Ever since I started the blog design, my life has been a bit on the “busy” side. When I’m not changing diapers, breaking up wrestling matches, cooking a meal or cleaning – I am glued to my computer. Designing, editing, coding, googling tutorials, writing posts, replying to emails and Facebook stalking. When I “work” I put my WHOLE self into it. I am a hard worker and I expect the absolute best of myself. I want people to know that the work I do for them is a priority….
And that’s just it. I have 2 jobs.
My #1 job is being a Mom/Wife.
My #2 job is being a blogger/designer.
And lately, I have switched those roles. I’ve put blogging/designing first -
and that is NOT okay.
So I made a change.
Yesterday I woke up, replied to my emails during morning cartoons, wrote my post for the day and left my computer. I worked on colors and patterns with Cohen, I tried to get Lucas to say a new word and he said “ball”, we went outside for almost 2 hrs – for a walk/jog, I took a much needed nap with Cohen, cleaned my house, did laundry AND had dinner ready.
My kids were SO good yesterday! I guess I didn’t realize how much my ‘work’ effects their behavior. I was present, we enjoyed one another & I didn’t feel bad at all for not being on my computer most of the day. This is going to be difficult for me to do, but I know it’s necessary. I chose to stay home with my boys so I could BE with them, not just have them around and me not be present.
I have a huge role that is the most important job I will ever have and I need to put forth the effort I put into my bloggin/designing job into that first. Thankfully I know that my clients understand this, most of them are Mom’s themselves. So, here is to the change. The change in my priorities. The change in knowing that a site can take up to 4 weeks to finish and it’s OKAY.
What challenges do you face as a Mom/Wife?
Do you prioritize something else over that role in your life?
I’m taking clients for April. Please contact me ASAP as I am only taking 2 spots for the month since I’ll be in the states visiting family.
That is so awesome that you are making the change to make sure your job as a wfie/mom are #1! I know so many who never do!
Tara recently posted..my pants are too tight
So true. When I put my work first, everyone else (myself included) pays the price. The house falls into the disarray, the boys run amok and there’s just not a good spirit in our home. When I put my family first I feel more organized and ultimately I’m able to do my job BETTER when it’s second to my family. It seems counter-intuitive, but it’s true!
This is one of my biggest struggles too and I completely understand. Being there just isn’t enough sometimes. I must say “in a minute” ten times or more a day. I of course feel guilt and am always trying to find the perfect balance.
Beth @ Through the Eyes of the Mrs. recently posted..Dear Mr.
I can’t stress how hard it is to be a working stay at home mom, as you know yourself. I don’t think people get it… or for that matter our children. When my kids were getting bigger they assumed just because I was at home that I was available to be at the beck and call. That was a hard one to get across to them. Although I tried to be there first and foremost for them, there were times when work had to be done. Guilt plays a huge roll in all of this and I always reminded myself that I was blessed with this opportunity to raise my children while making an income, and with that I have to step back and appreciate even the trials in this. The other option is NOT an option for me at all… to work out of the home, so I gladly take the struggles of dividing my time with my work and my kids and to rest in the fact that no matter what… I am here for them… rain or shine, scraped knee or special morning breakfast, referee or hug giver.
Sharon Bruyere recently posted..Copper Hand Stamped BELIEVE Heart Necklace
I could have written this exact post! The days that I am “present”, the kids are so much better behaved…and the days that I am working too much, and they are misbehaving are the days when I’m most frustrated. I have been working lots lately on finding a balance between spending time with them and choosing the right times to work.
Thanks for the post! It helps to know other mamas are in the same boat…and are doing something about it!
Jade recently posted..Calling All Creative Minds! And a Giveaway…
Your kids are ADORABLE! And you sounds like an AMAZING mama! Sometimes life gets crazy and we mix up our role in life… what’s important, and what’s not as important. You are so awesome for being able to take a step back and recognize what was happening, and then doing something about! We all need this reminder of what really comes first in life!
Courtney B recently posted..change is HARD
I can relate to this post so much. Adding it to my Friday Favorites today!
hi there, just found you at living in yellow!! I can totally relate to this post! i have been a stay at home mom for a while and amnow entering the work world (outside of home) and so far i am struggling to find balance!! it is a comfort to know i am not alone!!
I totally know what you mean when things get off balance, i.e. putting blogging/working ahead of wifehood/motherhood. Life can get out of whack when that happens. When I’m in that mode, I notice both my daughter and my husband “feel” it…not good. Thanks for sharing/relating this b/c you are not alone