I Don’t Know How She Does It!

Featured on the news yesterday was a review of the new movie ‘I Don’t Know How She Does It’ starring Sarah Jessica Parker. The film is based on the 2002 book by Alison Pearson and chronicles the life of a working mother of two children who takes on the challenges of balancing both work and family life.

Watching the clip reminded me of my past situation, how as a single mother of four children I was able to work full-time, sit on the parent teacher committee, taxi my children to their various activities, complete a degree and secure a managerial promotion at work.

In Control Of My Destiny

I became a single mother when the children were aged 8, 6, 3 and 18 months.  Although I knew I would face many challenges, what spurned me on was that  I came to terms with the fact that I had a choice. I could either allow my circumstances to take control of me or I could be in control of my destiny. I chose to be in control of my destiny.

I had no choice but to work full-time. The mortgage, bills, children’s clothes and activities still had to be paid for. I believed that I could still achieve my goals and ambitions.

People used to ask “How do you do that?”

Sometimes I would jokingly respond by saying. ” I manage to look calm whilst managing chaos.” I even adopted the name ‘Octomum’ because of my ability to multi-task.

 Structure Is The Key

For me the key element was having structure in the household. This meant that I had to construct a chart of the things that needed to be completed on a day by day basis.

As with all things you must have a plan. You have to know what it is you wish to achieve and break it down into small attainable chunks.

Whilst the children were growing up I always included them in the household chores. For example, I devised a rota for dusting polishing and vacuuming.

It not only helped me but it taught them life skills. I would  schedule time for household chores on Friday evening and became a family activity.

I remember running around collecting the children from school, childminder, dropping them off to swimming, dance and football activities and going home to feed them, bathe them, help with homework and settle them into bed.  Although I may have been tired, I would take out my books out and study.  It was not uncommon to wake up in the middle of the night still slumped on my books.

I am sure many mothers can relate to being this busy and having to juggle the demands of daily life.

Want More? Make sure you don’t miss out!

In my next post I will be sharing with you some quick tips and ideas that helped me to overcome some of the challenges facing women who are juggling family, studying and work.

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Sonia Greyson-Newman

Award winning/Life Coach/Author/Blogger/Speaker/Radio Presenter
Sonia supports women to get unstuck, jumpstart their lives and get their sassy back so that they can live the life of their desires.

Passionate about supporting women to live their best lives, Sonia’s is often invited to speak and contribute on a number of radio shows, speaking platforms and articles.
A housing professional, wife, mother of 4 and grandmother, Sonia believes that sometimes the simplest mind-set and lifestyle changes have the biggest impact on living a balanced and happy life.

Sonia offers life coaching tools, wellbeing tips and inspiration on her lifestyle blog.

https://www.soniagreysonnewman.com