Balancing Work and Kids
Let’s be honest. Does balance really exist as a work at home mom? For me, it often feels like something is always out of balance. When I focus on my kids, I inevitably fall behind at work. It’s a constant juggling act where giving attention to one area causes me to feel like I’m neglecting another. This feeling of imbalance is a reality that many work at home moms face daily.
The Struggle of Dividing Time
There are days when I decide to take a break from work to spend quality time with my children. We might go on an outing or have a special day at home. However, even during these moments of joy, a nagging worry lingers in the back of my mind. I wonder if taking time off means I’m falling behind on important projects or missing deadlines at work. I have a remote job that involves overseeing many projects. I’m always afraid someone will need something that will cause the whole timeline to fall apart. That is generally not the reality, but this worry can sometimes overshadow the happiness of being present with my kids.
The Guilt of Long Work Hours
On the flip side, there are times when work demands long hours and intense focus, especially during critical projects with a deadline. During these periods, the guilt of neglecting my children weighs heavily on me. I find myself wishing I could be in two places at once, fully committed to my job while also being there for every moment with my kids. As my children get older, I feel like my time with them is limited, so I feel compelled to spend time with them while I can. There are very few years left with them at home. However, the older they get, the more expensive they get. I feel it’s important now more than ever to make a good income to support their needs and wants. It’s a constant internal conflict. Which needs are more essential to meet at each moment in time – those of my professional or personal life?
The Challenge of Maintaining a Home
Then there are the responsibilities of running a home. When my children were younger, maintaining a clean and organized home was more than difficult. With kids / preteens running around and the chaos of daily life, keeping the house tidy felt like an impossible task. There were times when the state of my home was just plain embarrassing. School supplies, costumes, and various gadgets were scattered everywhere, while laundry piled up, and dishes overflowed in the sink. It felt like I was being pulled in so many directions, and something had to give. Often, it was the cleanliness of the house that took the hit.
Accepting Imperfections
During these chaotic times, I realized the importance of giving myself permission to let some things go. It wasn’t easy, but I had to accept that a spotless house wasn’t always a priority. There would be plenty of time for a clean house later in life. I reminded myself that these moments with my children were precious and fleeting. They wouldn’t always be little, and one day, I might even miss the messy, chaotic days.
Finding Peace in the Chaos
Now that my kids are older, our home is usually more orderly. However, looking back, I’ve come to appreciate those messy days. They were filled with laughter, play, and precious memories. As challenging as it was, those experiences taught me to prioritize what truly matters. Balance, in the traditional sense, might be elusive, but finding peace in the chaos and embracing the imperfections has been a valuable lesson.
The concept of balance as a work at home mom is complex and often feels unattainable. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for you and accepting that not everything will be perfect. By giving yourself grace and focusing on what truly matters, you can navigate the challenges with a sense of peace and fulfillment. This is something I still work on daily. I’m sure I will still struggle with conflicting desires, but by focusing on one thing at a time and scheduling in time for what matters, I will be able to look back at this time and appreciate its fullness and beauty.
Work at Home Widow 