I have worked as a full-time therapist for the past 12 years and the last 5 of those years I have been a mom. Being a mom is the best and most rewarding job that I have ever had, but I also know how difficult it can be to find the balance between home life and work life.
All moms are working moms. Whether we work outside the home or in the home, I think we all struggle at times with trying to get it all done. It is no different for me. These are just a compilation of some tips that help me through those busy, hectic days.
1. Don’t compare yourself to other moms – “Comparison is the thief of joy” -Theodore Roosevelt. Stop doing it!
2. Learn to say no – I struggle with this at times because I don’t want to disappoint people, but it has to be done and it helps, A LOT.
3. Plan – I use my planner to keep track of things that my “mom brain” seems to keep me from remembering when I need to whether it be play dates, important work tasks or just mundane cleaning tasks. I write them all down.
4. Enlist the help of your kids – Have them do chores around the house. It keeps them busy, teaches responsibility and helps get stuff done around the house (triple threat!)
5. Use Sunday to prep for the rest of the week – Whether it be meal prep, setting out outfits for the week or both – a productive Sunday prep can lead to less hectic mornings and a smoother week.
6. Keep a chore list for yourself – Write down what you want done on specific days. A lot of people follow the Fly Lady Routine and say that that works well for them. I don’t do that, but I do have certain days of laundry and cleaning.
7. Meal plan – This helps with grocery shopping and there 
is no question when you get home what you’re gonna make for dinner, because it’s already planned! My meal planning system is the photo on the right, which is kept on my fridge.
8. Keep a master calendar – Have it somewhere accessible in your home so that everyone has access to who’s doing what and when. I have a dry erase board calendar I got from target (see below) and I use a different color expo marker for each person (Morgan-green, Onix-black, Mackenzie-purple and Kylie-pink). 
9. Enjoy your commute – Whether it be listening to music or a podcast, talk to your kids – commuting can be difficult and can set the mood for the rest of the day. My commute is short but I always listen to music to get me pumped for the day.
10. Grocery shop with a list – Having a list makes the whole experience more stream lined and quicker when you have a list and know exactly what you need.
11. Create Routines – Kids thrive with structure and routines. We have a morning and night routine that helps cut down on meltdowns.
12. Crock pot – These really are a girl’s best friend. Dinner ready as soon as I come home? Yes, please.
13. Guard your weekends – Sometimes I have to say no to certain social events because it interferes with precious family time.
14. Stay in communication with your children’s teacher -Mackenzie’s school uses the Remind app to update or message parents with any important news or changes.
15. Self-care – Treat yourself whether it be a manicure, pedicure, fancy coffee – be kind to yourself at least once a week.
16. Be present – They grow up so fast – be present and cherish those moments when you’re reading, talking or playing.
17. Prioritize your to-do list – You may not get everything done, so write down to top 3 or 4 things that HAVE to get done.
18. Get enough sleep – Shoot for those 8 hours so that you wake up feeling rested.
19. Check in – When I get the chance at work I love to call my husband and talk to him and my daughter about how their days are going.
20. Play with your kids – Get down on the floor and play dolls, make animal noises. They will remember those times.
21. Nurture your marriage – Spend time with your hubby whether it be a formal date night or sitting and watching a movie together when the kids are asleep.
22. Stay away from office drama – ‘Nuff said.
23. Exercise – I am not the best with this but I am getting better and I do have more energy.
24. Eat healthy – I do believe that what you put in your body has an impact on how you feel.
25. Don’t try to be perfect – None of us are, it is unattainable.
