All mothers are working mothers; however, those mothers who work at a job in addition to the one they have at home are a special breed who manage to make what they do look easy. Most of those “working mothers” agree that it isn’t always easy and they all say that holding down a job and taking care of children is a balancing act.
Tiffany Hill is the mother of two girls; Addie, 14 and Alia,7. She also is a real estate agent, entrepreneur and restaurant worker.
“It’s all about time management and making sure that I make the time I have with the girls valuable. I explain how my schedule benefits us so they understand but still make the effort to know their lives and schedules while I don’t have them. Working 3 jobs is exhausting but the rewards and time that we share together makes all those hours worthy. I’ve worked 134 hours in two weeks at the restaurant as well as shown house before and after work and catered a couple events in the last couple months,” said Hill.
Lincoln High School FFA teacher Brandi Rath takes her baby along with her at times.
“Springtime is my busiest time of year between FFA events, school, family obligations, and raising a one-year-old with my husband. Most of the time, Jackie ends up going with me to events and meetings in the evening if my husband has to work. I've come to realize that my son will grow up in a classroom and at FFA events and there's nothing wrong with that. On nights where he can't come with me, I have an awesome, supportive husband and family who are always there to help out,” said Rath.
Warsaw teacher Megan Daleske also relies on family to help out.
“Between teaching and coaching during season, the only way I am able to make it work is with a supportive husband, mom and mother-in-law. When they say ‘it takes a village’, that is absolutely the truth,” said Daleske!
Amber Glenn, a WHS English teacher, also said she relies on her husband.
“I couldn’t do this as successfully on my own; my husband does an equal amount of work with the kids and household responsibilities. We’re a great pair when it comes to parenting together. It also helps that my schedule is the same as the kid’s schedule since I’m a teacher. I’m blessed to have the three day weekend and summer off,” said Glenn.
Shamane Fluty agreed that a good father is important to the family.
“John keeps our home running smoothly. I can't do my job without him. My husband gets all the credit! I thank God for blessing me with a partner who holds us all together.”
The Fluty's have two children; Jett, 13 and Bell, 10.
Erica Kee works from home, but she said even working from home is stressful at times.
“Set boundaries, know when to clock out and shut off from work, have dinner together at the table every night and lean on your village to help out when needed! I work from home and knowing when to put work away can be difficult at times. Setting the boundaries is my biggest advice because at the end of the day being a great mom is more important! I also can’t quote the exact articles but studies show there are many benefits to children of working mothers,” said Kee!
Having a flexible schedule helps mothers who work outside of the home keep their commitments to their family as well as their job.
“Being a working mother is a testament to the art of balancing life's demands with grace and resilience. In a world where every moment counts, finding equilibrium between career and family is paramount. I am blessed to work in a flexible industry that enables me to cherish and be present for all of my children's important moments. It's not about juggling, but about crafting a harmonious melody where both work and family thrive,” said Kenzie Eldridge, another working mom.
Women often have to rely on others to help when they are overwhelmed with work and children.
“As a mother who works a full-time job, coaches a sport and is also a full-time student, the work load can often get overwhelming. I have tried my best to include my kids in everything that I do. I make time to plan out special days to spend with each of my children and of course we never miss a Friday night movie night. It’s the little traditions that we have that I feel they will remember the most. It’s not often that you don’t see me out and about without them, but when I am, I have an amazing support system. I am thankful for my little village of people who do help me when I can’t be there with them or they can’t come with me to events. I know not everyone is lucky enough to have that support system there for them. I’m beyond grateful and blessed,” said Brooklyn Hetherington.
Business owner Kenzi Wilson agrees that friends are important when raising children.
“Well, it’s very hard. There are times where I don’t know how I’m going to get the kids to an activity if I have to work late. That’s when I lean on other parents to help me out if need be. I have a great group of friends and we all try to help each other out when we can. Also, it’s nice to have a partner or husband to help also, that’s where the quote ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, comes in play,” said Wilson.
Barbara Yoder, a nurse and mother of six: Malachi: forever 14 (should be 18), Alysia: 16, Naomi: 15, Aleanah: 15, Deacon: 12, Chloe: 12, Gideon: 10, said that her faith helps her deal with the hardships of life.
“I have put Christ in the center of my life and when things arise, I go to Him. As a mother, I have always wanted to be an example to all my children, whether it be what type of woman I desire my girls to become or an example to my boys of what a godly woman should look like. Life in itself is demanding, we as mothers can be reactive to the demand or proactive through it. I want to be one that can even be proactive in my reactions to the unexpected and I believe that walking with Christ can help with that. Lastly, I have tried to incorporate self-care, whether in my health or education which allows me to be a better mother physically and mentally with the demands of life,” said Yoder.
Kelly Drake agreed with Yoder.
“Although I am a working mother, I have a great support system,” said Drake. “My husband, my children and most importantly God help me through day to day. We are a team.”
"Working moms are teaching their kids a solid work ethic. You’re teaching them that we don’t just have things handed to us, and we have to work for the things we want." -Unknown
