Naa Atswei Mawufemor Lomo 
Remember those old TV shows where Dad would head off to work while Mom stayed home to prepare the kids for school and manage the home? Well, for some of us, that was our reality too. But times have changed!
Today, over 70 percent of women are in the workforce, up from just 50 percent in the 1970s, according to studies. With so many working moms out there, nailing that work-life balance has never been more crucial.
Being a full-time working mom is like having two full-time jobs. From early morning meetings to late-night homework help, it’s a non-stop hustle. But with the right strategies and a bit of self-care, you can find that sweet spot where both your career and family life flourish.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips to help you balance full-time work and family without losing yourself in the process.
Table of Contents
Who’s A Full Time Working Mom
A full-time working mom typically refers to a mother who works a standard full-time schedule, usually around 40 hours per week or more, in addition to managing household responsibilities and caring for her family.
This term distinguishes her from mothers who may work part-time or stay-at-home moms who do not hold outside employment.
Being a full-time working mom is challenging, but having a strong support system makes a big difference. Family, friends, or childcare providers can offer crucial help and peace of mind, handling emergencies and daily tasks at work and home.
Emotional support is essential too. Connecting with others, either informally or in groups, allows working moms to share their struggles and receive advice and understanding from those who know what they’re going through.
Family support, like grandparents or relatives, is invaluable for childcare and household tasks. Childcare providers, such as nannies or daycare centers, give working moms a safe space to focus on work without worrying about their kids.
The Challenges Faced By Full-Time Working Moms
Pressure of “Having it All”. Being a parent is like juggling multiple important tasks. You can’t always have the best of everything—time, cost, and quality. Trying to achieve perfection in all three areas often makes moms feel guilty and stressed out. Working moms, in particular, feel this pressure because they are expected to take care of their kids and work a full-time job.
Many working moms feel guilty when their work and family responsibilities clash. Women in the workforce also face bias and challenges due to their family duties. For instance, a client might doubt a woman’s ability to manage both work and childcare effectively.
A lot of working moms are in the workforce for financial reasons, aiming to maintain their lifestyle and live where they want. The idea of being a “superwoman” who does it all adds even more stress. Understanding that it’s okay not to have everything perfectly balanced can help reduce this stress.
Time Management. Juggling work responsibilities and family duties can be overwhelming. Full-time working moms often feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to complete everything.
Balancing meetings, deadlines, and work projects with school runs, homework help, and household chores requires exceptional time management skills and can lead to stress and burnout.
Guilt and Emotional Strain. Many full-time working moms experience guilt, feeling they’re not giving enough attention to their kids or not performing well at work. This emotional strain can be taxing, as they constantly try to meet the high expectations they set for themselves both at home and in their careers.
Lack of Personal Time. With the demands of work and family, finding time for self-care can be challenging. Full-time working moms often put their own needs last, leading to exhaustion and sometimes neglecting their own health and well-being. This lack of personal time can impact their overall happiness and productivity.
Balancing As A Full-Time Working Mom
“Seeking help and building a support system can alleviate some of the challenges faced by working moms.”
Being a full-time working mom can be really challenging, no doubt. However, it’s important to recognize that you can’t do everything by yourself.
The key is to make smart choices and not try to handle everything at once, in quest to portray a ‘SuperHuman’(As though being a Mom isn’t enough). This way, you can focus on what’s most important for your family and your career.
For example, deciding to skip a less important work meeting so you can attend your child’s school event can make a big difference. It’s all about prioritizing what matters most at the moment.
Finding Reliable Childcare. This has to be one of the major concerns for full-time working moms. They need to trust that their children are in safe, nurturing environments while they’re at work. Finding quality child care that aligns with their schedules and budgets can be difficult and stressful, adding another layer of complexity to their daily lives.
Getting help from family members or hiring child care providers can be a game-changer.
When you have reliable support, you can manage your time better and feel less stressed. Maybe your partner can take over cooking dinner a few nights a week, or a trusted babysitter can watch your kids while you finish up work.
Online forums, meetup groups, or professional organizations can connect working moms with a community, offering emotional support, advice, and solutions.
Creating a strong support system is key to the mental health and well-being of full-time working moms. Feeling supported helps them handle work and family better, leading to a healthier work-life balance.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a strong support system to support a working mom.”
Successful work-life integration for full-time working moms comes down to prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, and using support systems effectively. By focusing on these strategies, you can handle the challenges of balancing work and family life with more confidence and satisfaction.
So, don’t be afraid to ask for help, make those tough choices about what to prioritize, and lean on your support network. With these approaches, you can navigate the pressures of being a full-time working mom more smoothly.
Maternal Instincts and Quality Time. Parenting duties should be shared, but mothers and children have a unique bond. To keep this bond strong, focus on being fully present with your kids. Avoid multitasking to keep your attention on them.
Try to involve your kids in your work life. Share your projects or successes with them. This keeps you connected and makes them feel part of your work, boosting their pride and understanding.
Nurturing the Mother-Child Bond. Being a full-time working mom means finding a balance between work and family life. It’s key to keep a strong bond with your kids for their happiness and yours. Your maternal instincts and the special connection with your children are key to managing work and family well.
Quality time with your kids is more valuable than how much time you spend with them. A few focused moments can deeply impact their growth and your bond. Reading stories, playing games, or just talking can strengthen your relationship.
“The most important thing that parents can teach their children is how to get along without them.”
For working moms, achieving work-life harmony means finding a way to blend work and family life. Focus on your maternal instincts and use your time with your children wisely. This approach helps build a strong bond that benefits everyone.
Conclusion
Balancing full-time work and family is challenging for working mothers, but accepting they can’t do everything helps them make smart choices and manage stress.
Setting boundaries, asking for help, and maintaining strong bonds with their kids are essential for mental health. With more moms working full-time and supportive companies, they set an example for future generations.
Focusing on self-care and accepting imperfections leads to a better, more rewarding future.
