cheat code. You can order groceries online, take conference calls on your morning commute, do errands at lunch, or plan your outfits for the next day.
This type of creative planning can help you to stay on top of things.
You can find a trusted childcare provider.
You may only need a sitter to go out for the evening if you work at home. If you require full-time care, choose a daycare that offers flexible hours, has a low ratio of teachers to children, is clean, and holds a current license.
If you are looking to hire a babysitter, make sure that they have extensive experience and excellent references. You can set up a test day to make sure that the nanny is a good match and that you have clear expectations.
You can work with peace of mind, knowing that your child is in good hands.
Speak to your manager.
Good managers will know that being a mother does not make one less of an employee. You’ll require more flexibility in your job.
You are a mom because:
- The first person to call for a sick child
- You are responsible for taking them to their appointments
- After-school pick-up is expected
Be sure that your manager understands your needs and your plan for maintaining your outstanding work. Your manager should be able to accommodate your request if they know your commitment to both your family and your job.
Reduce distractions
Time is precious to a working mother. Be aware of interruptions that can distract you from your work. This can be done by:
- Limiting your socializing with colleagues
- Lunch breaks can be shortened
- Social media distractions: Avoid them!
When you are at home, pay attention to your partner and child rather than the TV or your mobile phone. Maximize family time.
Remember your partner
You can do this by going out regularly on date nights and doing things that you both liked before becoming parents. A healthy relationship is the key to a healthy family.
Everything else is easier when you have a strong group.
- Create meaningful activities for your family.
Every moment spent with your family is important when you are busy. Plan fun activities that you and your family can enjoy.
Try these things:
- Weekly games night
- Mini Golf
- Natural parks for day trips
Ask your older children for ideas to keep them interested.
