Occasional Assistants are delighted to introduce the following guest blog, written by Emma White, known as 'The Real Supermum':
TOP TIPS TO JUGGLING WORK AND PARENTING - A GUEST BLOG BY 'THE REAL SUPERMUM'
In November 2009 I was diagnosed with Bipolar, my world fell apart around me, not only was I faced with learning to accept my illness I had to give up my business that I had worked so hard to build. I became a stay at home mum and concentrated on learning to live with Bipolar. Six months later I was ready to face the world again but I was still prevented from returning to work, I set up a mums group on Facebook to pass the time yet still give me a focus. I was not prepared for what happened next.
Within a few weeks I had hundreds of mums join the group and it became an overnight success. I was thrust into dealing with aspects of others’ lives and many became dependent upon the support of the group. I was still very much in the depth of a Bipolar low but this new focus gave me the strength to fight back. Instead of refusing the medication prescribed I took it, I researched Bipolar and I faced it head on.
I began a blog in March 2011 with the simple concept of writing an online journal about my struggles with Bipolar. This too became a success without notice and the blog now sees over 21,000 visitors each month. The blog shares an average of 4 posts each day, that’s 120 articles to write or edit each month.
I spend my time on Facebook ensuring mums who need support receive it, that worries are responded too and those in need of extra support are sent the correct details for the health professionals. Other time is spent talking to and listening too mums who are depressed, or are struggling to deal with a troublesome past.
Did I mention I also have 6 children? My children are aged 1,2,3,8,9 and 13 and are the driving force behind all that I do, I want them to be proud of me and although I am not allowed to yet return to work, I feel I am still contributing something.
I was given the name Supermum by the women on my group, I earned the title they say, I added “The Real” into that title as that is what I am, a Real Supermum, who makes mistakes, throws more tantrums than her toddlers and often screws up, but; each day I do my very best and that is all we have as mothers, we are not perfect.
My Top Tips to Juggling Work and Parenting;
· Having a routine can make for an easier life; dedicate some time for family fun
· Schedule in activities, so your children never miss out and you know to be available for those times
· Reliable childcare and a list of emergency numbers for backup
· Keep your work and family life separate
· If you have a boss, ensure they know you have children so they know to expect the unexpected.
· PMA is something all mums should learn, having a Positive Mental Attitude can make all the difference.
· Delegate tasks to others, share the housework / school runs / kids bedtime etc.
· Having “Me Time”, stresses of work and being a mother can become daunting, it is essential that you take care of yourself and
have some quality time to do tasks that you enjoy.
Your children are your main priority, their needs must always come before your career but work and being a mum does not need to be so difficult, by ensuring you have a routine in place and a schedule for them to do activities they enjoy, both mum and kids can find a happy
balance.
“The Real Supermum is a mum to 6 and runs a support network for mums who have suffered troubled pasts, she also blogs in the hope of ensuring no other women ever has to feel alone and frightened as she once did. You can read her open and honest blog to find out more;
http://www.therealsupermumblog.com/
Twitter: @TheRealSupermum
TOP TIPS TO JUGGLING WORK AND PARENTING - A GUEST BLOG BY 'THE REAL SUPERMUM'
In November 2009 I was diagnosed with Bipolar, my world fell apart around me, not only was I faced with learning to accept my illness I had to give up my business that I had worked so hard to build. I became a stay at home mum and concentrated on learning to live with Bipolar. Six months later I was ready to face the world again but I was still prevented from returning to work, I set up a mums group on Facebook to pass the time yet still give me a focus. I was not prepared for what happened next.
Within a few weeks I had hundreds of mums join the group and it became an overnight success. I was thrust into dealing with aspects of others’ lives and many became dependent upon the support of the group. I was still very much in the depth of a Bipolar low but this new focus gave me the strength to fight back. Instead of refusing the medication prescribed I took it, I researched Bipolar and I faced it head on.
I began a blog in March 2011 with the simple concept of writing an online journal about my struggles with Bipolar. This too became a success without notice and the blog now sees over 21,000 visitors each month. The blog shares an average of 4 posts each day, that’s 120 articles to write or edit each month.
I spend my time on Facebook ensuring mums who need support receive it, that worries are responded too and those in need of extra support are sent the correct details for the health professionals. Other time is spent talking to and listening too mums who are depressed, or are struggling to deal with a troublesome past.
Did I mention I also have 6 children? My children are aged 1,2,3,8,9 and 13 and are the driving force behind all that I do, I want them to be proud of me and although I am not allowed to yet return to work, I feel I am still contributing something.
I was given the name Supermum by the women on my group, I earned the title they say, I added “The Real” into that title as that is what I am, a Real Supermum, who makes mistakes, throws more tantrums than her toddlers and often screws up, but; each day I do my very best and that is all we have as mothers, we are not perfect.
My Top Tips to Juggling Work and Parenting;
· Having a routine can make for an easier life; dedicate some time for family fun
· Schedule in activities, so your children never miss out and you know to be available for those times
· Reliable childcare and a list of emergency numbers for backup
· Keep your work and family life separate
· If you have a boss, ensure they know you have children so they know to expect the unexpected.
· PMA is something all mums should learn, having a Positive Mental Attitude can make all the difference.
· Delegate tasks to others, share the housework / school runs / kids bedtime etc.
· Having “Me Time”, stresses of work and being a mother can become daunting, it is essential that you take care of yourself and
have some quality time to do tasks that you enjoy.
Your children are your main priority, their needs must always come before your career but work and being a mum does not need to be so difficult, by ensuring you have a routine in place and a schedule for them to do activities they enjoy, both mum and kids can find a happy
balance.
“The Real Supermum is a mum to 6 and runs a support network for mums who have suffered troubled pasts, she also blogs in the hope of ensuring no other women ever has to feel alone and frightened as she once did. You can read her open and honest blog to find out more;
http://www.therealsupermumblog.com/
Twitter: @TheRealSupermum
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