How To Juggle Kids and Career

It's a moment many of us have shared ... you've woken early in anticipation of a big deadline, armed yourself with a cup of coffee and your power suit, and just as you're rounding the kids up for the daily commute to school or daycare, one of your little ones looks at you with doe eyes and says the dreaded words, "Mommy, I feel sick." For most working moms, having a career is not an optional thing. It's not just a matter of keeping up with the Joneses. With the cost of living going up and up, working outside the home is pure necessity. And, married or single, more and more women are attaining their own personal goals through their careers. Our generation has been taught that we can bring home the bacon and fry it up, too. It's no wonder the stress of trying to be everything to everyone can be overwhelming.  Here are some tips to maintaining your sanity through it all:

1. Ask yourself what you want out of your career and write it down. Is your goal to simply meet your monthly budget, or do you value your accomplishments at the office? Many women base a large portion of their self-esteem on what they're doing on the job. The important thing is to discover within yourself what your true goals are, because you just may find that you're running in the wrong direction.
2. Take time off for yourself. You don't have to go to the spa every Saturday to indulge yourself a little. Go to the gym, go out to lunch with friends, take a drive by yourself. One of my favorite "me" activities is spending a weekend afternoon snuggled up in bed with a good book. I no longer feel guilty for my seemingly self-centered actions because my family knows I'm a better mom when I have time to recharge.
3. Learn to delegate. This is a big one, both at work and home. I don't know how many times I've heard women say, "If I want it done right, I have to do it myself." While this may be correct in some cases, it's often true that there is a certain level of insecurity in not being the only one capable of completing certain projects. Many women, and men, start to feel expendable if they don't control every project. Have some confidence, girls! By delegating tasks to others, whether it's to your husband or to a co-worker, you'll leave more time and energy for more important things. You won't feel as much pressure to try to be everything to everyone, and the quality of what you do accomplish on your own will only increase.
4. Eat well, exercise plenty. We've all heard it a million times, but it's true. By maintaining a balanced diet and healthy amount of exercise, not only will you feel better about your appearance, but you'll have the stamina to complete the hundreds of things you're charged with each day. Additionally, exercise is one of the best stress relievers out there, and what mom doesn't need a little stress relief?
   
5. Talk about your day with your kids. While it's never OK to dump on your kids about your job (kids don't have the emotional tools to handle this), sharing accomplishments, challenges overcome and funny moments from work will let your children understand what happens during the day when you are not with them. One of our favorite times of the day is dinnertime when we do an activity called "Worst and Best." Each of us takes turns sharing the worst, followed by the best, moments of the day. It's a great way to start meaningful conversations, and it helps your children to get to know you as a person, outside of your role as Mom.
6. Recognize that you are OK, no matter what your situation. There are always theories out there about whose kids are the most well-adjusted -- those with stay-at-home parents or those with working parents. The truth is, you are who you are and only you know best what's right for your situation. Have confidence in yourself and in your choices. Your children will grow up learning that hard work and self-respect are essential, no matter what their mother does from nine to five.