Essential Items for Working Moms
Any working mom will tell you that the whole "being a parent and having a job" thing can be super tough at times. Here's a list of tricks and tips that will help make it easier to juggle.
Slow Cooker I resisted this purchase for as long as I could, thinking slow cookers were for my mother's generation. But once purchased, I realized how easy it is to just throw dinner in before I leave the house in the morning. They save prep and cooking time after work, so you can spend that time at night with your child.
Smartphone My BlackBerry has been a lifesaver for me. It allows me to leave my desk and deal with emails if need to cut out early for illness or a doctor's appointment. It's also great for storing photos of my son (for whenever the days get lonely) and for keeping my calendar.
Grocery Delivery Service If you can afford it, have your groceries delivered via an online service like Peapod. It's not only a huge time-saver, but preserves your sanity, as it eliminates the eight o'clock at night grocery trips with a screaming child.
Warehouse or Discount Store Membership There is nothing worse than having to stop and pick up diapers or wipes when you're burnt out after a late meeting. Stores like Sam's Club and Costco offer baby essentials at a discount, and also ensure that you're always well-stocked.
A Good Support System This can be family, friends or other working moms. With all the social media sites, online parenting communities and networking sites working moms can find camaraderie and friendship fairly easily.
Coffeemaker I honestly don't think I would've survived the first year of working without my coffeemaker. Between early morning meetings and a child who didn't sleep through the night until almost nine months, coffee quickly became my best friend.
Dependable Child Care I learned this one the hard way. You'll have enough on your plate; you won't want to have to worry about constant unexpected sick days or tardiness. The peace of mind you receive from dependable child care—knowing your child is happy and well cared for—is absolutely essential.
Solid Morning Routine It may take some trial and error, but get your morning schedule down as soon as possible. It will not only keep you on track and make sure you're at work on time, but having the day start out smoothly will do wonders for your stress level.
The Ability to Say No Working moms are pulled in so many different directions, and we often feel guilty for turning down events to social invitations. Maintain your sanity and give yourself permission to say no.
Me Time This one is a biggie. You are so busy fulfilling the expectations and needs of everyone around you, that it's absolutely essential to block out me time to take care of yourself. It can be blocking out thirty minutes before bed to read, working out on your lunch break, or even just escaping into the bathroom for some "brain sorbet" with an US Weekly.
Slow Cooker I resisted this purchase for as long as I could, thinking slow cookers were for my mother's generation. But once purchased, I realized how easy it is to just throw dinner in before I leave the house in the morning. They save prep and cooking time after work, so you can spend that time at night with your child.
Smartphone My BlackBerry has been a lifesaver for me. It allows me to leave my desk and deal with emails if need to cut out early for illness or a doctor's appointment. It's also great for storing photos of my son (for whenever the days get lonely) and for keeping my calendar.
Grocery Delivery Service If you can afford it, have your groceries delivered via an online service like Peapod. It's not only a huge time-saver, but preserves your sanity, as it eliminates the eight o'clock at night grocery trips with a screaming child.
Warehouse or Discount Store Membership There is nothing worse than having to stop and pick up diapers or wipes when you're burnt out after a late meeting. Stores like Sam's Club and Costco offer baby essentials at a discount, and also ensure that you're always well-stocked.
A Good Support System This can be family, friends or other working moms. With all the social media sites, online parenting communities and networking sites working moms can find camaraderie and friendship fairly easily.
Coffeemaker I honestly don't think I would've survived the first year of working without my coffeemaker. Between early morning meetings and a child who didn't sleep through the night until almost nine months, coffee quickly became my best friend.
Dependable Child Care I learned this one the hard way. You'll have enough on your plate; you won't want to have to worry about constant unexpected sick days or tardiness. The peace of mind you receive from dependable child care—knowing your child is happy and well cared for—is absolutely essential.
Solid Morning Routine It may take some trial and error, but get your morning schedule down as soon as possible. It will not only keep you on track and make sure you're at work on time, but having the day start out smoothly will do wonders for your stress level.
The Ability to Say No Working moms are pulled in so many different directions, and we often feel guilty for turning down events to social invitations. Maintain your sanity and give yourself permission to say no.
Me Time This one is a biggie. You are so busy fulfilling the expectations and needs of everyone around you, that it's absolutely essential to block out me time to take care of yourself. It can be blocking out thirty minutes before bed to read, working out on your lunch break, or even just escaping into the bathroom for some "brain sorbet" with an US Weekly.
Provided byMaureen Lipinski
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