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Advice for MomsWorking Moms

How to Juggle Kids and Work Being an Introvert

According to an article in Psychology Today, introverts process more information than extroverts. The processing of this information requires introverts to spend time alone and in quiet surroundings.  As an introverted working mother, you may find it nearly impossible to maintain your sanity at times, but the following things will help you better adjust. Here’s how moms are juggling kids and work as an introvert. 

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#1. Schedule Some Alone Time

To begin, juggling kids and work as an introvert can be difficult. Mothers often experience a sense of guilt when they think of spending time alone, and that sense of guilt is even worse in case they are introverts.  After being away from your kids all day, you may feel as though they deserve your undivided attention. Yet, it will be hard for you to focus if you don’t take time to unwind first.  Schedule some downtime for yourself when you first get home from work. Take at least half an hour to recharge and then enjoy interacting with the kids.

 

#2. Set Limits

It’s hard not to compare yourself to extroverted mothers, who often seem to have a boundless amount of energy. You may feel tempted to try to keep up; however, doing so will probably leave you feeling worn out and frustrated.  Know what your limits are and do not be afraid to say no whenever the situation calls for it. Depending on your lifestyle and schedule that could include saying no to letting your children have it their way all the time.

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Photo by Monika Balčiūnienė from Pexels

#3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Just because other moms seem to do more does not mean you should feel guilty. Remember that you are wired differently than extroverted mothers, who do not require the same level of solitude that you do.  Every mother also has her own parenting style, meaning that the way you raise your children will be different from how other people rear theirs. Give your children unconditional love and set aside time especially for them. Aside from that, you don’t really need to worry about how or what other parents doYour kids will turn out fine, even if you do things a little differently than everyone else.

 

#4. Have a Support Network

Many moms underestimate how difficult working while raising children can be. Introverted mothers, in particular, can find themselves being overwhelmed and in need of support.  Don’t wait until you feel frazzled to develop a network of people who can help you. The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is exactly what this means. 

Perhaps it is friends with little ones around the same age who can take care of your kids now and then.  Make it a bit easier by having someone who can help with cleaning, shopping, or doing laundry.  Either way, identify those people now so you will know who to call on when or if the situation calls for it.


 

#5. Recognize The Signs of Burnout

One problem introverted moms have is continuing to push themselves despite certain warning signs that indicate they are reaching their limits. 

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Accordingly, it’s important for you to recognize the signs of burnout, which can include:

  • Feeling anxious or dreadful about going to work
  • Calling in sick when you are not actually ill
  • Decreased productivity
  • Emotional exhaustion, which can include crying spells
  • General depression

If you experience any of the signs of burnout, it’s important to take immediate actionGive yourself some time away in order to regroup your thought process. If that doesn’t help, you may need to ask your boss to change some of your job duties or even reassign you. This can help you with juggling kids and work.

 

#6. Choose The Right Workplace

A good workplace can minimize feelings of burnout while helping introverted working moms feel at home.  When deciding where to work, don’t underestimate the importance of company culture.  Find out how the company treats introverts and working moms in general. They should be supportive of both categories, as not all of us are extroverted, and with kids, there will often be situations when you’ll have to leave work early. 

Introverts will feel especially bad about it if the company makes a big fuss about leaving early.   Look for a business that espouses good work/life balance and provides adequate time off for you to attend to family responsibilities.  Within that company, seek managers who place a high emphasis on family responsibilities. Your manager should ideally provide you with a quiet workspace where you can better focus while on the job.  That way, you are less likely to bring that tired, worn-out feeling home with you.

 

#7. Limit Screen Time

As an introvert, one way in which you may unwind is by watching television or surfing the Internet. If so, you should be aware that electronic devices can have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, so instead of getting rest, you’ll be more wired. Rather than using electronic devices, consider curling up with a good book or better yet, take a walk outside. That is normally enough to help most introverts clear their minds so they are ready to interact with their children again.  Physical activity is always a good choice, and you might find that you can take your kids with you after a while.

 

#8. Enforce The Rules

It’s hard to feel relaxed when kids are constantly misbehaving. It is also not unusual for kids to act out when their parents get home. They haven’t seen you all day and are now vying for your attention. Establish clear rules for your children, spell out the consequences for violating them, and then stick to it. 

Sure, doing so may be rough in the beginning, but once your kids know they can’t jerk your chain, they are much more likely to be well behaved. This means you’ll be able to enjoy their company more without constantly having to yell and scream at them.

 

Final Word

Being an introverted mom has its advantages in that you are able to see the beauty in little things. That means you are apt to enjoy special moments with your children and build beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.  Ensure you continue to do so by keeping the above advice in mind.

 

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Jen McKenzie

Jen McKenzie is an independent business consultant from New York. She writes extensively on business, education and human resource topics. When Jennifer is not at her desk working, you can usually find her hiking or taking a road trip with her two dogs

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