I couldn’t help but wonder, when did life start feeling like a never ending puzzle?
Back when it was just Layth, I had this balancing act down to an art.
Juggling work, bedtime stories, and playtime all somehow fit together like puzzle pieces.
But now, with Rizqy in the mix, it’s as if someone doubled those pieces, then tossed them in the air just to watch me scramble.
Every day is a new balancing act, trying to keep the peace between Layth’s dinosaur builds and Rizqy’s naps, while squeezing in a full workday.
It’s like being in a circus, but instead of applause, my reward is a (probably cold, best case – a lukewarm) cup of coffee and the satisfaction of having made it through the day with most of my sanity intact.
The Morning Dash
Wondering what a typical morning of mine looks like?
You’re in for a treat.
Picture this: my half-finished coffee cooling on the counter while I rush around, hunting down the missing socks, and maybe even the book my son told me he wanted to read in the car… two weeks ago.
Breakfast gets made, snacks get packed into bags.
If I’m lucky I get a speed check on my to do list like a pro before we dash out the door.
It’s a scene straight out of a mini movie: part comedy, part action-adventure.
The big trick?
I prep the night before.
I pack what I can, lay out the clothes, and reset the house by clearing any lingering mess that might overwhelm me in the morning.
Most importantly, I make sure the dishes are done.
Because nothing sets the tone for a new day quite like a reset home.
Learning to Let Go
Mummies, let’s talk about flexibility, because honestly, it’s the only thing holding me together most days.
Back when it was just Layth, I was all about getting everything just right.
Let’s be real: who isn’t a perfectionist with their first child?
We dive into parenting books, take notes, set routines, and somewhere along the way, we convince ourselves we have to follow every word to a T.
I was no exception.
I’d planned for everything from nap schedules to homemade meals and imagined myself breezing through motherhood like it was a checklist.
But life with kids? It laughs at checklists.
When I welcomed my second boy, Rizqy, I realised just how unpredictable, messy, and wonderfully different every day is.
Suddenly, I couldn’t stick to the perfectly laid plans I’d clung to before.
Missing a school form or skipping the homemade dinner didn’t mean I was ‘failing’, it just meant I was adapting to the groove of the new dynamics of my little family.
I learned to roll with it and to forgive myself for the little slip-ups, knowing I was still showing up with all the love and care my kids need.
Now, flexibility has become my superpower.
Some days, that might mean grabbing takeaway instead of cooking, or rescheduling a family outing to make room for some much-needed downtime.
It’s about tuning in to what each day actually brings and knowing that a ‘perfect mummy’ isn’t the one who follows every plan but the one who can pivot, breathe, and still enjoy the ride (mostly).
Boundaries, Boundaries, Boundaries
As a working stay-at-home mummy, boundaries have become essential in my daily routine.
When I’m working, I give it my full focus (well, as much as possible), checking off my to-do list and tackling tasks.
But when I’m with the kids, I aim to be fully present and enjoy our time together.
It’s definitely a challenge because work rarely pauses, and true work-life balance can feel like wishful thinking.
But even small boundaries such as closing my laptop at a certain hour or calling the kids out saying “Mummy’s done!” helps me feel more connected to both my work and my family, giving each the attention they deserve.
The Power of a Support System
It’s not all on me, either.
One thing I’m incredibly grateful for is my support system, my husband, who are all there when things get a little too crazy.
My husband and I have become champions of the tag-team approach.
When I’m on a tight deadline, he takes over.
When he has a late work call, I jump into action.
It’s a bit like passing a baton, each of us picking up where the other left off.
Having that support makes everything feel more doable, and I couldn’t do this without it.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Of course, there’s self-care, which I’ve come to see not as a luxury but as a must-have.
Whether it’s a little scroll through online shopping, catching up on a K-drama, or even just a quiet cup of coffee to myself (hopefully hot this time!), those small moments give me the energy to keep going.
Taking time for myself isn’t selfish; it’s what keeps me able to give my best to everyone else.
Finding Joy in the Little Moments
The truth is, all this beautiful chaos holds so much joy.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of each day and suddenly realise it’s Friday again, with the whole week feeling like a blur of routines and to-dos.
But I try to be intentional about pausing and savouring these moments while my kids are still little, knowing these days are fleeting.
Because, in the end, it’s the little moments that mean the most.
The way Layth lights up, beaming with pride as he shows me his latest drawing or Rizqy’s contagious laugh that fills the whole room with happiness and my favourite – our cosy bedtime stories where we all pile together, snuggled up and giggling.
Of course, there’s the endless chorus of “Mummy, mummy, mummy!” echoing around the house, each one a reminder that I am their safe place, their comfort, their everything.
These are the real treasures, the precious moments that make the journey of motherhood so incredibly sweet.
And while it’s not always perfect, it’s a life I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Motherhood: The Beautifully Imperfect Journey
So here’s the takeaway, mummies: balancing work and motherhood isn’t about chasing perfection.
It’s about showing up, adjusting, and cherishing this beautiful little family you’ve created.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as recognising that you’re doing an amazing job, even if it’s a little messy, a little chaotic, and far from picture-perfect.
So, take a moment to breathe, smile, and celebrate all the love, effort, and heart you pour into each day.
Because it’s true what they say: no one knows best like a mummy!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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