Why a strong support system is key for busy working moms
Author: Nelly Alba
Date: 12/11/22
EVER WONDERED HOW YOU WILL FIND BALANCE WITH SO MUCH TO DO?
The answer: Do not be afraid to LEAN on your support system and ask them for help when needed.
The people who you have supporting you will be the ones to depend on when you are having a difficult day. As a working mother, we try to do it all and while it is possible to do it all…it’s impossible to do it all AT THE SAME TIME. This is where your support team comes in handy.
That team can look so many ways: your spouse/ partner, babysitter/ daycare, grandparents or family members. It also includes your online parenting community. Now there are ways for you to connect with other mothers through Facebook groups or #hashtags on Instagram connected to what you are looking for. Do not be afraid to reach out and lean on your support system.
Below I outline the steps you can take in navigating who those individuals are that will help you keep balanced in your everyday life.
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3 STEPS TO TAKE
#1 – IDENTIFY the people who you know will not pass judgment and want to support you in the working and parenting journey.
With social media, there is a large network of moms sharing insights and supporting you through different stages of development for your little one (teething, first time eating solids, night routine etc.). There are many families to meet and connect with at outings such as the park. Other potential support people: babysitter, daycare, grandparents, nanny. Make a list of your top 5 support team members.
Some communities:
- Facebook mother communities
- Look up on google ‘top local kid’s parks nearby’ (top 3)
- Look for a trusted babysitter: Care.com: Find Child Care, Babysitters, Senior Care, Pet Care and Housekeeping
#2 – ASK for help when needed. This was most important with my partner during the early stages. Once you return to work from maternity leave, you are left trying to figure out how to make everything work. You fill up with guilt and may struggle feeling happy for a bit. My partner helped me on that journey.
Additionally, my family and some online groups gave me support that my partner could not. If someone is able to help, they will. There are so many resources out there. Do not be afraid to ask!
#3 – COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY your feelings and needs to your partner (if applicable) or to whoever is taking care of your child while you work.
My guy is my go-to since we need to be on the same page for the little ones. He is also a stay-at-home dad tending to the kids, so we need to be able to communicate in a way that is productive and helpful to us all. This is top priority since someone else is watching and caring for your kids while you are at work.
BONUS TIP: Do not assume that your support team knows what you are thinking or feeling. Postpartum depression is real, and they may not all understand especially if they have not gone through it.
Take a look at this article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7008558/. The article outlines that while family and friends were key people identified as part of your support system. The effectiveness or helpfulness varied because they did not truly understand or know how to work with you. So, lean on the support system that you know are there to listen and help you out the best that they can!
Who do you have as your support system?
Do you find it easy or difficult to communicate your needs and/or help with them?
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