Being A Working Mom Has Never Felt So Heavy As It Does Right Now

Is this our new normal? We still don’t know what will stay around post Covid-19, but one thing we do know- it’s a lot. While there are positions and careers that allow for us to work from home, it’s not what it used to be. Working from home means different things to different people. For moms, it’s a juggling act between keeping the routine of the household and making sure you are present and attending to your work life all at the same time.

The journey has been a roller coaster. We have all experienced the updates, information, and changes Covid-19 continues to bring and with that it created a sensory overload. It’s like when your infant is on the play mat looking all around at the colors, textures, and mirror and then vomits.

For the working mom, there are mixed emotions because we are so grateful to have our job, but the pressure of getting our littles in a routine, logged into their Zoom meetings, answering their questions and keeping them engaged all while working simultaneously has brought many of us to a breaking point. But what gives? Many schools are still utilizing e-learning or in some cases we as parents feel like that is the safest option for our family. Luckily, we have amazing schools and administrators who have dedicated this time to learn and create an environment that works as best it can for both the schools and parents. It all helps.

At the end of the day, the saying, “do what’s best for your family” has never rang truer. Everyone’s circumstance and situation are different. We have all had to reflect, really think through what is important to us, and focus on the now. It may not look the same as it did, but if it works, we are rolling with it! Here are some ideas to consider during these wild times.

1. Do what you can! As a working mom, routine and schedules are critical to a successful day. With Covid-19 our routines are in a tornado that changes each hour it can feel like. The understanding that things are going to be interrupted and the day will not go as planned is key to feeling accomplished these days. Dedicating the hours for family and work time are important with the flexibility to pivot when needed. Knowing that you are present for your family is essential to all moms. Plan as best you can and then get ready to roll with the punches.
2. Get outside. Fresh air has never felt so good, am I right?! Take your work outside and let the kids run off some energy. Or enjoy your lunch break and let the emails pile high. Go play outside with your kids and leave the chaos of the day behind, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
3. Be Selective. What can be an email or message and what needs to be a meeting/phone call? If you can have some say in those things, do it! Being home with kids, regardless of the age, is usually loud. So, don’t add stress on yourself by trying to act like it’s not. Plan the time as best you can and be selective with the things you fill your day with. Setting blocked time for when your spouse can help and/or plan certain jobs/activities that are better suited for one another.
4. Laugh. Because if you don’t, you’ll likely cry- which is okay too! Find the joy in the day and take time to laugh about things that are happening. There are plenty of great memes and social posts to keep us all laughing for a while.

We are all figuring this out for the first time and doing the best we can. Show grace to others and yourself. Most importantly, stay safe and know that you are not in this alone.