To focus on the family and put them first is as natural to mothers as breathing. Failing to focus on the family is rarely a choice for any Mom—it is simply a way of life.
Not long ago ’bringing home the bacon’ was traditionally the father’s role, but now many working mothers are ‘bringing home the bacon’ too. Today, 50% of the mothers in our country are working full time, and most of these moms experience the stress of trying to balance it all, with parenting being one of the big stressors . Sound familiar?
The Only Way Working Mothers Can Focus on the Family AND Have It All
Although working mothers bring home some of the bacon (and if you are a single mother, all of the bacon), it hasn’t changed the fact that most working mothers are doing all the cooking of the bacon too.
It’s probably no surprise to you that married women consistently report doing more of the household chores than their spouse. In addition to taking on more chores, it is common for working mothers to put unrealistic expectations and pressure on themselves—to be the perfect Mom, perfect spouse, perfect daughter, perfect friend, and perfect career woman as well. Yes, many of us working Moms have an invisible, mental “S” tattooed on our bellies, as we strive to be that unattainable Super Woman! Yet sadly, Super Woman is often Super Stressed Woman.
When interviewed on the radio, I am often asked if it is possible for working mothers to have it all. My response is always, “YES! It is possible for working mothers to have it all—BUT only if they ask for and accept help.”
The trouble is, most working mothers have difficulty hanging up their Super Woman cape and won’t accept much help (if at all).
Three Ways to Prevent Parenting Burnout for Working Mothers
Even though most Moms know it takes a village to raise a child, most mothers don’t ask their village for help. This puts undue stress on both moms and their families. The following simple tips can help you prevent the stress that leads to parenting burnout.
How Mothers Can Focus on the Family and Get Their Work Done
The day you die your inbox will have messages unanswered, your laundry hamper will still hold dirty clothes and your to-do list will likely have items left incomplete. On that day though, will you look back and feel that your focus on your family was a fulfilling journey, or sadly realize it became a chore you felt you had to do?
Make certain your focus on the family is satisfying—choose to balance your work and family by finally hanging up your “Super Mom” cape and letting others help you. It is all about prioritizing. Let go of what truly doesn’t matter in the big picture, and cherish what truly matters to you—your loved ones, your hobbies, and the time you take to truly be present at work and at play.
Parenting Toddler SOS: My Biting Toddler is After Our Dog and the Baby!
Parenting Toddler Biting Question: “Kelly, my 1.5 year old has taken to biting both the dog and the baby. I've tried many things and have read many parenting books but am still without a solution. What can I do? I am worried that he will either hurt our baby or the dog will hurt him”. - Mom Seeking Biting SolutionMany Parents Teach Their Kids to NOT Listen to Them – Do You?
“Dinner’s ready!” I yell.Nothing. No pitter patter of feet. Not even a polite “Coming” or “OK.” “DINNER’S READY!” I yell louder.I strain and listen. All is calm. Not a creature stirs, not a sound can I hear. Walking down the hall toward their bedrooms I manage to croak out one last “DINNER’S READY!”Psst! Your Child Secretly Likes Chores… Really
Despite what you think, children (even yours) like to do chores. This may be tough to believe when the majority of children fuss when asked to clear the table, “forget” to pick up after themselves and throw a “hissy fit” when you ask them to clean their room.