A common description of a Working Mom is: A mother who prioritizes raising her children but also earns an income.

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This is a "common" description of the term... though I'm sure it's not THE only description. And whether you agree fully or partially, we should be able to agree that there is at least some truth to the part that the working mom is involved in raising her children while also creating an income. I think I escaped that pretty well.

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I titled this article the Working Mom just for attention, actually. I wanted to make a connection to what the article is really all about, which is the Working Dad. That's me. And quite possibly it's you too! The Working Dad works an 8-10 hour shift for a paycheck, but still looks forward to coming home to spend time with his kids. For the WD, the "real" shift in life begins during this time. After all, being a parent can be viewed similarly as working - as much time and effort you put into, the more you are likely to get in return. (or the more likely your kids will get in return.) 

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From the moment I walk through that door, I try to hype up the kids by yelling, "who's ready for some homeworrrrrkk??! Woop Wooooop!!

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That never works. But it's still fun to do it. 

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The first thing I have to do is change my clothes, because I work in a medical environment with patients and they get germy air on my clothes. And I don't want to be preparing food for dinner in germy clothes. 

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After I change, I can officially give big hugs to the kids. I can't believe how tall they are. It's the coolest! 

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By the time I get home, I have about a 3-4 hour window in which I get to spend time with my kids before they have to go to sleep. The essentials are dinner, homework, and shower. Everything else, we just wing it. 

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They get out of school 2 hours before I get off work, and I know they enjoy watching cartoons or playing video games. But I try to transition them into homework. And if there is no homework, I transition them into discussing what they are learning in class and then do some follow up examples with them to ensure they understand. I also believe this helps build communication skills between us. If they are not in the mood for doing extra studying (they are called prolonged brain farts, or PBFs *not a real diagnosis) Then we'll play some hangman or wheel of fortune type game on the dry erase board. That way I can play whilst I'm preparing dinner - macaroni n cheese a-la-mode.

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Depending on the condition of the house, I'll have them help to clean up - It's practically all their mess anyway - put some laundry away, pick up their toys, throw away trash, and also, they can now operate a broom properly. YEAYUH!!!  

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Many times when the weather is fair, we will also go to the park or take a bike ride. So the 3-4 hour window gets pretty tight. I strive to make it as much quality time as possible. 

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After we finish dinner, we wrap up homework/studying/free-read and start showers. In between that, I'll also wash up the dishes (which seem endless!) After showers and pajamas, we just hang out together for awhile and eventually just relax and allow our minds to slow down.  After all that has occurred in that time span along with the numerous of miscellaneous conversations in between, the night is over and the kids go to sleep.

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When the kids are asleep, the WD can go back to some "me time" and do things such as eat the dinner you weren't able to finish earlier. Or you can also shower, since every one else got to. Or get your work clothes ready for tomorrow so you're not fumbling it in the morning.  

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Or if you're really ambitious, you can plan your next career move or further your education. Or maybe study some information that will benefit your professional growth. The WD is always looking ahead for progress because they enjoy creating a future for their family. 

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Finally, before I go to bed, I sneak into the kids rooms and give them all a kiss on the forehead or the cheek.

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The next morning - RISE AND SHINE!!!

 

I lovvvve to tickle their feet in the morning. One of my daughters hies hers under her blanket! I begin getting them up as I move to prepare a proper breakfast, help get them ready for school, and get their mind ready and alert.

 

After I drop them off at school, I head to work - which, actually - is a much easier part of the 24 hours!

 

When you are a Working Parent, You have more on your plate than most people do. On a regular basis, you are trying to please your employer, your children, and yourself. Here are some tips I find useful:

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#1. Pay attention to your health!!

If you exhaust yourself too much that it affects your own mental and physical health, you are not going to be around long enough to enjoy the fruits of your labor. And so, watch yourself! You must have fuel in the tank for mileage. When taking care of your kids, you should always start with you. Now, I know that's not always possible (I have gone many a times not eating properly because I was more focused on the kids activities), but keep it in mind and it will become easier to integrate.

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#2. Make a plan 

I have been a captain of the "ehhh, just wing it" plane for many a years, and I survived just fine with my 9 fingers. But when I started planning more often, it just gradually made my decisions easier. It's best if you write down your plan - even if it looks like a grocery list - but if you can just take some mental time to plan it out in your head, this will be a very beneficial step for you. From making dinner, to going to the park, to doing homework, to playing video games - figuring out a plan a head of time will save you minor mishaps.

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#3 Prioritize

There is nothing wrong with putting other agendas ahead of your children. Don't feel bad about it, and don't feel guilty. If you are able to discuss with your child why you can't attend to them, this will be good for your peace of mind and for theirs - it shows them responsibility, and it shows that you acknowledge not being able to spend time with them.

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#4 Keep'em separated 

Work is for work time. Home is for family time. School is for school time. If you're at work, don't allow family time to interrupt you (unless it's an emergency.) If you're at home, don't allow a text or phone call from work to interrupt your family time. And if you're doing school stuff, be 100% concentrated on school stuff. There will be times in which we want to sprinkle ourselves around a little bit in order to handle things as they happen. But the only thing that happens is that all the little things don't get the proper amount of attention and then everything gets compromised. Be okay for putting things off for the time which is designated for that.

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Whether you are a working mom or working dad or working couple, you have a lot on your plate. But practice makes perfect! There will be no greater reward than the feeling of the accomplishment you achieved for your kids. Thanks for reading!

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