Being a working mom is an attitude!

“Sometimes the best man for the job isn't.” 

~Anonymous

Can you be a good mom and a good employee? That’s the billion dollar question that many working moms are striving to find. Is there a magic mantra that can allow you to be at two places at once? Is the term ‘super mom’ for real? Women, including men, would appreciate that it is indeed very tough to juggle family and work. Many tough circus acts pale in comparison to the balancing act of being a good employee and a good mother. However, being a valued employee and a good mother need not be mutually exclusive.

What defines a successful career oriented working mom, efficient in both worlds, is attitude.

·    Attitude towards the decision to work: Although the number of women joining the corporate sector is increasing, there is one thing that working moms have in common – guilt. Guilt is a pervasive emotion that tugs the chords of the heart of most working moms who often question, “Am I spending enough time with kids?” The consensus among social scientists, who have been researching the problem since 1930’s, holds that absence of working moms from homes does not hurt their child; what matters is whether a mother feels good about whether she works or stays home. Research evidence suggests that when working mothers have a positive attitude towards their decision to work, they are more likely to encourage their children’s independence.

·     Attitude towards alternate childcare options: Letting go of your children so that they could grow is an attitude that will benefit both the mother and the child in the long run.  In today’s age when joint families are giving way to nuclear families where both parents are working, preschools are generally an option for children to be taken care of during the day. Ask for flexibility options such as remote working, workplace nurseries from your employer.

·     Attitude to delegate: Also, looking for opportunities that add hours to your day is an attitude you must develop. Outsourcing your chores is an excellent way of doing so; it will give you those extra hours with your kids. Being a wonderful cook must not stop you from hiring some form of help in the kitchen during workdays. You could always cook those special meals your children love on weekends and holidays.

·      Attitude towards your job: Finally, follow your passion. Your attitude towards your job spills into your life outside work. Some studies indicate children of mothers who are dissatisfied with their jobs show more signs of poor adjustment than children of non-working mothers or mothers who like their work.

Be positive! Understand that you are not a super human. You may miss your child’s parent teacher meet or you may miss a business dinner. Don’t be apologetic about either. Having the right attitude will help you strike a right balance between profession and parenthood.