In Latin American culture, the Family is very important, as well as the role of women as those who take care of the home, this has become a tradition. However, Women have become active members in the workforce and have challenged the role of being the first caregiver in the family. Many women have left their place of origin in Latin America to immigrate to the United States in search of a better future. The need to improve the quality of life and provide for their families that they left behind at home has encouraged women to seek a life abroad, often leaving their children and other family members behind.
Even though the woman has left her home to work, she is expected to continue being the emotional support for her children and family. The woman who has immigrated faces many challenges such as crossing the border, language barrier, racism, discrimination, financial stress, fear of deportation, but the greatest stress is the separation from her family.
Maintaining the right balance between being a mother and being a working woman would seem impossible. But let's look at what can be done to achieve that balance.
Being a mother is an overflow of love, strength, courage in that being that awakens unimaginable feelings. Performing a job or profession, contributing to society, to the family, to improve their quality of life, complements this role.. It is not easy to be the best in both aspects, but it is a matter of dedicating a little patience to both. Patience to build strong relationships within the family environment, trying to protect those intimate moments and enjoying quality time.
As in the work area, maintain harmonious relationships with co-workers, patience to carry out the tasks of the trade, and discipline to achieve professional objectives. One of the feelings that affects many working mothers is guilt. of leaving their children in the care of their grandmother or other people to go to work, but it would be worth taking inventory of the advantages that their work outside the home brings to the family.
It is suggested that family organization strategies be adopted so that everyone can help maintain a clean, orderly and welcoming home; Teaching children to do some household chores without distinction of gender is a great factor in promoting independence, the value of work, a sense of responsibility and empathy. Involve your child in your activities If you have little time to spend with them, a trick is to prepare dinner or some dessert together, it does not mean that you make them cook (if they are very young), but it does mean that they put all the ingredients on the table. When you water your plants you can also do it together, you will even be teaching them the value of nature.
Support yourself with a nutritionist or moms who make healthy eating blogs. This will help you have greater organization in your kitchen and with your expenses. You won't have to spend hours thinking about what to eat, nutritionists or other mothers who share their tips on social networks can give you plans for your daily life.
This balance requires teamwork and good communication with your partner and your children. If you require extra help, a daycare or family support to take care of the children, do not hesitate to ask for it, this does not take away any merit from being a mother. Self-care is very important, take a few minutes for yourself, enjoy a mask, read a book, watch a movie, go out with your friends or go to the gym.
If you work in a company, try to negotiate with your boss, reach an agreement with them, leave all your duties to take a morning off in case you need to take the children to the doctor or other situation.
Learning to do more than one thing at a time, what they call multi-tasking, is important to speed up the different tasks that need to be done at home. Surely you have put on a load of washing machine when you are cooking or sweeping, because in addition to this, there are those who have acquired the ability to use wireless headphones to cook and take work meetings, take calls, listen to an audiobook or a podcast. If you are in a home office, take advantage of your breaks to wash the dishes or water the plants, small tasks that do not take more than 15 minutes.
You don't have to get rid of the activities you did before becoming a mom. Your personal and professional development is as important as theirs. Being a mother and a professional is demanding, but if done responsibly it can be edifying for the entire family.
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Alexandra Rivera is a therapist specializing in children, adolescents, adults and families. She sees therapy as a reciprocal collaborative process in which both parties learn and grow at the same time.
starting from a genuine interaction based on respect, compassion and empathy. I offer a safe, warm, non-judgmental environment so that there can be an expression and exploration of thoughts and emotions.
