You can work and be ‘mum’ too

If you are a working woman the idea of having children sometimes spell doom to your career. It seems like a dark stage at which you will lose yourself and exist only to serve your family. It’s a time when it feels like your family needs you more than anyone else. The career ladder is replaced with your children’s milestones. There is nothing wrong with wanting to raise your family and taking a break from work but a balance of the two is also a possibility. Is it possible to achieve a balance and excel in both your family and career? The answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’ What one needs is to get organised. The truth is that there is no hard and fast rule as to how to do this successfully. However it’s up to you to choose your own balance depending on your ultimate goals. One of your first responsibilities is to be a mother. No matter what your job is whether, it’s working hard at the market, or climbing the ladder at a factory, you can still be a good mom. It takes a little work and isn’t always easy, but it can be done. Caring for your children is important and it should be your first priority. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to be a stay-at-home mom. Many working moms are able to care for their kids, provide them with love and to offer them the support that they need to develop into a confident and competent adult. To be a great mom all you need to do is to make sure that the time you spend with your kids is quality time. This means that while you are with your kids they are your main focus. During family activities and special events, work needs to be put on the back burner. In addition to spending quality time with your kids you also need to show interest in their education and in their interests. This can be accomplished by talking to them about what they did in school and what they enjoy doing. If your child expresses interest in an activity then learn a little bit about it so that you can do it together sometimes. Take time off work to take your children for out and about town. Don’t be guilty about the times you spend at work away from the kids as this may be the only way you can provide for them. Instead of feeling guilty about your child being in daycare, do your best to make sure they are at a comfortable place, a place they can learn values that are important to you. Look for a good day care that you can trust. If you have to leave your kids with someone then make sure they are professionals and they can be trusted to take good care of your children. Take time out away from home once in a while. Use this time to rejuvenate your own body, mind and spirit. This will go a long way in making you the best mom you can be. A stressed-out mom is no good to any child. Spend more time with your children when you are more rested. Being a working parent is no easy task. Just remember to listen, let the little things go, be compassionate and tell them and show them you love them. Treasure your children. It is easy to get caught up in the hassles of life and work that always seems more than we can physically accomplish. Get to know them as they grow and change .Be there for them when they need you to explain things to them. Take less work home and use this time to just sit and listen to them. Support your children. Being there and getting to know your children will let you support them. You want to be there and help them through their decisions and into their future. All mothers have the potential to be good and even great mothers. It just takes a little commitment. Whatever she does in addition to mothering can be done well! Contact: pgathoni@gmail.com