5 Things Working Moms Should Let Go

With so many responsibilities we have to worry about on a daily basis, it seems like we are always rushing from one thing to another. We never have time for ourselves to do what we love. And, we eventually feel tired, anxious, and stressed.

That’s no way to live. So, maybe we all need to start letting go of some things to live a more enriched, fulfilled, and healthy life.

1. Trying to get everything done by yourself.

While there are things that have to get done, sometimes we just need to let the dishes or laundry go for a night. We don’t always have to be the sole chef, chauffeur, doctor, or events coordinator in the household. There’s nothing wrong for asking for help when we’re busy or overwhelmed.

More importantly, don’t hesitate in reaching out for help instead of constantly saying that everything is “fine.”

2. Saying “yes” to everything.

The key to time management and self-care is identifying your priorities and not letting anything get in the way. This means turning down any requests for your time when it’s in short supply.

Even though you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, you need to set boundaries and protect your time so that you can take care of yourself and focus on the things that are most important for you, such as your health, career, family, or hobbies.

3. Apologizing.

We have a tendency to apologize. A lot. But, why say “sorry” when we’ve done nothing wrong? Definitely, own your mistakes. But, at the same time, never apologize for anything that you shouldn’t be sorry for.

4. Listening to negative self-talk.

This is something that a lot of women struggle with. But, as my dear friend Melissa Clampitt guest wrote for us, we need to stop beating ourselves up and focus on what makes you an amazing, beautiful, strong, and wonderful woman.

Melissa suggests that can achieve this by;

• Be yourself and love everything about yourself.
• Find your purpose and go for it.
• Stop comparing yourself to other moms and professionals.
• Don’t worry about what others think and surround yourself with people who lift you up.
• Set your intentions for the day and write out your affirmations.

5. Being a helicopter parent.

Coined by Dr. Haim Ginott in the 1969 book Parents & Teenagers, a helicopter parent is someone who hovers over their children like a helicopter. We can also call this “lawnmower parenting,” “cosseting parent,” “bulldoze parenting,” simply “overparenting.”

These types of parents are normally associated with teenagers and are known for arranging their class schedule, contacting a teacher about grades, and controlling their children’s eating or exercise habits. However, this type of parenting can apply at any age. For example, this could be a parent directing their toddler’s behavior. For elementary-age children, this could parents who over-enroll them in extracurricular activities, doing their homework for them, or selecting their friends for them.

Even if starts out as good intentions, there are serious consequences.

“The main problem with helicopter parenting is that it backfires,” explains Ann Dunnewold, Ph. D., a licensed psychologist and author of Even June Cleaver Would Forget the Juice Box. “The underlying message [the parent’s] overinvolvement sends to kids, however, is ‘my parent doesn’t trust me to do this on my own,’ [and this leads] to a lack of confidence.”

Additionally, overparenting can result in your children under-developing coping and life skills, increased anxiety, and a sense of entitlement.