Women are superheroes! All women, PERIOD. As plenty of my friends are making the transition to motherhood I am always asking for advice and honesty about the struggle. Every type of mom deals with some kind of hardship. The full-time stay at home mom never gets a break. The work is just as hard and the cycle can seem never-ending. Every full-time working mom seems to struggle with MOM GUILT as they miss out on milestones and hours during the work day. They say the guilt is very very real, but the common denominator albeit where you fall on the ‘mommyhood spectrum”, every mom struggles to find a balance. Don’t let glossy Instagram or Facebook feeds fool you, balance for any mom takes daily work, but all I have heard from every mama, no matter the circumstance is that they love their kids above anything else. So today, I wanted close out Women’s Month by sharing some advice from some of the most inspiring full-time working mothers I know!
These women are entrepreneurs, boss’s, CEO’s and women who I turn to for advice on the regular! This post is not meant to take anything away from part-time or stay-at-home mothers anywhere! I see you and I know your worth and I understand your struggle. I think we all can be inspired by these women outside of motherhood, simply as strong, empowered women, and today, they are breaking down how they make it all work.
Meet The Mom’s
Keri Glassman MS, RDN
CEO of Nutritious Life and The Nutritious Life Studio
Author, Media Expert, Entrepreneur and most of all Mother
@nutritiouslifeofficial (Instagram) @keriglassman (twitter) @keriglassmannutritiouslife (facebook)
Boy 14 Rex, Girl Maizy 11
What advice do you have for working moms everywhere?
If you know me, you know that my family comes first. Always. Even on my busiest days with work and life I make sure to take time in the morning to have a sit down breakfast with my kids before they head off to school. This is another non-negotiable in my daily life and without it I wouldn’t be as focused or present for work. Yes, of course, there is travel and early morning work events here and there but for the most part, it happens. This is the time of day that I know for sure we can all be together, connect and of course, it warms this mamas heart to see my kids off to school post a big, healthy breakfast.
How do you find time for yourself?
Prioritizing fitness is a biggie for me and one of the places I use as my me time. I know I will have a more productive and better day (and be more patient with my kids) if I work out. So, I schedule it in at the beginning of the week. I know the days I have to squeeze in a 6 am quick tabata workout and the days I’m meeting girlfriends for an 8:30 class. It truly is an anchor of my nutritious life! When you know what works for you, you have to be vigilant about putting that into practice. Exercise is fuel for me and I’m “off” when I don’t have it.
Do you have any “go-to” time management tips for moms out there?
Don’t multitask. Multitasking makes me anxious. And, not be in the moment. I try really hard not to do it. I write down my to – do’s and try to bang them out. I am not a go to FB, go to email, edit for 10 minutes, back to FB, phone with my accountant. I have lived that way but it makes me anxious. I have my big to-do list and then I break it out each day with the top 3 or 4 must-do’s.
Paige Dellavalle Walker (Yes, I’m Taylor’s Sister-in-Law)
Business Owner: StellaValle
@Stellavalle @paigedellavallewalker
5 month old daughter, Mia Valentina
What advice do you have for working moms everywhere? You can do it all! If you want to keep working and raise your children you can manage both. The best thing for me is segmenting my duties meaning when I’m at work I’m focused on work and when I’m being a Mom then I am taking care of my baby. I try to put the phone away for those few hours at night that I’m with her to just really enjoy being a Mom. When she goes to bed then I can pick up the computer or phone to finish up work.
How do you find time for yourself? Pick a good spouse;) I do think it’s important totake a little time to yourself. My husband and I are very good about giving each other their independent time. My time is usually an hour every week and a half to get my nails done or a few hours a week in the morning to work out.
Do you have any “go-to” time management tips for moms out there? I always hated managing my personal life because I have to manage a busines, but I have to now. Everything has to go on my calendar so I can keep it all straight I recommend using a calendar so that you can fit it all in! Oh and you might have to give up a few extra hours of sleep to fit it all in a day!
