Nobody understands the importance of work-life balance more than a mother juggling a day job, business, and children. Working mothers are unquestionably multitasking experts. But, sadly, there is no secret recipe to balancing work and motherhood and ensuring that you are not guilting yourself for not being the perfect mother.

However, over the years, I have learned that a healthy work-life balance can be found once you can set clear boundaries, be realistic, ask for help, and be kind to yourself. Finding the perfect balance can be challenging at times, even for the best of us. 

However, here are my favorite tips for striking that elusive work-life balance as a mother and entrepreneur:

Work-Life Balance Tip 1: Organize Your Work and Responsibilities

Getting diverted by children, clothes, dishes, and other household errands is one of the most challenging issues for moms juggling between jobs and fulfilling their motherly duties. You are in charge of scheduling doctor’s appointments, writing cards, signing permission slips, cooking, and bringing potluck dishes, to name a few responsibilities.

Unfortunately, we still live in a world where mothers are expected to spend more time with their children than fostering their careers. But, I genuinely believe that having a family, motherhood, and work advancement are all linked together. 

Managing both a family and a profession requires a great deal of patience and learning. And to properly fulfill both responsibilities, we moms must be highly organized and determined.

Here’s what works best for me: Make a monthly list of what you want to accomplish. Then, week by week, day by day, break down the list. I also like using planners, apps, and other resources to relieve some mental stress and be on track with errands.

Work-Life Balance Tip 2: Draw Concrete Boundaries

When it comes to achieving work-life balance, it is vital for mompreneurs to draw a clearly defined line between work and family time. 

In practice, this may mean hiring a nanny to look after small children while you’re at work or rearranging your schedule to work when the kids are at school.

We work hard to provide for ourselves and our families, but we miss out on the essential aspects of life when we fail to respect those for whom we work so hard.

Therefore, setting clear time boundaries will allow you to enjoy working in your own space to advance your business and career while ensuring your child and family have their space. So, set aside time to work and spend with family, and until an emergency arises, entrepreneur life should be regarded as a typical 9-5 job with a strict schedule.

Work-Life Balance Tip 3: Schedule a Mommy Day

Motherhood is like a box of chocolates, you never know what type of kid you get, and my daughter needs lots of care, attention, time, and affection. Though, as an entrepreneur, it can be challenging to take time out, it is best to schedule out an entire Mommy day at least once in a while. 

A dedicated mommy day helps you nurture and foster your mom-daughter/son bond and connect with your child, not just like a parent but a friend. The key is to have a devoted day marked in your calendar to avoid letting it slide with your hectic schedule. Try to disconnect from the world of constant stimulation, instant gratification, and distraction to reconnect with your child during the mommy day. Don’t answer work calls and emails and dedicate all your attention to your child.

I always schedule out some time for developing our mother-daughter connections. Our favorite ways to spend a mommy day are:

  • Cooking: My daughter loves cooking, and we often work together as partners in the kitchen. I let her cook whatever she wants, no matter how it turns out to be.
  • Traveling: On the longer breaks, I like to take Z on long trips. Traveling with your child is great for developing their social skills, boosting their imagination and creativity, encouraging them to try new things, and most importantly, making memories that last a lifetime.

Work-Life Balance Tip 4: Take Care of Yourself

How can you take care of your child and focus on growing your business if you are not well? 

Taking time out to nurture and care for yourself is essential for sustaining your inner calm and balance in stressful work and home environments.

It’s time to openly acknowledge that there will never be enough time in the day to complete all of your tasks. So, find activities like yoga, meditation, reading, writing, exercise, meeting up with friends, etc., to help you refresh regularly.

As a mother with a mental health condition, it is very vital for me to keep my physical and mental wellness in check. A little me-time once in a while helps me refresh and be in the best possible health for my child. So, some of my favorite self-care rituals include:

  • Movies
  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic Care

Learn to accept the fact that your inbox will still be filled when you die. It may sound harsh, but it is true in this case: you must take care of yourself to be able to take care of your family, business, and house. So simply put a dedicated self-care ritual in your calendar!

Facing the Reality Head-On

Working moms are amazing jugglers who fulfill many roles. But, there are days in every mother’s life that force them to doubt everything they are working on:

  • Is the business worth your time and sacrifices?
  • Will your child understand why you can’t be with her all the time?
  • Are you a good mother for prioritizing your career along with your motherly responsibilities?

For all of the moms who ever feel that their career choices are taking them on the path of being a flawed mother, remember this: You are already doing everything you possibly can to provide the nourishment, safety, love, affection, and care to your child. 

And the fact that you did it yesterday and will do it again tomorrow means that you have already mastered being a mompreneur as good as any one of us. You are a good mother!

https://therealsashanicole.com/motherhood/how-motherhood-changed-my-life/