Being a Working Mum - 7 survival tips

Juggling work, family, and personal time can feel overwhelming for busy mums. These seven practical tips will help you stay organized, manage stress, and create balance in your life

Providing Quality Childcare Since 2012 • Infants, Toddlers & Preschool • Daycare Centre

Juggling a demanding career with the responsibilities of raising young children is no small feat. For every working mum, the challenge of juggling work commitments while maintaining a happy family life can feel overwhelming.

So, what are the biggest challenges for working mums, and how can they be overcome?

From managing time effectively to carving out moments for self-care, these seven survival tips offer practical strategies to navigate this rewarding yet demanding phase of life.

1. Find a balance between work and family life

How can I find a balance between the work at home and the work at the office?

For many working mums, the biggest challenge is balancing work and personal life. Achieving harmony requires clear boundaries and open communication.

Set realistic expectations: accept that perfection isn’t possible, and prioritise what matters most to you;
Be fully present: when at work, focus on your job. When at home, give your family undivided attention by limiting distractions like checking emails;
Plan quality family time: use weekends or evenings for activities that foster connection, such as baking with your toddler or playing in the garden;
Use a hybrid approach: if your boss lets you ask if you can work from home for some days. A mix of remote and in-office work can allow you to be there for key family moments while staying productive at work.

2. Define a morning routine

What are the best morning tips for busy working mums?

Mornings often set the tone for the entire day. A structured routine can help work mums reduce stress and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Prepare the night before: lay out clothes, pack lunches, and organise school bags to avoid last-minute scrambling;
Wake up earlier: having a quiet moment for yourself, before the household stirs, can help you feel centred. Use it for exercise, meditation, or simply enjoying a peaceful cup of tea.
Keep it simple: create a checklist for the kids, such as brushing their teeth and putting on shoes, to encourage independence.
Automate tasks: use a slow cooker to have dinner ready when you get home, or try a robot vacuum to save time and mental energy during the morning rush.

3. Organise your time and work

Best tips to streamline household tasks

Household chores can quickly become overwhelming. Streamlining them is key to maintaining balance.

Use tools like a shared calendar for appointments and reminders.
Schedule specific days for particular chores (e.g., laundry on Tuesdays).
Simplify meals by batch cooking or using meal kits.
Declutter regularly. A clutter-free home makes cleaning and organising much easier. Involve your children by making it a fun sorting game.

How can I delegate tasks effectively at work and home?

Delegating is essential for avoiding burnout. At home, share responsibilities with your partner or older children.

Workplace delegation: identify tasks that colleagues can take on and communicate clearly when assigning them. This approach frees up time to focus on high-priority areas while building trust within your team.
Involve extended family: if grandparents or other relatives are available, ask them for help with occasional babysitting or meal preparation.
Hire help: consider hiring a cleaner or gardener to tackle time-consuming tasks, freeing you up for family or self-care time.

What are the best time management tips for working mums?

Good time management is crucial for every working mum.

Prioritise tasks: use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to decide what’s urgent and important.
Set boundaries: establish clear working hours to prevent overextending yourself.
Embrace flexibility: accept that some days won’t go as planned and adjust accordingly.

4. Ask for help

Who can I rely on to help with childcare and parenting support?

As a working mum, building a reliable support network is invaluable. Whether it’s family, friends, or paid support, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Family and friends: grandparents or close friends can step in occasionally to babysit or help with pickups.
Childcare services: consider nurseries, early learning centres, nannies, or after-school programmes. Research options thoroughly to ensure they align with your family’s values.
Parenting communities: local parent groups or online forums can offer emotional support, advice, and practical assistance.

5. Encourage independence in your children

How can I teach my children to be more independent?

Empowering your children to take on small responsibilities helps you and also fosters their confidence and skills.

Start early: assign age-appropriate tasks, such as tidying toys or setting the table.
Offer guidance: show them how to complete tasks rather than doing everything for them.
Create routines: consistent routines for homework, chores, and bedtime encourage self-discipline.
Encourage decision-making: let your child make choices, such as picking their outfit for the day or choosing between two healthy snacks.
Use visual aids: picture charts or checklists can help toddlers and young children stay on track with tasks.
Praise effort: acknowledge their attempts to help, even if it’s not perfect. This boosts their confidence and willingness to try again.

6. Take care of yourself

Why is self-care essential for working mums?

Caring for yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. A happier, healthier working mum is better equipped to handle life’s challenges.

Prevent burnout: regular breaks and relaxation recharge your energy.
Boost mental health: journaling or taking a quick walk can improve your mood and resilience.
Model balance: when children see their mum prioritising self-care, they learn the importance of maintaining personal well-being.
Enhance productivity: taking the time to recharge often leads to better focus and efficiency in managing work and home responsibilities.