Lindsay Nead
Founder of Parker Management // Occasional blogger ; )
www.parkertalentmanagement.com // www.thewellhaus.com
1 boy, Parker, age 3
What advice do you have for working moms everywhere? Make sure your job is worth it. The reason I left my 9-5 to start my own business is because I couldn’t stand being away from my son. I hated going back to work when he was only 2 months old, but I really didn’t have a choice! I also knew that I would be a terrible stay-at-home mom (if that had been an option), so I decided to start a company that allowed me more flexibility to pay my bills, but also have that time.
How do you find time for yourself? Lately I’ve had to plan it. Because I run a business that could keep me busy from early morning to late at night each day, I have to set reminders or make plans otherwise I wouldn’t find the time. Working out, getting my nails done, hanging with my friends, date night, acupuncture once a month… My google calendar is EVERYTHING and helps hold me accountable for taking care of ME.
Do you have any “go-to” time management tips for moms out there? Wake up an hour earlier, set specific times of the day and only 15 minute increments to be on social media (this one is really important), and google calendar everrrrrrything. Haha!
Jaime Cittadino
Home Care Consultant & Blogger/Content Creator
https://sunflowersandstilettos.com
@jaime_cittadino : IG & Twitter: @Pinterest
3 1/2 girl, Harley & 2 month old boy, Elie [rhymes with Belly]
What advice do you have for working moms everywhere? Coffee and wine! Haha! Seriously though, we have to somehow master doing it all with a big smile on our face, often sacrificing our own wants and our own needs. And mom guilt is no joke! Some days I feel like I’ve failed my kids, some days I feel like I’ve failed my job, and most days I feel like I’ve failed my friends [the true ones won’t hold it against you!]. It’s a constant uphill battle. But, my advice would be to celebrate the daily highs and don’t stress about the lows. Give yourself a little grace and treat every day as a fresh start…a new opportunity to do better, be better. Find humor wherever possible. And find a good support system of women who just get it.
How do you find time for yourself? My “me time” sure has changed over the past few years! After my first was sleeping through the night, I started waking up very early a couple of days a week. I’d use this time to either pop in a workout dvd or clean up my inbox, or drink a cup of hot coffee in complete silence. I’ve learned to say yes and accept help when people have offered to watch the kiddos, even if it’s just for an hour or two. I embrace silent car rides and the few times I get to run errands alone. I also stay in the shower or bath for a minute longer than I probably should!
Do you have any “go-to” time management tips for moms out there? Do one load of laundry every single day. Plan out your dinners for the week in advance, and use Sunday [or whatever day works best for you] to food shop and even food prep for the week. Make the kids lunches the night before. And lastly, have some sort of schedule and daily routine for the whole family. Of course there will be off days, but schedules [set wake up times, dinner times, bath times, nighttime routines] bring a little bit of sanity in this crazy world of motherhood!
Ashley Dellavalle Jung
Co-Founder + Chief Creative Officer at Stella Valle
@stellavalle @ashleydellavallejung
Viviana (Vivi) – Girl (3.5); Jackson (JJ)- Boy (2)
What advice do you have for working moms everywhere? Do what makes your soul happy! Mom guilt is real! However, I remember that if I am happy my kids will feel and see it. I know that I wouldn’t be truly content as a “stay at home mom” On the weekends and holidays, I really try to be in the moment and enjoy quality time with my babies. I often remind myself, that as working mom, I am teaching my children that passion, hard work, and drive are good qualities.
How do you find time for yourself? To be honest, I rarely do. It’s a struggle I have. I am very passionate about my work and my family, so I tend to put time for myself last. When you love what you do for work, it makes it easier to dedicate your time to it. I do love working out and running for stress relief. I started making time for working out since December and it’s really been amazing for my mental health!
Do you have any “go-to” time management tips for moms out there? Time is your most precious resource. There is never ever enough of it, therefore I treat it as the most precious thing I have. I very much compartmentalize my time. When I am working it is all work. When I am spending time with my family, I try hard not to work. I am diligent about putting things on my calendar and blocking time for certain activities that are important to me.
