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After A Long Hard Day At Work

© Maureen Fleury

A working mother has to "shift gears" when she arrives home from work. The transition from employee to mother can be difficult at times, especially if the workday has been stressful. In my own experience, after spending 40 minutes in rush hour traffic, all I want to do is come home and relax for a few minutes. Most times I don't get that opportunity, instead I am confronted with a bunch of questions or complaints. I am asked to look for a lost article, hear about a nasty teacher or referee a sibling dispute. I am lucky that my husband gets supper ready and I'm grateful for having one less thing to worry about.

By the time supper is finished, I am exhausted. My night isn't over yet. There are my regular nightly chores like getting lunches and clothes ready for the next day.

I asked other working mothers what they do when they arrive home and here were some of their answers:

sit and put my feet up

have a power nap

read the paper

take a bath or shower

have a drink

listen to music

take a short walk

My personal favourite is to stretch out on the bed for 10 minutes. I change out of my work clothes and put on something comfortable. If one of the kids disturbs me, I explain that I'm having quiet time and I will talk with them when I get up. While I'm lying down I try to clear my mind of all the things I have to do or forgot to do. Some type of brain erasing, I suppose. I may not feel refreshed, but at least better equipped to handle the role of motherhood.

These adjustment activities don't have to take a long time. With me, it can't be time-consuming because I don't get home until almost 6:00. Everybody is hungry and supper is waiting. People who get off work earlier could plan activites that take longer, such as going to the gym or a long walk.

If you have young children, some of these activities are not possible. Maybe try to get the kids to play quietly so you can take a couple of minutes to relax with them.

Working mothers have all learned the art of juggling, but the transition to our different daily roles can be difficult. If we can try to take a little time out for ourselves, it should be easier to interact with all the people who depend on us.

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