Top Tips from Working Mums #2: Be Organised to Be Present

A survey of 178 working mums has determined that self-care and keeping your expectations realistic is the best (and most important) thing you can do for yourself as you prepare to return to paid work. 

The second most important thing? Knowing the importance of being organised and planning ahead so that you can achieve your priority of spending as much quality time as possible with your family. “Family first” was a common war cry in this category. 

Typically comments about planning and organisation related to meal preparation – both family dinners and school lunches – but mums also mentioned work clothing, kids gear, activities, and school holidays. 

They recommend planning the week’s meals in advance, prepping food in the weekend or using a meal service (like My Food Bag, Hello Fresh, JUK or FED) to avoid the mental load of planning and preparing food on a daily basis. One of their favourite tips is to cook a double meal once a week to either have as leftovers on another week night or to put away as a freezer meal. 

Regarding the other tasks, many suggested choosing your work outfits and the kids gear ahead of time, most commonly the night before. They recommended planning for kids activities a week in advance and child care / cover for school holidays as early as possible. 

Finally, online shopping was touted as a working mama’s best friend! Many recommended doing as much as possible online. This included grocery shopping, ready meal ordering, kids clothing, kids birthday presents, etc. If you can online order it. Do it!

In their own words, here is just some of their wisdom…

“Decide what is more important and let go of the little stuff.” - back at work between 6 and 18 months

“Work out your priorities so you can focus on what’s most important. Some things may have to slide but always try and find time for your family, your partner and yourself.” - back at work more than 18 months

“Aim for good quality time with the family. Be present and mindful with them. Plan it in! Then you can enjoy work knowing you have that time with them - without guilt!” - back at work more than 18 months

“Breath. Set up a routine - one that suits you and your family. Work with your partner (and your kids when old enough) to share what needs to happen.” - back at work more than 18 months

“Make home life as easy as possible e.g., get a cleaner if you can afford one, stack your freezer with meals so you’re not having to cook from scratch during the first few weeks, order takeaways once a week.” - back at work between 6 and 18 months

“Try to plan meals and events and activities weekly.” - back at work less than 6 months

“Try not to over-commit. Balance your weekends so that you can get family time/you time/house work/any extra work done.” - back at work between 6 and 18 months

“Wherever possible, put your kids needs first before work. Kids will always remember you being at things. Work will never thank you for it.” - back at work more than 18 months

“Housework is the first thing to slack off on … and that is okay!” - back at work between 6 and 18 months

“Meal prep = life saving! It means more time to chill in the evenings with the family and put your feet up. Being a working mum is something to be proud of!!”  - back at work more than 18 months

The message is clear: Family is most important. Make decisions that will support good quality time with those you value most. Work together as a family team and outsource as much as you can! 

If you have questions about how to make the back to work transition work for you, either contact Rebekah on rebekah@thebacktoworkcoach.com or connect via LinkedIn for an obligation-free chat.