Whether you are a single mom working to support a family or a married mom with a job, sometimes the challenges of being a working mom can set you on the brink of despair. Not only do you need to keep up with the duties at work, but you need to make sure that your family is well cared for. This usually means you are on the go every hour of the day with little time to rest and little-to-no time for yourself. If you are faced with more challenges than you fear you can handle, the following advice might prove handy one day.
Set a Schedule and Stick to It!
You have probably heard it said a thousand times that kids need structure. Well, mom, this may come as a shock to you, but you need structure too! There is no way to eliminate stress if you are always running around like a chicken with your head cut off. If supper is set for 6 PM, don’t let up. Make sure everyone is around the table at dinner time so that you can plan your evening ahead.
You now know how much time you have to clear up the dinner mess, get the kids in the bath, and lay out everything needed for your morning routine. It may sound a bit military, but it pays off in the end. A few minutes off-schedule may not upset the balance, but do your best not to vary too much or too often. Both you and your kids will find life so much easier to deal with when you know what to expect.
Lighten Your Load
Have you ever felt boxed into a corner where there is nothing left to do but cry? It could be the bills have gotten out of control, one of the kids is down with the flu and you can’t miss work, the washing machine finally goes on the blink and every which way you turn there is a problem. This is the time you step back and take a deep breath.
You know that laughter is the best medicine for what ails you, so give yourself a healthy dose. Visit sites like Funny Quotes where you will soon forget what ails you. Believe it or not, there is healing power in laughter and sometimes, that’s just what you need. It’s hard to be frustrated and stressed when you put your problems on the back burner long enough to put a smile on your face.
When All Else Fails…
Finally, when all else fails, remember, you are not alone. There are parenting groups you can join, if for nothing else than letting off steam. Whether you choose an online forum or a support group in your local community, sometimes it just helps to get it off your chest.
There are countless other moms out there who hold down a full-time job and share the very same frustrations you do. Some may have even found innovative solutions to the problems you are now facing. Even single moms don’t need to walk through the challenges of being a working mom alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice. It’s out there, so go and get it!
