by Phyllis Grimes

Created on: September 28, 2009   Last Updated: September 30, 2009

Finding a balance between motherhood and a career is just one (albeit multi-faceted) challenge for many women. There are additional roles and responsibilities many women fulfill as well: wife, daughter, sister, aunt, volunteer, homeowner, neighbor, pet-owner, friend, student, church member- just to name a few. Each role brings privileges, as well as duties, and it can often be overwhelming and frustrating. There are so many aspects of life that vie for women's time and attention; it can be staggering. Hopefully, this article can help to alleviate some of the stress that comes from balancing home and work. Some areas to consider can include: setting priorities, the flexibility of the job, making the most of motherhood, practicing self-care, and eliciting help from others.

Setting Priorities

Before going back to work after having a child, a mother must have her priorities firmly set. Being a mother is the most important job a woman can ever have in life, next to being a wife. A mother not only feeds and clothes her child; she is nurturing an individual who will become a part of the next generation. More importantly, she is raising an eternal soul. Therefore, the child's needs should always come before the demands of a career. If you need help with clarity on your goals, there are many suggestions on setting Christian priorities in the book, A Woman's Secret to a Balanced Life (2004), by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes.

Before returning to work, it is important to examine the reasons to stay home versus continuing with the career. Is it financially necessary to work? What type of daycare is available, and does the cost of it, along with the expenses of updating the wardrobe, work supplies, meals and fuel still make it financially worth working outside of the home? Will there still be energy and enthusiasm enough for the responsibilities of the afternoon and evening hours, including wake-ups in the middle of the night? If the child is school-aged, will he or she need before or after-school care due to long work hours? Is your spouse supportive of your working because he is certainly going to need to share household and other tasks.

Many women who worked while their children were very young regret spending time away from home now that they are older and looking back on their lives. So, just weigh everything out and see if you can take a year or two off from your career. This is not to make those women who do not have that choice feel guilty, but it is important

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