Juggling Juiceboxes and Job Titles

Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth: Mommy’s Tightrope Walk!

Ever tried juggling while on a unicycle? Nope? Well, being a working mom is pretty much that—with a side of “guilty mom syndrome.” The struggle to keep your work life and mom life from colliding can sometimes feel like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the manual.

You'd have to be super human to do that...and that is just what we are—Supermom! Because the "mom jeans" wearing, cookie-baking, stay-at-home mom? She's taken a bit of a sabbatical. Nowadays, many moms (like me) are swapping the apron for business attire. With inflation rates higher than my 10 year old's energy levels, two incomes are often a must.

And here’s the truth bomb: balancing work and wee ones isn't a piece of cake, even if we wish it was (chocolate, preferably). But chin up, buttercup! Remember, even superheroes sometimes trip over their capes. Embrace the ups and downs, and know you're in good company with millions of working mamas dancing the same delicate ballet.

And to those who say "Why not just hang up your work boots?" - Have they seen today's shoe fashion? Also, let's give a nod to the modern fam. Some dads are at home perfecting their brownie recipes, while boss moms bring home the bacon. And those stereotypes? Time to toss 'em out like last week's leftovers.

So what if society still occasionally side-eyes the career-driven mama? Rock that boardroom and bedtime story like the rockstar you are! Remember, your hard work pays off in many ways: maybe it's that summer getaway or the extra art class for little Timmy.

Here's the golden nugget: YOU define your balance. Maybe for you, it's sneaking in work while the kiddos nap (or during their 5th replay of - something Disney). Or perhaps it’s taking that high-powered job, even if it means occasionally missing school plays.

Want to know what I forget to do - pour yourself a cup of Self-Love!

Ever tried pouring from an empty coffee pot? Yeah, doesn’t quite work, does it? We often run around catering to everyone’s needs like caffeinated baristas during the morning rush, but when was the last time you made a cup for yourself?

If you want to sprinkle some sanity into the chaos soup of motherhood and work, you've got to hit that self-care button! And no, you don’t need to book a lavish spa weekend (though if you do, take me with you!). Sometimes, all it takes is 15 minutes of quiet bliss when my kiddo is asleep, and I can hear my own thoughts for once.

Wondering how to make those 15 minutes count? Let’s brainstorm:

• Meditation: Think "Om" instead of "Mom" for a few minutes.

• Yoga: Just so you can flex more than just your multitasking muscles.

• Reading: Dive into a world without cleaning and deadlines.

• Journaling: Where you can admit that you sometimes hide the good snacks from the kids

• Dinner with a friend: Because adult conversation that isn’t about school projects is refreshing!

• Nature walks: To literally walk off the toddler tantrums and work emails.

• Bubble baths: Because you deserve bubbles beyond washing dishes.

• Hobbies: Remember those things you loved before ‘mom’ became your main title?

Having an activity to swoon over during bedtime stories or after work meetings? It’s like having that chocolate stash hidden in the top cupboard - utterly essential.

Oh yeah - Don't forget to boss up and set boundaries!

In the work world, there’s this funny little stat that 41% of folks think moms might be slacking because they need flexi-time for kiddo duties. Well, news flash! Being a mom means you've basically trained to be a superhero, mediator, chef, chauffeur, and everything in between. Those skills? They're premium leadership material.

It’s about time we erase the “just a mom” mentality. Pop into your boss's office and serve up a piping hot cup of “I’ve-got-this.” Motherhood has trained you to nurture tiny dictators—err, darlings—while handling tantrums with grace. And if that isn’t a masterclass in leadership, what is?

Keep this in your back pocket: Life’s surprises are like surprise toy boxes—sometimes you get a cool action figure, sometimes it's a rubber duck. Whether your kid decides to color the walls or you have a sudden work project, remember to lean on your squad (and maybe some chocolate).

So, dear Supermom, lace up those sneakers, toss that guilt aside, and remember, we're all just trying to keep our juggling balls in the air. Here's to the messy, unpredictable, but oh-so-worth-it adventure of being a working mom!