Any female in the 21st century who has children, or is planning to have them, and is maintaining a career is looking for ways to balance these two very important things. The truth is there is no hard and fast rule as to how to do this successfully. Women can get advice from experts or other moms to help make raising children as healthy and peaceful as possible. 

There are some things you can do to prepare yourself for parenthood that may make your transition into a “mommy” a little less shocking. First, try to remember that nothing can completely prepare you for the life changes of taking on motherhood, so don’t stress out by trying to learn it all before the baby comes. Make sure you see your doctor or midwife and get all your medical needs arranged.

Emotionally preparing yourself is a little more difficult. Try to remember that you may “lose yourself” a little when the baby comes and monopolizes all your time. It’s sometimes a good idea to keep a once a week commitment with yourself to do something just for you (after the first few weeks or so). If you used to take yoga classes before the baby came, then try not to quit going entirely.

If you are a working mother already, then you know how nerve wracking having a brand new baby and being a first time mommy can be. However, you also know that the real challenges begin when the child starts walking, talking, asking questions and learning about life. This is the time when the two most important qualities in a parent come in to play; that is, flexibility and patience.

Many mothers who have full time careers are on a tight schedule and they end up making parenting decisions based on their guilt about the lack of time they spend with their children. If that sounds familiar to you, here are a few things to remember that might help take the pressure off:

• Instead of feeling guilty about your child being in daycare, just do your best to make sure they are at a place that reflects the values most important to you. If you have any reservations about the facility, then begin the process of looking elsewhere.
• Don’t feel guilty about needing some time away from your children. You have to take care of your own body, mind and spirit in order to be the best mom you can be. A stressed-out snappy mom is no good to any child!
• Don’t be afraid to say “no”. Children need limits that are set out of love and they need them to be consistent. Otherwise, the child gets confused and they won’t know that when you say no, you mean it.
• Don’t set unrealistic expectations about what you and your children can accomplish in one day. If there’s homework to do and hockey practice to attend, don’t think the laundry, vacuuming, and dishes will all fit on the schedule as well.
• It’s imperative that you don’t compare your family to anyone else’s family. What works for someone else, may not work for you. It is especially vital that you don’t compare your children to other children. They are yours and they are unique.
• Don’t panic if you feel you’ve made a parenting error. It is perfectly fine to try new approaches with your child to find what works with their personality and age group.

Being a working parent is no easy task. Just remember to listen, let the little things go, be compassionate and tell them and show them you love them.