Balancing Being a Mom and a Woman

by Bruno LoGreco

Once you become a mother, your time is no longer your own: your career, once the main focus of your life takes a back seat and your hobbies, interests and often even your friends, are cast aside while you attend to the needs of your children. Even if you love being a mom, putting your children’s needs ahead of your own year after year can take its toll, leaving you struggling to remember who you were before becoming a parent. If you find yourself becoming increasingly bitter or resentful, consider viewing your decision from a different perspective.

Acknowledge that you put your life on hold to be a mother.

There is no question that motherhood involves sacrifice. You surrender your body to aches and pains during the nine months of pregnancy and into labour and delivery. Once your child is born, you sacrifice your time, energy and, from time to time, your sanity. You may also feel that when you became a mother you lost your sense of identity. Gone are the days when people addressed you by name–now, you are so-and-so’s mom.

Instead of mourning your former self, try to acknowledge and embrace your decision to make loving, nurturing and caring for your child your number one priority. Your career may be on hold and your hobbies and interests taking a back seat, but your family is no doubt flourishing as a result.

Be proud of your accomplishments.

Your life is a culmination of the choices you’ve made. Putting aspects of your life on hold to care for your children may not be how you envisioned your future in the years before becoming a mom, but be proud of your choice to make their happiness a priority.

Motherhood can be a thankless job but the rewards are plenty. Providing your children with the security of a loving home and teaching them the life skills and values they’ll need as they grow into confident, well-adjusted individuals is no easy task, but one that you should consider as a major accomplishment.

Build upon the foundation you’ve created.

Motherhood doesn’t have to be all work and no play. A night off or a weekend away is a great way to reconnect with the love of your life and get some much-needed rest and relaxation. Since a spontaneous night out is probably a thing of the past, book the babysitter ahead of time and schedule monthly date nights like you would a doctor’s appointment. After all, both appointments are designed to improve your health!

Even taking a trip with the entire family and enjoying each other’s company in a different setting can help spice up your daily routine. Your kids will enjoy seeing their mom in a more-relaxed role as you create family memories you’ll enjoy sharing for years. The family that plays together, stays together!

Fulfill your needs and share your wisdom.

As your children grow older, take advantage of the “extra” time to rediscover what interests and inspires you, what brings you joy. Take a class, upgrade your skills…expand your horizons. Once again, it’s your turn to grow, to learn new ways to express yourself and share your gifts–and your wisdom–with the world.

As an author, national spokesperson, and contributor to television shows Style by Jury and Save Us from Our House, nationally renowned Master Life Coach Bruno LoGreco has helped Canadians from all walks of life discover the strength inside themselves to lead healthier, happier lives and walk with confidence on the path to success.