Paging Doctor Mom: Balancing Life as a Working Mother

Sugar Land, TX (PRWEB) March 22, 2007

Millions of mothers around the country wake up in the morning, make breakfast for the family, prepare the children's clothes to be worn for the day, pack lunch, and bring their children to school/daycare. For mothers who also choose a career, balancing home life can be especially challenging.

For one mother of 3 children in Sugar Land, Texas, the above scenario happens to only be the start of her day. Hanh Nguyen, M.D. also happens to be a pediatrician ( http://www.tykestoteens.net ). For her, the rest of the day involves rounding on newborn babies at the hospital, taking care of sick and well children in clinic, rounding on a hospitalized child at lunch, finishing off clinic in the afternoon, then going back to the hospital to see newborn babies in the afternoon.

"After work she picks up the kids, makes dinner, gives the kids a bath, and then spends time with them on their homework. Most of the time, I just get in the way. I help out where I can, but she seems to have a system down that keeps her going at 120%", says Dr. Nguyen's husband.

Dr. Nguyen doesn't feel like her routine is much different than most mothers. "Mothers do what needs to be done for the family. I think most mothers are constantly on their feet during the day trying to keep the house in order. I just happened to choose a career in medicine," says Dr. Nguyen. "Trying to find a balance is the key. Knowing your limits and when to ask for help makes balancing work and home life easier.

Dr. Nguyen additionally offers these tips for balancing work and home life:

1. Prioritize your schedule: place the "must do" activities at the top of the agenda.

2. Organize your time: the use of a paper or an electronic planner is key.

3. Drop unnecessary duties or tasks.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your spouse, family member, or friend: remember, you will likely be asked to return the favor one day.

5. Combine tasks: for example, review spelling words while giving your child her bath.

6. Give yourself a break: even supermoms need personal time. A great time to relax is after the kids (and husband) go to bed.

To learn more about Dr. Nguyen visit http://www.tykestoteens.net

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