Deciding whether to either give up a job you love or try to juggle work and small children is a dilemma that many women face when motherhood tugs. Here are some suggestions on how to make peace with your work-life balance.

One thing all working mothers know is that finding that elusive balance between work and home is not easy. Luckily, there are some tried and tested rules that really work.

    • Use all the support you can, whether it’s a nanny, a granny, an au pair, a crèche, nursery school, aftercare or a switched-on dad, you’re going to need a solid support system that you can trust.
    • Have back-up systems for when things don’t run according to plan.
    • Accept offers to help from friends and family. Reciprocate by taking their kids on weekends.
    • If you need a night nurse with a tiny baby and can afford the expense, get one.
    • Ignore criticism. You’re not a bad mother just because you’re working.
    • Accept that you’ll feel guilty, whether it’s for not being there enough for your children, or not clocking in the hours at work.
    • Budget time for yourself, to go to spas, have massages or simply taking time to read.
    • Pick one person – someone you trust – to accept advice from.
    • Spend quality time with your partner. This is important if you are to be a good parent and sustain that all-important relationship: your marriage. Have at least one 20-minute stretch of time per day where you and your partner cannot be interrupted.
    • Consider asking for greater flexibility at work, but make sure you do your homework first. Ask yourself if your expectations are realistic and don’t expect to be paid a full-time salary for part-time work. Your employer is not the only one who has to compromise.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more parenting.