So, find a way to express appreciation to a working mom today. And If your mother is still living, let her know you are grateful for all the work she did in raising you. If she has passed away, consider making a gift in her memory to a cause you or she supported.
And if you are a working mom, you know, that, unlike most working men, you don't come home after work and relax. You have another job at home: preparing meals, problem-solving with your children (and spouse!) house cleaning, and other chores. Even with men taking more responsibility for home chores than in previous generations, research shows that the bulk of household duties are done by women.
So moms, here is a resource to assist you with all the life-shaping work you do each day. (If you would like a PDF of it, just put a request in the comment area.)
Balance the many areas of your life, reduce stress, and get everything done by practicing these tactics.
General Time Management
Make a plan for each day
Know your priorities
Don’t sweat the small stuff
Carry a spiral notebook with you for home and work to-do lists
Be flexible
Reflect on tomorrow’s tasks today
Making Time for Your Partner
Get away regularly to relax and have fun together without the kids
Share responsibilities
Each day at work, e-mail, phone, or text your partner
Creatively fit in time together at home to complete home and yard projects
After putting young kids to bed, spend time together
Managing Time with Your Children
Establish time for your children each day
Learn to distinguish between attention-seeking and needing help
Be honest with your kids about time
Set limits
Bring stability to your schedule by insisting everyone be present for dinner
Take turns with your spouse for morning tasks and bedtime routines for the kids
Making Time to Take Part in Your Kids’ Extracurricular Activities
Always have a Plan B
Utilize time normally spent waiting at your kids’ events
If necessary, alternate extracurricular activity attendance with your spouse. You’ll save time and stay connected.
Capturing “Me” Time
Arise 30 minutes earlier to do what you love before anyone wakes up
Leave home earlier
Meet friends for hors d’oeuvres after work
Getting Out of the House on Time in the Mornings
1. Getting Yourself Ready for Work
Have an area in your closet just for work clothes. Organize clothes by type and color.
Wear easy-care clothing
Organize your shoes by color or work versus casual
Designate a space to store work-related items so you can “grab and go”
2. Helping Your Family Prepare for Their Day
Sign papers and put backpacks by the door in the evenings
Make lunches the night before
Have your kids pick out their clothes ahead of time
Add 15 minutes to your morning by setting bedside alarms 15 minutes earlier
Enjoy your breakfast together. Wake up to coffee and breakfast already made.
Managing Meal Planning
1. Using a Meal List
Make a Meal List with a number of simple meals along with their grocery lists
Share the Meal List with your spouse
Place copies in convenient places and on your computer and Smartphone
Consult your Meal List when grocery-shopping
2. Meal Preparation
Plan ahead. Make tomorrow’s salad or Jell-O today to save time
Double your recipe for tonight and freeze half for a future dinner
Double duty: use meal preparation time to also spend time with your spouse
Triple duty: Have your spouse and kids help you cook dinner for some quality time
Housecleaning
1. Daily cleaning and organizing
Set a timer for 15 minutes each day to quickly complete a few house tasks
Give each child a basket or box to do a walk-through and pick up their own items
Make a game for your kids to race to pick up their own things
Do a quick room walkthrough to dust and put things where they belong
2. Divide and spread larger house-keeping tasks over time
For example:
o Mondays, dust
o Tuesdays, sweep
o Wednesdays, vacuum
o Thursdays, wipe down appliances
o Saturdays, do laundry
Teach young children how to do basic cleaning tasks
Unwind, Rest and Sleep
Fit in some me-time
Compliment your efforts of the day
Take time to read and converse with your partner
Sources
How to Celebrate ‘Working Moms Day’ Without Felling Overworked
Women Still Handle Main Household Tasks in U.S.
Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
