Working Moms Share: 7 Tips That Will Change the Way You Work & Parent

“Look for places to work that will not take your peace of mind. Being away from home and kids is already a struggle. A company that does not value your family responsibilities and doesn't support your wellbeing isn't good on so many levels. Set your boundaries without compromising your work ethics and results. You can excel in both ‘jobs’ if you have your heart set on it.” —Grasiela Gama, Environmental Compliance Manager, Watkins Wellness

“Family comes first. Work for a company that also values family and treats its employees like their own.” —Leslie May, Senior Marketing Manager, Seven Seas Water Group

“Embrace being a parent! Every parent in my team has times they need something, whether it be coverage so they can attend a school function or moving a meeting due to a sick kid. Lean into those moments and ask for what you need. Set boundaries and ensure you know what is expected and that your manager is on the same page. By being transparent with your team and your leaders, everyone comes out on top. Also, when you see another parent who needs something, do what you can to help and hopefully they will do the same.” —Sarah Novotny, Director, Product Management, Tax Engine, Amazon

“Be upfront with leaders or your manager about your personal priorities and don’t ever be afraid to say you can’t make something because of a personal commitment for your child! Most managers understand and want to make you a happy employee, and that stems from feeling that you're a present parent, too.” —Sarah Magier, Corporate Operations Engineer, Dropbox

“Have good communication skills with your team and management.” —Sandra Franco, Sr. Accounts Payable, Seven Seas Water Group

“I’m a firm believer in not having it all. I find it to be an impossible expectation and can lead to self-doubt and burnout, especially for moms who usually take on so much (whether that’s for their kids and families or at their job). My advice is to live in the little moments, be mindful and present when you’re with your family, don’t let the work creep into your family time too often. And the real advice is that nothing is better for your mental health or at surprising your family than just saying yes to ordering delivery pizza.” —Alisa Padilla, Manager, Communications Program Management, Amazon

“Being a working parent can be very difficult in today's workforce. At times, as a parent you may feel guilty for missing out on certain events for the kids. The best advice that was given to me by a fellow working mom was to set boundaries and always prioritize your kids. As a parent, having work-life balance is extremely important and can assist with creating a healthy balance for yourself and your family.” —Tiara Buckmaster, Talent Generalist, JupiterOne 

“My advice to working moms is that boundaries are your best friend. Set boundaries with your children, your partner, and your employer. I allowed my daughter to be in my office, but she knew not to disturb me when I was on the phone. My partner knew that though I was home all day, it didn't mean that I was able to run errands or complete chores every day. My employer knew that I would end my workday at a specific time so I could be with my family in the evenings. Decide what your boundaries are and communicate them.” —Karen Munroe, Client Executive, Gradient AI

“Being a working parent is extremely rewarding. But there is no such thing as finding the perfect balance. Some days I feel like a ‘super mom,’ who can do it all without missing a beat, and other days—when I miss school events or pick up my daughter at the closing minute of after-care—I just remind myself that it’s okay, I’m okay, and she’s okay. Give yourself grace, show up present in the workplace and at home as best you can, know there will be some off days and some amazing ones, and make sure you enjoy the little special moments.” —Ashley Mahoney, External Communications Director, Vertex Pharmaceuticals

“Instead of allowing yourself to feel guilty about stretching yourself between work and your family, feel empowered to do well at work and with your family at home. It is not about perfection but about doing enough. Empowerment is important so you can show your children the value of hard work, that balancing is possible, and that you're committed to no longer feeling overwhelmed. Eliminate guilt by knowing that when you're at home, you're giving it your all, and when you're at work, you're doing the same. You are doing great, so be proud of yourself!” —Ilona Rogala-Werquin, Sr. Manager - Expansions, Amazon

“I have been following this advice so I wanted to share with others: Create a schedule for you and your kids. Re-evaluate your expectations to be realistic. Speak honestly with your kids and make them independent. Create work-life balance. And, lastly, feel empowered—you’re doing a great job! Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.” —Dilruba Malik, Senior SQA Manager, IoT Security, Palo Alto Networks

5. Be a role model

“I have worked my son’s entire life and after balancing both, I am glad I stayed working. There were times I envied my stay-at-home mom friends but I can honestly say, I wouldn’t change a thing. Today, my son is a successful lawyer! We are super close. He values the work ethic I passed on to him. He respects my career and my love for our family. He knows that I love him, and he will always come first. My advice to moms? Work hard, your sons and daughters are watching! They know they know how much you love them!” —Gia Sawko, Director of P&C Claims, Gradient AI

“Sono Bello has allowed me the privilege of growing my career alongside other career-focused parents. I'm grateful that we are dedicated to empowering team members with the training and support they need to do what is right personally and professionally. The best advice I've received was to create a realistic schedule that supports a healthy work-life balance. This sent a clear message to my team when I was available, and it allowed my children to know when they could rely on me to be present. Modeling time management for them has contributed to their own stellar work ethic.” —Amanda Garcia, Sr. Manager, Field Leadership, TMX, Sono Bello

“Bring your family along with you in your career. Last year I started a professionally game-changing role. My husband and I called the kids into the decision: ‘Mom wants to try something at work that will help her grow. You’ll have to do more around the house. Mom might work a lot sometimes, but she’ll have more flexibility in other ways. What do you think?’ The kids were on board. For most kids, every year, it’s a new grade, new teacher, new friends. They’re adaptable, they understand change.” —Mareshia Donald, Director, Chief of Staff to the Chief HR Officer, Vertex Pharmaceuticals

“My advice for other working parents is to make sure you plan ahead for your child's day to day to make it easier for you to work and to maximize your time with your child after work. Staying organized is a big factor as well!” —Ashley Hynson, Customer Response, Best Egg

“My advice would be to take your kid's daycare/school calendar and add it to your work calendar at the beginning of the year. There are a good number of staff/student holidays at schools that are atypical and to avoid being caught off-guard and to better plan for the year, I find it so helpful to add those dates that my son will be out of school to my own work calendar so I can be prepared!” —Makenzie O'Connell, Technical Recruiter, Dropbox