How can a teacher balance school and home life?
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Question:
Dear Teacher,
I had a baby in 2011 and have recently returned to my elementary teaching job. It has been a real struggle to balance my work and home life. I don’t feel like I am doing a very good job as a mom or a teacher and am completely run-down. As my New Year’s resolution I want to do a better job at managing my work and home. Do you have any ideas on how to help me get there?
Sincerely, Ella
Answer:
Dear Ella,
First off, congratulations on your new baby and for successfully transitioning yourself back into the workplace. Secondly, realize that you are not alone and that many mommies are practicing the same juggling act that you are. Raising a young family while working full-time is not easy, so you should begin by patting yourself on the back for all your efforts thus far. Try the tips for working moms below to make you feel more productive and less stressed.
Realize that things will be different and make adjustments. As I am sure you have already noticed, your life will never be the same, and while it has no doubt changed for the better, it will take some getting used to. There are probably small cuts you can make here and there, both at home and work. Maybe you can send your parent newsletter twice a month instead of once a week, give the baby a bath every other day instead of each night, or start accepting that your kitchen floor does not need to be steamed a few times a week. You have probably begun to naturally make these kinds of adjustments, and if so, now your job is to let the prioritizing happen and be okay with making little cutbacks. Household clutter can be endearing after all!
Make time for yourself. Both babies and teaching jobs can be demanding and you will need to make some time for just you in order to keep your sanity. While sleep is precious with a new baby in the house, you may find the quietest, most relaxing hours to be early morning or late night. Try getting up early to go for a run or read the newspaper in peace. Another idea is to work one “free” night into your schedule to do something social or fun while your partner stays at home. You’ll most likely feel happier and refreshed when you get home, something your family will be able to benefit from as well.
Take advantage of planning periods and prep time. Anyone who has worked a teaching job before knows how hard it is to be productive during teaching breaks. Resist the urge to meet with colleagues in the hall or check your personal accounts online and get to those lesson plans or report cards instead. You will feel so grateful to leave school with all of your work done. Once home, you can dedicate all your time to your family without feeling guilty about leaving unfinished work at school.
Ask for help. One very common mistake among working mothers is to give in to those desires to control everything and try to do it all on your own. Chances are there are many people in your life willing to help. Instead of creating that Revolutionary War unit from scratch, check with colleges for lesson suggestions and resources. At home seek out ways to steal those extra minutes your crave. Try splitting feeding or changing duties with your husband or start a carpool with another family from daycare in order to split pick-ups. I think you will find that even a few extra minutes in your day can make a big difference!
I hope this helps, Ella!
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