Are You Moonlighting as Wonder Woman?

As a mom with children, you most likely spend your days caring for the little ones, cleaning, shopping, repairing, sewing, washing, and all of the numerous jobs incorporated into the role of mom. Needing additional income, and with all of the pressures you face daily, are you moonlighting as wonder woman as well? If you are, here are a few tips to help you juggle your work/life schedule.

Discuss the hours with your employer. Ensure there is flexibility conducive to any situation that may occur at home. If this is a first time job, you may find it difficult at first. Prioritize your daily routine; allow enough time to switch roles from mom to working mom. If your job requires you to work at night; schedule your time appropriately. Make sure you tuck your kids into bed; continuity is important. Sit down with your children and explain what you are doing and why. Reassure them especially if you are working outside the home, you are only a phone call away. Involve your children, if age appropriate, as to what type of work you are doing.

Keep track of the events in your children’s lives. Try not to miss any important school functions, plays or sports games. When the weekend arrives, devote as much time as you can to your family. Try to remember back to when you were a child, and your mom had to work. Use that life experience as a model, regardless of the circumstances surrounding it at the time. Most importantly, when your job is finished for the day – it’s finished. Don’t allow it to filter into your home life; keep it separate and distinct.

Finally, if your role as Wonder Woman becomes weary, or you find it is not only a drain on you but your family as well – hang up your gold lasso; put away the cape and the guilt, and call it a day. Nothing is worth your health and physical well being. You’ll have plenty of time to rediscover the wonderful world of a working mom, only this time a sword and a particular war cry is recommended.

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