Rumaisa, a working mom of three, is constantly caught between work and family. At her job, she must stay on her toes to secure the paycheck — and at home she has to juggle everything from her children's meals to their homework to make sure they are happy and healthy.
Lately, she's been spending hours worrying that she's not doing enough for her little ones.
Have you ever felt like you wanted to be the perfect mother but it felt impossible to manage everything at the same time? You're not alone. A majority of working moms feel this way at some point during their journey of motherhood. It may seem impossible, but you can find a workable balance between home and work — with a handful of honest, practical strategies.
Get Those Tasks on Paper
Are you feeling overwhelmed just thinking about the dozens of tasks that await you? Start by making a rough list of everything that needs to be done. Jot it all down, then mark the most important items as urgent. Start with those and gradually shift to the ones that can wait.
Sticking to a list will:
- Help you reserve your energy for what needs your attention most
- Cut useless, time-wasting activities from your schedule
- Give you a clear direction on where to begin
- Give you a sense of accomplishment as each task gets completed
Hire a Helping Hand
If you can't find time in your busy schedule to address the growing piles of dishes and laundry, consider hiring some house help. It will:
- Take the extra stress of house chores off your back
- Give you the freedom to spend quality time with your children
- Help you find personal time to relax and take care of yourself
Get Yourself Some Backup
If you live in a joint household, you can ask your in-laws to take care of the children when you're at work. But this can be challenging — especially if you're conscious about your children's diet. In Pakistani households, children are often:
- Fed foods high in refined sugar
- Bought candy and chocolates as gifts from uncles and aunts
- Offered jellies and toffees to calm down when they start crying
You won't always be home to oversee everything personally, but you can:
- Use simple language to explain the risks of sugary foods to your children's caretakers
- Give them time to process the information without pressure
- Stay open to their questions and concerns
For practical scripts and strategies on navigating this exact conversation, read our guide: How Pakistani Mothers Can Avoid Sugar in Baby's Diet — Without Upsetting Elders.
Give Yourself Some Me-Time
While navigating the demands of motherhood and work, it's important not to lose track of yourself. Pick a day to kick back and genuinely rest:
- Finish that book you've always wanted to read while snacking on your favourite fruit
- Catch up with friends and treat yourself to a fulfilling lunch
- Give yourself a spa day — skincare, nails, whatever restores you
- Buy yourself something small to appreciate your own efforts
It's important to unwind because your mood directly affects the overall mood and behaviour of your little ones. When you're mentally relaxed, you can take on the day with fresh energy.
Remember: You're Not Superhuman
Despite all your efforts, you need to understand that:
- You can't control everything
- You can't always be present with your kids
- You can't plan everything in advance
- You can't control how things pan out
You're only human, and you need to treat yourself like one. Give yourself the freedom to fail, learn, and try again. That's not weakness — that's motherhood.
Don't Forget Your Baby's Nutrition
One of the biggest worries for working moms is what their baby eats when they're not around. If you're starting solids, having ready-made, genuinely nutritious options on hand makes a real difference — for you and for whoever is feeding the baby in your absence.
Our NutriBarley – Organic Baby Talbina Cereal and NutriNuts – Organic Nut & Grain Baby Cereal are quick to prepare, free from added sugar, and nourishing enough that you can feel confident handing them to a caretaker. For more on what your baby actually needs at this stage, read Iron Rich Foods for Babies: Full List & Why It Matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to feel guilty as a working mom? Completely. Most working mothers experience guilt at some point — it's a sign that you care deeply. The key is not to let guilt drive decisions. Research consistently shows that children of working mothers develop strong work ethics and independence. Being present and intentional when you are home matters more than total hours.
How do I handle it when my child cries every morning when I leave? This is one of the hardest parts of being a working mom. Keep goodbyes short and consistent — long, drawn-out farewells increase anxiety for both of you. Establish a simple goodbye ritual (a hug, a phrase, a wave from the window) and stick to it. Children adjust faster than we expect when the routine is predictable.
How can I make the most of limited time with my children? Quality over quantity. Put your phone away during meals and bedtime. Involve children in small tasks — cooking, folding laundry — so ordinary moments become connection time. Even 20 focused minutes of play or reading together has more impact than hours of distracted presence.
What do I do when I feel completely burnt out? Stop and rest before you break. Burnout is not a personal failure — it's a signal that your system is overloaded. Ask for help, reduce non-essential commitments, and prioritise sleep. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and your children need a rested mother more than a perfect one.
How do I talk to my employer about flexibility? Frame it around output, not hours. Come prepared with a proposal: which days, which hours, how your work will be covered. Many employers in Pakistan are open to hybrid arrangements when the request is professional and specific. If flexibility isn't possible, evaluate whether the role is sustainable long-term.
The Bottom Line
Motherhood is not a sprint — it's a marathon. Preserve your energy, make lists, and ask for help whenever you feel like you can't do it alone. It takes a village to raise a child, and there is no shame in building yours.
You are doing enough. Motherhood is not a day's or a year's work — it's a lifelong journey of courage and love. Despite what your mind might tell you sometimes, you are a good mom. And you've got this.
0 comments