Being a mom is hard. In between the massive to-do lists, the pile of laundry, the sink full of dishes, and the dozens of legos jammed in the toilet, being a mom is one of the hardest job in the world.
What’s harder?
Preparing to return to work after kids.
Mom guilt over leaving our kids, or the feeling of expiration is strong for moms who are in this transition phase. The very best thing you can do to prepare and make it out of the transition a stronger mom is to embrace simplicity.
Simplicity means being aware of the things that are excess in your life and work on eliminating them. Things in excess tend to be extra toys, outgrown clothes, unused electronics, and busting at the seams schedules. Basically trying to have or do too much makes things complicated and brings stress.
Get rid of things that don’t serve an explicit purpose to your life! The result? You’ll be happier, more satisfied, and ready to return to work after kids.
Embracing simplicity first starts with your mindset. Here are a few ways you can focus on simplicity to prepare to return to work after kids.
Think long term gains, not short term convenience. It’s easy to fall into the pattern of reacting, instead of planning for the long term. In fact, our brains are wired to prioritize short term gratification over the long term. Don’t get bogged down with buying a bunch of stuff or playing the comparison game with other moms. In the big scheme of things, none of that matters for long.
Clear Communication
Don’t play games with communication. Be direct, straightforward, and professional with employers about your situation. Communicate your desires and needs with your family members. If everyone is on the same page and understands the path you are on and where you want to go, you’ve set yourself up for success.
Establish Routine
Going back to work doesn’t mean you have to abandon family dinners or game nights. Keep the habits that help your family stay close. Stick to bedtimes, family time, and fun activities. The routine will make the transition easier on everyone.
Be Present
Be home when you’re home and leave work at work. While it’s easier said than done, make an extra effort to tie up loose ends before leaving the office. Decompress with an audiobook on your drive home or a phone call to a loved one. Do what works best for you to separate your time at work from your time at home. Embrace simplicity by establishing a clear boundary and being present at both places. I love to plan special 1:1 time with my kids throughout the year and the summer is a great time to start this tradition. Just 10 minutes a day with each kid can go a long way.
Are you preparing to return to work after kids? It can be both exciting and challenging. At Parents Pivot, we help moms advance in a career they're passionate by establishing what’s most important to you, post-kids. If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out. We’d love to hear from you.