What are simple self-care ideas for mums with limited time?

Finding time for yourself can be tricky, but small acts of self-care can make a big difference.

Go for a short walk outdoors.
Take up a hobby, such as reading or crafting.
Use quiet moments to practise mindfulness or gratitude.
Connect with others: Call a friend or join a local group to combat isolation and build supportive relationships.

7. Celebrate wins

How can I stay motivated as a working mum?

Motivation can be hard to maintain, especially during hectic times. Celebrating achievements, big or small, can reignite your passion and optimism.

Track progress: keep a journal of daily accomplishments, from meeting work deadlines to teaching your child a new skill.
Reward yourself: treat yourself to milestones with a relaxing bath or a family outing.
Focus on impact: remember that your efforts contribute to your family’s well-being and future.
Visualise goals: create a vision board to remind yourself of your long-term aspirations and why you work so hard.

Why is it important to celebrate small wins?

Acknowledging small victories is essential for maintaining a positive outlook. Each win reinforces the fact that you’re doing your best as a working mum:

builds self-esteem by recognising your efforts;
strengthens resilience during challenging periods;
encourages a mindset of gratitude and joy.

Being a working mum is a demanding yet rewarding journey. By implementing these survival tips you can create a fulfilling life for yourself and your family.

Remember, every small step to improve your daily routine or ask for support contributes to a brighter, more balanced future. You’ve got this!

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Our Early Learning Centres

Our early childhood centre environments strongly reflects our inspiration – The Reggio Emilia philosophy, from Reggio Emilia, Italy.

We provide a creative and open ended environment that encourages infinite learning for the children and strong relationships between teachers, children and families.

The day’s routines are flexible. At the same time, care is taken to recognise and respect each child’s needs.

Why Choose a Bright Beginnings Early Learning Centre?

Encouraging the use of natural materials
A strong transition into school
Teaching team inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach supports your child’s creative potential.
Healthy, tasty hot meals cooked fresh on site
20 ECE hours available/free sessions for 3 year olds
A boutique, homely feel to our centres
Strong connections between teachers and whanau.

Here's what our parents say about our childcare centres

We are so happy that our son is a part of the Bright Beginnings family. The staff have been so welcoming and caring since the day he joined here. He has the freedom to explore and experiment as he learns about the world around him. With each passing day, he is growing into a confident and independent young boy, while building friendships and learning important life skills. We are also especially happy that he gets nutritious meals everyday, an important concern for us as parents. Most importantly, he loves it so much here that he can't wait to be back at the Centre every morning! As parents, we can go about our day with the assurance that our son is in good hands within a safe environment. Thank you to the entire BBELC team for that, Devika.

Bright Beginnings has and is a second home to both my son and now my daughter. Amber loves coming to the centre everyday and to see the relationship she has with the teachers is very special. We love everything Bright Beginnings embodies and are thankful to have found this centre. - Best price - Best service. From Jade Tavita

I was absolutely blown away by the presentation and the effort that went into the parent teacher interviews. I have not seen anything like it before and it made me feel very comfortable and welcome as a parent. From Darren Masters

Super duper loving, caring teachers. Awesome environment where our boy can flourish everyday. Thank you, Brad and Joanna.

Dillon absolutely loves his new big boy class. He even asks us if he can go on a Saturday and Sunday. Thanks all for making going to school so easy for us. Thanks, Anika.

I love and enjoy watching April develop and grow, I am so happy and grateful that she is in an amazing environment filled with people who care and look out for each other. Beautiful Daycare. Thank you all.- Best price from Zara. - Best service

Cherry: Our family is very grateful that we found BBELC. So far it is the best daycare we have seen. We are glad to enrol our kids here. Having peace of mind that our kids are safe, well fed, looked after and enjoy activities with the teachers and other kids is PRICELESS!!! THANK YOU for helping my kids explore new things. You are all amazing. Like what I always say to the teacher, I don't know how you all do it but the teachers here at BBELC are SUPERHEROES! As parents we feel your passion, dedication and love.

Come and visit one of our childcare centres and see for yourself why your child will love it

Talk to the Centre Manager, meet the team, see the natural outdoor play areas and educational rooms, learn about how we develop our programs and find out more about our unique approach to partnering with our families.

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What are the Core Values of the Reggio Emilia Approach?

The Reggio Emilia Approach sees children as valuable members of communities where they are encouraged to explore, wonder, question and learn to understand the world around them and reach their full potential in the first five years of life.