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November 2008 Tips for Working Moms More mothers are working more hours outside the home than ever before. And as the workload rises, they feel more rushed and stressed, and less satisfied with life. How can working moms keep financially or professionally afloat while spending quality time with their children? Work a non-traditional shift. Nearly a third of all working moms work weekends, evenings, or nights – times when someone else can care for their children. An added benefit is that some careers offer higher pay for non-traditional shifts. Remove distractions. Keep the radio off while you’re driving. Instead, talk with your children about whatever’s on their mind. Turn the TV off and play a game with your family instead. Combine activities. You can spend time with your children by having them walk with you around your neighborhood. Enjoy family conversation as you all clean up after dinner. Simplify meals. Forget crepes for breakfast. Pull out nutritious granola, top it with blueberries or bananas, and pour on milk (one percent, skim, rice, or soy). Throw some beans in a slow cooker before you leave for work, and you’ll have the main part of your dinner nearly done. Be consistent. Have a few family rules (acceptable behavior, expected grades), communicate them clearly, and enforce them every time. For younger children, create a routine (naps, meals, bedtime) that works for your family, and stick with it as much as possible. Revamp housekeeping. Some families are able to hire a housekeeper. Most aren’t. If you’re in the latter category, it’s imperative that you re-evaluate the situation. You can either enlist help (children, spouse, helpful relative), or lower your housekeeping standards. How much clutter and disorganization can you put up with? If you don’t mind dust, skip weekly dusting. If streaks and smudges don’t bother you, forgo window cleaning now and then. Encourage independence. Your family can do more than you think. Teach younger children to make their beds, pick out their clothes, and pour their own cereal. Older children can learn to cook, launder their own clothes, load the dishwasher, and even clean the bathroom. Tell your children “I love you” – every day. Point out when they do things that make you proud of them. American Academy of Family Physicians. 2008. © 2008 Wellsource, Inc., Clackamas, Oregon. |
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