Tips From Working Moms for Working Moms

Melissa Hoppe

Small Business

Happy Working Moms Day!

At Brainchild Studios, we give our team the flexibility to work from home or wherever they want to. We also let them decide what schedule work's best for them. The #BCSMoms will tell you, having a work schedule is not easy when you are balancing nap time, feeding, bus stop pickup, and a million other pieces of your children's schedule that become part of yours. In honor of Working Moms Day, we wanted to feature some of our very own working moms and asked them to share a little bit of their story.

Lindsay, Account & Business Development Director
Mother of Ingrid & Louie

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU RUN INTO AS A WORKING MOM?

It took me a long time to figure out that my idea of work-life balance is more of a weekly goal than a daily battle. One of my biggest challenges is wanting (or needing) to be multiple places at once. I may choose to spend my time walking my kids to school or stay late at the office and sometimes it's tough in those moments to stay present. I believe this is a challenge for all of us to set up boundaries that are rigid enough to preserve our sanity but flexible enough for us to have fun and build a life worth living.

WHAT ARE THE GREATEST BENEFITS OF BEING A WORKING MOM?

The greatest benefits are clarity, purpose, and perspective. After having kids, I learned to trust my intuition and be comfortable making decisions. With parenting, I found a renewed sense of purpose as I want to do my best to raise kids that are thoughtful, kind, interesting people. I'd like to think I have gained perspective and parenting has helped me not get too worked up about small problems.

WHAT TIPS/TRICKS DO YOU HAVE FOR BALANCING YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES?

Use pencil when planning. I'm a firm believer in planning out my week but know meetings get moved, meal plans get scraped and unplanned work pops-up. Make a plan but be flexible and adjust the things that are adjustable to you.

There are no awards for burn-out. Of course, there are times when work or family demands are well, demanding, but blurring boundaries and not valuing rest has a cost. This looks different for everyone so notice what drains you and what ignites you, and adjust.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN CONSIDERING BEING A WORKING MOM?

Know your talents and explore your passions. As women (moms or not), we tend to give, support, and then give a bit more. Take the time to identify your talents and if they can support and align with your passions, great. If not, know that the work you do - in and out of the home - matters and is valued.

I came across this simple yet effective tip a few months ago so think of this as bonus advice: "If they are crabby, just add water. Run a bath, take a shower, water the garden, wash the dog, have a hot drink, have a cold drink - just add water."

 

Emily, Art Director & Lead Designer
Mother of Henry

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU RUN INTO AS A WORKING MOM?

Balance is my biggest challenge. I can never seem to fit in as much as I'd like in either the mom world or the working world. Slowly learning that you can't give each role 100%, which is a tough reality at times!

WHAT ARE THE GREATEST BENEFITS OF BEING A WORKING MOM?

It's the little things, like picking him up for daycare and him being SO EXCITED to see me. Since we don't spend all day together during the week, I really value the time we spend together on nights and weekends.

WHAT TIPS/TRICKS DO YOU HAVE FOR BALANCING YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES?

Childcare is worth every penny in order for me to stay focused/sane at work. And when I'm mommin', my laptop closes and I'm not checking email (most of the time...).

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN CONSIDERING BEING A WORKING MOM?

As long as you find something you're passionate about, you won't second-guess spending that time away from your kid/s.

 

Melissa, Executive Assistant
Mother of Brooklyn, Lucy, & Theo

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU RUN INTO AS A WORKING MOM?

Not having enough time to do it all and just accepting that I can't. It's very hard because I feel like I can and then by the end of the day I realize what I really want to do is sleep. I tend to work in spurts here and there throughout the day and evening, which makes it feel like I’m working all day, even though I only work part-time hours. Making time for myself is always a challenge but exactly what I need to be good and both jobs.

WHAT ARE THE GREATEST BENEFITS OF BEING A WORKING MOM?

Giving your mommy brain a break. Having the escape of toddler talks, sibling fights, and overall screaming is my saving grace. It makes me a better parent and really be present when my work brain is turned off.

WHAT TIPS/TRICKS DO YOU HAVE FOR BALANCING YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES?

Sit down with your significant other once a week to look over the next week's schedule. Talk about meals, talk about exercise aspirations, talk about work, talk about kids' activities, when to grocery shop, etc. IT IS LIFE-SAVING!!! When you both are on the same page or even when you hear yourself say your hopes and dreams for the week out loud makes a huge difference in making everyone accountable.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN CONSIDERING BEING A WORKING MOM?

My advice would be to make sure you have a good childcare support system. There is nothing worse than working and worrying about the care of your children. It's impossible.

Melissa Executive Assistant

Melissa has helped run large organizations for close to a decade and is excited to bring her mad organizational skills to the Brainchild Team. Melissa helps keep Brainchild’s engines running smoothly behind the scenes. When she’s not working, Melissa enjoys playing with her three kids, and occasionally finds time for some gardening and indulging in binging on BRAVO television shows. Don't judge.

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