How to Balance Your Time When You Are a Busy Mom

Kids crying, phone ringing, someone knocking at the door....

It's no wonder why many moms feel overwhelmed much of the time. Being pulled from every angle and needed by many people all at once is frustrating and too much for even the best multi-tasker. As a mom, you have to come to a point of realization, where you decide what things are most important, and which ones aren't.

Balance is an essential part of motherhood. Sure, you might make it through your years of active parenting without it, but eventually you will end up burned out and fizzle out quick. If you have noticed a lack of balance in your life lately, here are some tips that might help you find stable ground again amidst the busy-ness of your life.

One of the most important, and first, steps you have to take is to determine that you are in control. When you allow other people, or even circumstances, to determine your mood or how your day plays out, you will inevitably end up feeling totally out of control. And that's because you are!

Decide that nobody and nothing will be the determining factor as to whether or not you can maintain your cool. When you are in control, you choose how to behave and what to do when you face a problem.

I'm positively certain you have heard this many times, but if you haven't learned to follow this piece of advice, then it bears repeating again: SAY NO. It's okay to tell somebody you can't accept another responsibility. It's okay to choose not to do what others are doing. It's okay to say no to the extra play dates, car pools, or volunteering. It's okay!

Saying no will not kill you. Sure, the first couple of times you do it, you'll probably feel bad. But eventually, with time, you will learn firsthand that saying no is actually a good thing sometimes. You cannot continue to pile more on top of your plate when it is already overflowing. Step back and allow yourself to say no.

Get it through your head: You will never please everyone all the time. So if you are a people pleaser, this will cause not only unbalance in your life, but it will create feelings of resentment and anger that will fester until you finally deal with it.

There's no way you can be or do all that others expect from you. It's impossible. Moreso, it's ridiculous to even think you should try it. Everyone has opinions, but that doesn't mean you have to listen to or follow them all. Becoming a mom is a precious gift, and as a mom, you know what is best for your child. Sure, there will be times when you need advice or help from others. That's okay. But don't allow yourself to succumb to the pressure of trying to be what you think everyone else expects you to be. Be the best mom you can. Period.

In closing, I would like to encourage you to find time each day to slow down, breathe, and laugh. Enjoy your children and your family. Don't get so wrapped up in the busy-ness of life and Motherhood that you stop enjoying it. Remember to have fun with your kids. They're only kids one time. You can be a stuffy grown-up in a few years, if you wanna, but have some fun with your kids right now. That's the best way to find balance as a busy mom!