If only there was flexibility and order in our lives. Wouldn’t life be easy and terrific? We all have a share of our difficult moments as mommies. The morning rush with one child needing to do her hair before school or one unable to get up in time for breakfast and another child hanging on to you not wanting to leave home.
Whether we are a stay at home mom, work at home mom or a mom working outside of home, we are pulled in every direction. Some moms stay at home and feel guilty for not contributing financially to the family and some who work outside of home feel bad because they are not spending time with their children and husband. Whatever situations we are in, they are all personal choices and different circumstances. Each has worries and challenges of its own, not forgetting the rewards too.
While we are doing life as mommies, let’s make the very best of our situations. Here are five things to look at for survival as mommies:
One: Assess your family’s needs
Mothers who work outside their homes may find themselves with nothing left at the end of the month because of childcare, transportation and eating out. Stay at home moms may be feeling extremely guilty for not contributing a dime to the family’s financial needs. Most leave their careers because of children, and childcare and other expenses add up to be the same as working outside of home.
Questions to ask:
What are the most important needs in my family?
What would happen if I stay home full time, work outside of home or stay at home and work from home part-time?
Which situations will best serve my family’s need?
These questions will take into consideration your family’s finances, time and health.
Two: The rain and sunshine of life
Women who are focusing on the ‘what ifs’ or ‘should haves’ will carry guilt, regret and fear. Life is never a bed of roses. We can expect the rain to come and the sunshine to follow. Children may get sick, teens may act up or your aging parents may need your time because of illnesses.
Questions to ask:
What can I change that will make our home life better?
What can’t be changed and needs alterations?
If we are financially strapped, what job or business could I look into to help us get by?
If my child is constantly sick, do we need to change something in his life?
These questions could help us adjust our expectations and have a different mindset.
Three: Run your family like a ‘business’
A business without a goal and action plan could fail or may just stay the same year after year. Likewise, a family without a common goal and plan of action each day may be just drifting. Just like a business, children grow older and their needs will be different. The family’s goals and action plan will need to be adjusted according to the growth. It may be different every year.
Stay at home moms who have older children may possibly find that it’s time to work part time at home or outside of their homes. After many years of staying at home, finding a job outside of her home without a ‘glorious’ resume or starting a business without any experience could be challenging.
Questions to ask:
Does each family member know his or her role in the family? (For example, chores and school work habits)
Do we watch TV or stay at the computer/electronics more than connecting with each other?
Do we just exist without any plans or goals?
These questions could help families have a clear vision for their life. Clear vision will help parents and children follow their goals and plan of actions each year.
Four: Co-op for learning, playtime, sharing of business ideas
Families who are homeschooling could start a co-op where moms pick certain topics to co-teach the children. This will save preparation time and leave the teaching of a certain subject to a mom who has the expertise. Some moms are good in math and some may be in writing.
You could also arrange for playtime and field trips for the kids. While moms are spending time together, perhaps there is an opportunity to share business ideas or have informal child-care arrangements. Moms could help each other and free up time to learn a skill, work part-time or grow their business.
Questions to ask:
Who in my neighborhood will be a good fit for my children’s learning, playtime and child care needs?
What could I do in my spare time with my friends in the neighborhood?
Should I find a part-time job or find a part-time business to generate income?
These questions could help free up your time, seek opportunity to advance your career or start a business.
Five: Coffee time (or Slique Tea time for me) and making money
There is a verse in the Bible that says money is the answer to everything. In this tough economy with companies’ cut backs and rising fuel and food prices, families are finding it hard to survive.
Coffee time with your friends and family at the café could be a time for chatting and making money. What’s worse than having no money to pay your bills?
We know most families’ financial situations will be different even with an extra $200 in their pockets every month. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation with your friends over coffee about the need to make more money. They may have a great opportunity for you. Or they may need the business or work opportunities you have.
Just last month, I met a friend who had just started a home-based business with another company. I was assuming she was too busy to look for a home-based business. I was wrong…I did not help her out. Someone did.
Questions to ask:
Who could I have coffee with and help?
What opportunities do I have that someone may need?
Is there someone I can bless today without expecting anything in return?
These questions will help us focus the needs around us. It is not about us. Who could I help with my talents, business or time?
The economy and the way we do business have changed. Everywhere you turn, in stores, magazines or TV, we see the displays of websites, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Everyone has a smartphone or some type of cell phone and are texting away. No one seems to be picking up the phone when we call.
The job scene is changing too and new skill sets are required. But there are two things that never change. They are communication skills and people skills.
What can you do now?
I’ve been in business for over 13 years and have grown my business when I was single, married and now a mom. I’ve juggled with work, family and life…it’s all worth it helping others and working with a plan. I have a passion to help more people feel better and make more money.
I recently had to make some tough decisions to let a part of my business go so I could be home more, have more freedom in my time, and actually make more money. It was a hard leap to make but I know I am not the only mom who has thought about changing their work situation.
In the month of May, I am going to help 20 individuals on my team grow or start their part time home business helping families save money and get healthier. We have over 13 established members who have said YES that they want to have more fun in business, be a part of a TEAM, work together to help those who are struggling with their health and need to reduce their expenses with a simple proven system.
Whether you want to work your business online through social media and blogging, or you want to work off line there is a simple system that can work for you.
Tuesday April 24th at 9pm EST we will be sharing about the May Business Plan 1 + 1. If you are ready to make a change, increase your cash flow, reduce your debt, help many people, and work with a fun and excited team then join us to learn more and see if the Young Living Business 1 + 1 is right for you.
Title: Young living Business 1 + 1
Time: Tuesday, April 24th at 9:00pm Eastern
Listening method: Phone + Web Simulcast
Event password: oneplusone
To attend, visit this link.
Phone Number: (203) 347-3041 Pin Code: 700454#
Let’s help change someone’s economy, health and total wellness together.
We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.
assessing the family needs, then prioritizing are excellent steps to survival. Thanks for the information Dr. Mary
Great blog Mary. Thanks for sharing:)