Everyone’s buzzing about the new career advice book Lean In from Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg (check out this peak inside the book). While some people have more positive things to say than others, one thing’s for sure: A growing number of women want to have both a career and kids. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, close to one-third of mothers with children under 18 said they would prefer to work full time. In 2007, only 21 percent of mothers said the same.
Researchers asked 2,511 mothers and fathers about the challenges they face trying to balance a job and parenting. They also analyzed the American Time Use Survey, which asked more than 124,000 mothers and fathers how they split their time between work and home—and well they felt they managed it.
Why the uptick? Researchers say they think it might be due to economic necessity. “The women that said they didn’t have enough money to make ends meet were the ones who said they wanted to work full time,” says Kim Parker, MA, a study co-author and associate director at the Pew Research Center. But when it came to juggling work and family life, 56 percent of working mothers said it’s difficult to balance the two–while only 50 percent of dads said they have trouble dealing with it.
There’s no doubt about it: Raising a family can be hectic, and working 40 hours a week (sometimes more) just adds to the stress. See how real working moms (and fellow Women’s Health followers) make it work:
Women’s Health asked…
Do you work and raise a family at the same time? Tweet us your how-to tips with #WorkingMom and we’ll feature the best on our site!
— Women’s Health Mag (@WomensHealthMag) March 15, 2013
Followers answered:
@womenshealthmag Stop being a perfectionist. Some things can wait. Kids want quality time with you more than a spotless home. #WorkingMom — Jeani Fisher (@jeanifisher) March 15, 2013
@womenshealthmag #WorkingMom.My calendar is a lifesaver. Be organized, flexible and kind to yourself. As a single mom to 2, I have to be. — Renee Kapraun (@renlor40) March 15, 2013
@womenshealthmag #workingMom deal with post, party invites, replies etc as they come in never file or pile them.
— Julie Tattersdill(@JTattersdill) March 15, 2013
@womenshealthmag #WorkingMom Hire a housekeeper. Lean on your family. Carpools. Email/text w/teachers, coaches, etc. to stay connected.
— Amanda Todorovich (@amandatodo) March 15, 2013
@womenshealthmag #workingMom Organize, organize, organize- Everything has its place. — Susan McDaniel (@SMCWpg) March 15, 2013
@womenshealthmag #WorkingMom don’t forget to put the smartphone DOWN! — Denise Davis (@DDCheap) March 15, 2013
@womenshealthmag I cook dinners for the next night when I get home from work so we don’t have to scramble #WorkingMom
— Allisongar1 (@Allisongar1) March 15, 2013
@womenshealthmag Planning, planning and more planning.Menu plan for the week.Outfits for everyone planned the night before.#WorkingMom
— Malissa Martino (@MMartino1041) March 15, 2013
@womenshealthmag #WorkingMom I work at home 2 days/week and go in the office 3. It’s a great compromise to working full time & raising kids.
— Clarissa (@Clarissa_Laskey) March 15, 2013
@womenshealthmag Remember to take care of yourself! You’ll be able to balance things better. #workingmom #balance #familylife
— Ashley Saffell (@AshleySaffell) March 15, 2013
TELL US: What are your secrets for staying on top of things at work and at home? Share them in the comments!
More from Women’s Health:
Get Your Dream Job
Climb the Career Ladder: Easy Ways to Boost Your Career
5 Books That Will Change Your Career
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