We aren’t quite at the place of a working parent experience yet. But maybe we can get closer with more equity at home, with a balance of childcare and home tasks, so there are no longer “mom” or “dad” jobs.

The onslaught of activities, work demands, kid and school needs, and events in May can bury even the most social or resilient among us.
 
Curiously enough, in the midst of May falls Mother’s Day. This holiday is meant to recognize us moms for our hard work, but can mean even more to do.

So, what’s a busy, hurried mom to do to get a little self-care in order to maintain her sanity?

We all need family and friends in our life to help support us – and having a strong support network is a key ingredient for personal and professional success.

Between my own hard learned experiences, research trends and supporting clients, I’ve discovered that it takes a bit more thought for moms returning to work. Whether it’s the transition itself, or because a mom is depressed about going back to work after maternity leave, or conflicted about returning to her role, or because she’s worried about how to get a job after being a stay-at-home mom for 20 years, it’s not as simple as ‘go to work and collect a paycheck.’

As my children have grown older, I’ve realized that the challenge of being a working mother isn’t the voluminous tasks, but the existential struggle between motherhood and my ambition for my career.

To find the answers to big decisions, there are two options: stillness or movement. Somehow the duality of these, provide the insight and the clarity when lists and logic aren’t enough.