I’ve always been a working mother and really love fulfilling both sides of my personality. The woman that enjoys the relaxed time with family but also the thrill of business and being in the work force.
There is a mental picture I often have in my head – It’s like an old film reel of a man spinning plates on sticks; just when he gets them all going, one falls off and he has to start it again, then as he turns his back another falls off and he picks it up and puts that one on again… and this is how I feel that life is as a working mother!
It is impossible to expect all the plates to spin all the time… sometimes they fall off, sometimes you can keep them going for a while but turn your back for an extended period and one or two are down again. And I love that! I am not expecting myself to be perfect, my plates are going to fall off, but that doesn’t diminish how fantastic a trick it is to spin lots of plates at the same time!
These are my top tips for how to best manage your life as a busy working Mum:
Look after yourself first. Keeping fit and energetic is key to keeping me sane. Finding time to exercise everyday is great for my body, but more importantly for my mind. It allows me to create clear thinking, stay calm, and is great for aiding sleep at night – the bonus is you look great too! In a really busy day it can be difficult to find time but ‘making’ time is where it’s at. Make the appointment with yourself, keep it. This keeps me happy and positive and this definitely creates a flow on effect for the whole family. As a side benefit, children seeing parents do activity and being consistent and disciplined is very important. Children don’t do as you say… they do as you do.
Be organised. Again this is not rocket science but it keeps everything ordered and on time. I am a naturally structured person but not everyone is built this way so it’s important to create strategies to keep everything and everyone running smoothly. Have a family calendar that everyone can see and add to. Put reminders on your phone and computer. Plan activities but also plan for the unexpected – having children means you now have less control of your environment, so unplanned things happen. When stressed, refer to tip No.1
If you don’t ask, you don’t get. As women we are working in a time where anything is possible and better work/life balance should be part of that. If you want more balance, ask how you can make that happen. Create a plan to present to your manager about how you can work from home more; or perhaps work a day less without it affecting your productivity. There are so many options with remote technology these days, that anything really is possible.
It’s all about balance. People like nannies, housekeepers and gardeners exist to help and support you. So if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed by your tasks and duties, just remember – there are so many options available these days, such as a personal concierge! Why not take advantage of that.
Paige Harrison is the Director of ProWatch International, a store specialising in antique pocket watches.