Anthonia Kumado 
It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to do it all. The societal portrayal of “supermoms” and seeking support from extended family as a sign of weakness is unrealistic and can lead to undue pressure.
Trying to constantly balance career goals, family needs, and self-care can feel impossible. But it doesn’t have to be!
Recognizing the strength in asking for support, is crucial for maintaining your well-being and fostering a healthy family environment. Let’s explore how to do it right!
Asking for Help Is a Sign of Strength, Not Weakness
Societal expectations often impose dual roles on working mothers, demanding excellence both professionally and domestically. This relentless pressure contributes to significant stress and exhaustion. Signs such as persistent fatigue, irritability, and neglecting personal needs indicate the necessity for additional support.
It’s essential to reframe the perspective that seeking help from extended family signifies inadequacy; instead, it is a strategic decision that fosters a healthier and happier environment for the entire family. By alleviating some of the burdens, mothers can reduce stress and prevent burnout, enhancing their ability to be present for their children.
Procedure in Asking for Help
Recognizing that seeking help from extended family when the need arises is a vital part of the motherhood journey. Here’s a concise guide to effectively asking for help:
1. Create a List of Tasks and Responsibilities
a. Document All Activities: Begin by listing every task you undertake in a typical week, including work assignments, household chores, childcare responsibilities, and errands. Ensure you capture both recurring tasks and occasional duties to have a complete overview.
b. Break Down Larger Tasks: For complex or time-consuming activities, divide them into smaller, manageable steps. This approach makes tasks less daunting and provides a clearer path to completion.
2. Always Prioritize Your Needs
Not all tasks are created equal. Utilizing a system like the Eisenhower Matrix can be useful. It categorizes tasks into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important.
Focus on the urgent and important tasks first, then delegate the less important ones for later. Remember to eliminate the unimportant ones. This method leads to improved productivity and well-being.
3. Match Tasks to Family Members’ Strengths
Assigning household tasks based on each family member’s skills and interests can enhance efficiency and enjoyment. For instance, if a family member enjoys cooking, involving them in meal preparation can be both fulfilling for them and beneficial for the family.
Aligning tasks with individual strengths ensures tasks are performed effectively and fosters a sense of contribution and satisfaction among family members.
4. Communicate Your Needs Clearly and Directly
Clearly articulating your needs is essential for effective communication and successful outcomes. Vague requests can lead to misunderstandings and unmet expectations. Specifying your needs provides clarity and direction, ensuring both parties understand the expectations, reducing ambiguity, and fostering a more collaborative environment.
5. Express Gratitude Always and Offer Reciprocity
Expressing appreciation within a family is vital for nurturing strong bonds and fostering a supportive environment. When family members feel valued, it enhances their mental well-being and encourages positive interactions.
Consistently acknowledging and appreciating each other’s efforts cultivates a culture of mutual respect and kindness, leading to a more harmonious and connected household.
Practical Ways Extended Family Can Help
Seeking support from extended family by assigning daily responsibilities can significantly alleviate pressures and strengthen familial bonds. Here are a few areas where their support can be invaluable:
Childcare Support: Involving extended family members in childcare tasks, such as babysitting and school pick-ups, offers numerous benefits for both parents and children. For parents, this support provides the flexibility to manage work or personal commitments more effectively.
Also, children spending time with extended family members fosters stronger familial bonds and a deeper connection to their heritage and family traditions. This interaction allows children to learn about their cultural roots, shared values, and family history, enriching their sense of identity.
Household Help: Sharing household tasks among family members, such as running errands, meal preparation, and cleaning, fosters a more efficient and harmonious household.
Moreover, involving children in these tasks teaches them valuable life skills, such as responsibility, cooperation, and time management, preparing them for future independence.
Emotional Support: Having family members who offer a listening ear and encouragement can significantly alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. This form of support fosters a sense of belonging and security, which is essential during challenging times.
Moreover, strong family connections provide a buffer against stress, promoting overall health and longevity
Conclusion
Seeking support from your extended family can significantly alleviate daily pressures and enhance your overall well-being. Engaging family members in tasks such as childcare, household chores, or simply providing a listening ear can distribute responsibilities more evenly, reducing stress and fostering a sense of community.
This collaborative approach not only lightens individual burdens but also strengthens family bonds, creating a supportive network that benefits everyone involved. Initiate these conversations with your family today; by sharing the load, you cultivate a nurturing environment where no one has to face challenges alone. Read more on motherhood tips here.
