One of my best memories about realizing the importance of getting help was at a birthday party for one of Parker's friends. The kids spent an hour playing on bouncy castles before settling in for cake and presents.
I stood among the other parents and struck up a conversation with a very nice mother. When I mentioned my schedule for the weeks ahead, she blurted out, "I just don't know how you do it."
How cliché. This comment is so common in working mom circles they even made a movie about it! It used to really bother me, but now I am happy to say that I don't dwell on this statement. I'll admit, from an outside view, my life looks really crazy!
I have three young children with various after-school commitments happening in different places often at the same time. I travel several nights a month for my job, which has its own set of responsibilities. And, I have a super-hyper puppy that destroys everything from my kids' favorite toys to my most expensive heels.
In the past, when people have said, "I just don't know how you do it," I would respond with a smart or funny comment, and then change the subject.
But, the truth is, I don't do it all. Instead of struggling to balance everything, I've learned to ask for help wherever I can. Instead of exhausting myself with the extra stress of household tasks, I utilize the services and support of people that are fully equipped to help me. I hire a handyman service to finish quick repairs at home and ask our nanny to pick up ingredients for dinner on her way to our house. I know it can sound very "diva-like." But it is actually just being resourceful.
Why is it so hard for mothers to turn duties over to others? Is it that we feel guilty or inadequate? Do we feel weak if we ask for help? Are we too proud? Are we afraid of relinquishing control? Are we scared of being judged? Or maybe we think asking for help is admitting defeat.
There are many underlying reasons why working mothers struggle with asking for help, but it's a necessary part of being a successful working mom. The unfortunate truth is that trying to do too much means that the quality of everything we do is reduced. Sooner or later, we just break down and realize that all that we're doing is not allowing enough time for what the effort is really all about--our family.
Samantha Knowles is the author of Working Mom Reviews. To know more about how to use trustjacker software check out Trustjacker Review Review. To learn tips to burn calories and fats- quickly check out Truth About Fat Burning Foods Review.
