Pages

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

The Multi-Tasking Mom

Okay…it’s confession time. Today was a day off for me. BUT – I still had a teleconference for work that I had to call in to. During this teleconference I…
· Got the kids up from nap and started their promised “Movie Theatre” with popcorn and M&Ms (designed to keep them busy during this teleconference)
· Switched a load of laundry and folded a load
· Unloaded the dishwasher
· Finished up a monthly report and sent it out
· Checked emails
· Got on Facebook
· Thought through the fact that I wasn’t planning on posting today, but decided to write about this
· And…oh yeah, participated in the teleconference
All moms multi-task. It is hard-wired in to us. If we didn’t do it, how would we be able to get everything done? Often I worry though, how effective am I at each of these tasks if I am doing it all at the same time?
Multi-tasking: Screwing up everything simultaneously. ~ Anon
Of course mom-guilt has me feeling bad that the kids were parked in front of the TV during the teleconference. They loved it, but certainly they didn’t benefit educationally, that is for sure.
As for the teleconference…luckily this time I was an active participant and hopefully I brought value to the discussion. There have been times that I have been caught before with, “What is your opinion, Nicole?” when I wasn’t quite paying attention. Shoot! “Well, I think you brought up many valid points. Actually I think you covered it all!” Hmmm. Hope that worked! I also assume there is a certain level of understanding there… at least I‘m calling in on my day off, right?
Certainly, I am not going to solve these issues of guilt today. I’m also not going to stop multi-tasking. How is that even possible? Shoot, I’m stirring our dinner on the stove as I type!
What I will do though… I will make sure that I prioritize important things like our tea party after the teleconference. Not to mention, enjoy every minute of our hide and seek marathon! I will delight in hearing Jillian whisper to me as we hide behind the laundry room door, “Mommy, you are really good at this game. I think you are the best hider.” Most of all, when I do have the time to do just one thing…I will really try to concentrate on being present.



4 comments:

  1. You are inspiring! I struggle with accomplishing my daily task and I am at home full-time with 3 girls and another on the way. I feel since I have become full time at home, I am not nearly as productive as before. I know it sounds small, but if you can ensure Ben and your babies have a solid home cooked meal...I really need to step it up. I have made dinner every night this week and its because if you can do it and work, so can I! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congrats on you new little one on the way! You raising three girls with another one coming is inspiring to me! Keep up the good work! Us moms need to stick together and root each other on... There is safety in numbers! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nicole, nice work on the blog! I love reading your posts, keep it up. There is no doubt it is challenging to juggle, family and work. It is great that you have found the balance that works for you.

    It’s funny in the morning if I find myself with and extra 15 mins. I ask myself, what can I get done? I find very often I can accomplish a lot like: emptying the dishwasher, throwing in a load of laundry, making lunches and getting the kids out the door for school. Multi-tasking (ADHD) is a survival skill for working moms.

    Best of luck to you.
    Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Elaine! Sounds like you sure have multi-tasking down girl! Love the ADHD analogy!

    ReplyDelete

Go ahead! Don't be shy...leave a comment! I would love to hear from you!