Julia Dalton-Brush (yes, Brush is actually my name )
Makeup Artist (@juliadaltonbrush), Owner of Brush Beauty Artistry – a small boutique hair and makeup agency in NY (@brushbeautyartistry), Owner of B3 an all natural skin care brand launching April 2018 (@bthreebalm)
Social: @juliadaltonbrush, @brushbeautyartistry, @bthreebalm
10 year old daughter named Lillie Ann
What advice do you have for working moms everywhere? Cut yourself some slack and make time to do things for yourself. Work can take over our entire existence if we let it, it is so important that we take time everyday to breath, snuggle our family – with NO phone/electronics anywhere near – and just take a moment to realize WHY we’re working so hard. Also, cut yourself some slack, we don’t have to be perfect – lunch doesn’t need to be made every day, we’re going to forget a playdate or two and we may not be able to answer every email the moment it comes in – and thats OK. Prioritize what is actually urgent and what can wait till morning.
How do you find time for yourself? You have to make time,that is the only way. And, the truth is, when I make time, I work more efficiently and I am a stronger person because of it. It is so important to understand that when you allow yourself down time your go time is so much better.
Do you have any “go-to” time management tips for moms out there? Delegate and learn when and how to say no. It’s OK to not do everything yourself and its even more OK to say no to things, in fact it can be quite liberating.
Name: Ruthie Ridley
Occupation: Registered Nurse / Blogger
Social Media Handles and website links (If applicable): www.ruthieridleyblog.com, @ruthieridley
Judah 6, Savannah 7, Ava 8
What advice do you have for working moms everywhere? Don’t be too hard on yourself. The kids won’t remember the times you are absent hustling or the baby sitters and all the school, they will remember your cuddle times and weekend adventures.
How do you find time for yourself? This is hard. I realize that in order to perform well at work and be a good mom and wife alone time and self care are an absolute must. I go on a day off or after work and do lashes, nails, a wax or a massage. I’m almost never able to do it all on the same day but it gets done!
Do you have any “go-to” time management tips for moms out there? To be honest, I don’t have a lot of time to manage but I will say getting up before the house is the wake is my most productive times. Sometimes staying up late to finish work is a necessity as well!
Rae Noyes
Enterprise District Sales Manager-Dell Technology
@RaeNoyes, Facebook- Rae Noyes, twitter-@raenoyes
Cooper (boy)- 2 Years, Charley (girl) 4months
What advice do you have for working moms everywhere? Be Present. Easier said than done, I know. Being a working mom is tough. You are constantly pulled in so many directions, and you never feel like anyone has your full attention, it’s normal. But try to be present. When you are at work…be at work, and when you are at home…be at home. I have the ability to work from home, which makes it even more difficult, so I’m a work-in-progress. I don’t think the guilt ever goes away, that’s what makes us moms, we are always trying to be everything to everyone. At the end of the day, you are setting a great example for your kids of what love and hard work looks like, so when you feel guilty, remember-they are watching you and will always look up to you for being an inspiration.
Also, you’re not the first working mom, so remember, your friends or family have been there too and can give good advice. Girlfriends are sometimes the best medicine and the best therapy. Other moms can relate sometimes more than anyone. They know the constant pull, the feelings of guilt, and the tears you cry when you have to leave the house when your kids don’t want you to leave. So ask friends how they handle it. Sometimes the best advice is right where its always been-with your best girlfriends.
How do you find time for yourself? a rarity, its true. But I do try to get a workout in everyday for myself. I started going to Burn Bootcamp which offers childcare, and 45min classes. So even if I have to bring the kids, its still 45 min to myself where I can’t check emails, or answer the phone. The time is only for me.
Do you have any “go-to” time management tips for moms out there? I try to do as much as I can in the car. I return calls, listen to the news on the radio, catch up with friends, and try to use the drive time wisely. It may not be much, but if I can return calls in the car, its less I need to do when I get home. My advice, use the “down time” to complete the things that could fall to the wayside. Also, delegate as much as possible, and ask for help. It’s not easy, but ask for help and go out with your husband or friends …. We all need a night out.
Mother’s are the backbone of every family! No matter what your work-life balance is, try to find time to put yourself first, stay true to who you are and find your balance! It may take weeks, months or years, but you can define your new normal! I hope these women inspire you as much as they do me! Follow them and stop by their pages to say hello! 