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The Working Mom Juggling Act

Making It Work for You and Your Baby

By Amy Dingmann

As much as we'd all like to win the coveted Supermom award, it really doesn't exist. If your parents, in-laws, siblings or friends ask what they can do to help, don't by shy. This is a great time to ask for help with cleaning, laundry, etc., so you can have a little extra snuggle time with your baby.

"If you have an engaged and helpful partner, it certainly makes a huge difference," Keroes says. "You learn it does take a village and we can't go it alone. Even if you pride yourself on fortitude and independence, look into getting a little outside help with cleaning the house or running errands. It may cost less than you think. Even if you splurge on the domestic cavalry only occasionally, freeing up the time will be, as they say, priceless."

When the workday is done, there is still work to do at home. When the household chores need to be tackled, why not involve your baby?

"Once the workday was done, I would still have chores to do at home," says Krista Hutchins, mother of three boys from Foley, Mnn. "I would try to involve my baby. When I did dishes, I would put him in a highchair with a bowl of water and spoons and just let him play like he was doing dishes too. Or we'd put an outdoor swing by the laundry machine and he would swing in that while I did laundry."

Want to see more?

• Little Employee of the Month: Working with Your Toddler So You Can Work at Home
• Have Baby, Still Travel: What Working Moms Do When Traveling
• Helpful Hints: From One Nursing, Working Mother to Another
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!