Q: Hi Nina, I am a working women, wife, mother of 3 wonderful children and I am looking after my in-laws as well.  I am feeling so overwhelmed by all of my responsibilities and am finding that I am beginning to drop the ball on some of my responsibilities because I simply don’t have enough time in the day. This really is upsetting as I have prided myself in the past for being able to manage everything, but now it’s all getting too much.  I really need some help, I’m so stressed out.

A: First of all, I want to you to know that you are not alone.  There are so many families and women in this circumstance.  The first thing you need to do to is give yourself a break.  You are only one person and can only get so much done in one day. If your children are old enough, it’s time that they take up some of the tasks that are age appropriate.  For instance young ones can help with putting things away when it comes to clean up, older ones can take on chores like meal prep.  Also have a family meeting, let your family know how you are feeling and you need some support and help from them.  Most family members are more than willing to support you.  If your children have activities, reach out to other parents for car pooling schedules.

An important piece of the puzzle is also not to over extend yourself with too many extracurricular activities for the children.  I see this all the time, there are just too many activities and this not only stresses out parents but it also stresses out the children.  You have three children, I’m not sure of the their ages, but if they are close in age, see if there are activities that they can go to together so that cuts down the driving time.  Ask them what activity is most important to them and just do that one.

Stay organized, be flexible and delegate as much as you can.  Lack of delegation is the biggest downfall of leader, and that’s what you are.  I know initially it’s cumbersome but the long term benefits out way the time it will take to teach/train someone a task that doesn’t have to be done by you, for instance folding clothes and putting them away.  You can do this, just pause, take a breath and remember families have to rely on each other, so put some faith into yours and believe that they will be there to support you.

It’s my honour to serve you! God bless!

 

Have a question you’d like me to answer?

 

Email me at nina@theapostropheproject.com

 

Nina Ganguli is a Change Agent, Certified Professional Life Coach and Author of the book: Confessions of a Can’t-aholic: How to go from “I Can’t” to “I Can!”

For more about Nina Ganguli check out her website: www.theapostropheproject.com

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