Thinking of going back to work or working and thinking “this isn’t working”? Being a working mother is like chewing gum while knitting and jumping on a pogo stick. You absolutely must have a few tools and tricks to stand a chance of making it.

The Working Mom’s Top 10 Must Haves:

10

Housekeeper
Get a housekeeper if you can afford it. If you can’t afford the weekly treatment, compromise with a monthly deep clean to minimize your weekly drill.

9

Laundry service
Nothing is quite as overwhelming as a pile of laundry. For around $1.00 – 1.50 per pound, get your laundry washed, dried and folded by someone else. Door-to-door delivery may even be included.

8

Pilate’s ball, hand weights, and exercise bands
Think you don’t have time, money, or space to work out? Think again! For about $75 you can get everything you need to tone up at home and it won’t take up much space. Invest in these basics so you can get toned up without leaving the house, in about 20 minutes, three times a week.

7

Good haircut
Fighting with a bad haircut every morning will lengthen your morning routine and send you out the door frustrated and insecure. Find a haircut that is easy, works with the characteristics of your locks and compliments your features. Besides improving your confidence, and hence your professional performance (not to mention your income), it will also keep you sane.

6

Girlfriend time
Your stay-at-home-mom friends will remind you why you are glad you get to go to work. Your working-mom friends will remind you that you are not the only woman in the world struggling to balance it all. Get a new recipe, refer a housekeeper, or just share a bottle of wine. Whatever you do, don’t isolate yourself.

5

Bathtub and a candle
Let the stresses of the day escape through your fingers and toes while you soak in a dimly lit room reminding yourself of what a good job you are doing. Besides, studies show that raising your body temperature slightly before bed will help you sleep better.

4

Flexibility
In a world with sick kids, teacher-in-service days, and parent volunteer opportunities, flexible work hours and telecommuting can be the key to your sanity. Don’t trade flexibility for money when evaluating career options.

3

Crock-pot
Seven minutes…Seriously, you can make dinner in seven minutes with a crock-pot! A working mother without a crock-pot is like a house without electricity. Check out recipes at http://www.crock-pot.com/Recipes.aspx, http://southernfood.about.com/library/crock/blcpidx.htm and http://www.familycrockpotrecipes.com/.

2

Unwavering support
Spouse, ex, mother, neighbor, nanny, or best friend…regardless of who is in your support system, they need to be 100% on board. You can’t do it alone. Include your support system in your career decisions and decide together how you will handle the unexpected challenges.

1

Quality, reliable, nurturing childcare
When you feel good about your child’s environment and care while you are at work, you will be free to wow your boss, have lunch with a friend, and pursue your professional goals. For information and referrals check out http://www.naccrra.org/.

Bio: Courtney Briggs is a working mother of two and an MBA with over 15 years of advertising, sales, sales training, and management experience. Visit www.courtneybriggswrites.blogspot.com to learn more about her and her work. Check out www.momstrengths.blogspot.com to learn more about your unique Mom Strengths and how to use them to be a happier, more successful Mom.