How to be a working mom: 12 tips to have the best of both worlds

Hey there, fellow working mom! 💕Can we just take a moment to acknowledge how amazing you are? Juggling a career and motherhood is like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. Now, add living in a foreign country to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a whole new level of challenge. Trust me, I know – I’m right there with you, navigating the ups and downs of raising my 6-year-old daughter while pursuing a career in product management here in Denmark.

Picture this: There I was, fresh off the plane in Denmark, armed with nothing but a suitcase full of dreams and precisely zero Danish language skills. No job, no friends, and a whole lot of question marks about my future. Oh, and did I mention I was pregnant? Because apparently, I didn’t think I had enough on my plate! 😜

Fast forward a few years, and here I am, juggling a career in a Danish bank, raising a bilingual child, and still occasionally butchering the pronunciation of “rødgrød med fløde”. It’s been a wild ride, full of challenges, laughter, and more than a few “what am I doing?” moments. But you know what? I wouldn’t change it for the world.

So, grab your coffee☕ (or a comforting cup of Danish hygge-style hot chocolate), and let’s dive into 12 practical tips that’ll help you rock both your career and your role as a mom, no matter where in the world you are. We’ll cover everything from self-love to parenting hacks, plus some organizing tips and meal planning strategies that’ll make you want to high-five yourself. Ready to turn that overwhelm into “Oh, I’ve got this” – in multiple languages? Let’s go!

Self Love

1. Prioritize time for yourself

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. I learned this the hard way during my first year in Denmark when I was trying to be supermom, super employee, and super expat all at once. I ended up burning out faster than you can say “hygge”. Now, I make sure to carve out at least 15 minutes a day just for me, even if it’s just enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while listening to a podcast in English (sometimes, your native language is the best form of self-care!).

2. Focus on mental health

Managing stress and anxiety is crucial for working mothers, especially when you’re far from your support system. Practice mindfulness techniques or try short meditation sessions during your lunch break. I found joining a group of fellow international moms for weekly coffee meetups to be a lifesaver for my mental health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek professional support or confide in trusted friends.

3. Maintain physical wellness

Stay active with quick, efficient workouts. Try 15-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions or involve your kids in family fitness activities. I’ve found that exploring Danish nature with my daughter on weekend bike rides not only keeps us fit but also helps us connect with our new home.

4. Nurture career satisfaction

Align your career with your values and find ways to integrate work and family life. Negotiate flexible working arrangements if possible, and set clear boundaries between work and home to avoid burnout. Don’t be afraid to bring your unique international perspective to the table – it’s your superpower!

Parenting Hacks

5. Implement time-saving tips

Streamline your daily routines by preparing as much as possible the night before. Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and organize school bags in advance. Create a family command center to keep track of everyone’s schedules and important documents. I use a bilingual calendar to help my daughter understand our weekly plans in both English and Danish.

6. Focus on quality bonding activities

Make the most of your time with your children through meaningful, quick bonding activities. Have special rituals like a daily 10-minute storytime before bed or a weekly family game night. Use car rides or mealtimes as opportunities for meaningful conversations. We love to play “guess the language” during dinner, where we take turns saying words in different languages we’ve learned.

7. Support your child’s development

Stay involved in your child’s education by setting aside time to review homework or discuss their day at school. Create a designated study area at home and maintain open communication with teachers to stay informed about your child’s progress. Remember, your child’s bilingual journey is a gift – celebrate their progress in both languages!

8. Master behavior management

Establish consistent rules and routines to manage behavior effectively. Use positive reinforcement techniques and involve your children in setting family rules to encourage cooperation and responsibility. Be patient with yourself and your child as you navigate cultural differences in parenting styles.

Organize & Budgeting

9. Optimize home organization and time management

Create systems to keep your home running smoothly. Assign age-appropriate chores to children and use time-blocking techniques to manage your day efficiently. Invest in organizational tools like family calendar apps or shared to-do lists to keep everyone on the same page. I’ve found that adopting some Danish minimalism principles has helped keep our home clutter-free and easier to manage.

10. Practice smart financial planning

Take control of your family’s finances by creating and sticking to a budget. Use budgeting apps to track expenses and set savings goals. Consider automating bill payments and savings contributions to simplify your financial management. Don’t forget to factor in costs specific to expat life, like trips home or international school fees.

Quick Meals

11. Master quick and healthy recipes

When I first moved to Denmark, I was lost in the supermarket aisles, trying to decipher Danish food labels and figure out what on earth “leverpostej” was. Now, I’ve mastered the art of quick, healthy meals that… okay, I’m kidding. I still can’t bring myself to love smørrebrød (Danish friends, please don’t revoke my residency permit! 😂). But I’ve become a wizard at whipping up Chinese-inspired dishes using Danish ingredients. My go-to is a fusion version of “中国冷面” (Chinese cold noodles), using Italian pasta from my Danish pantry, crisp local veggies, eggs, and an authentic Chinese mixture sauce of peanut butter and soy sauce. It’s a flavor explosion ready in minutes – perfect for hectic days of conference calls and school pickups. 

12. Embrace meal prep strategies

Use weekends to batch cook or prepare freezer meals for busy weeknights. Invest in time-saving appliances like a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Create a rotating menu of family favorites to simplify meal planning and grocery shopping. I’ve found that incorporating both familiar dishes from home and new Danish favorites helps our family feel connected to both cultures.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to being a working mom

especially when you’re doing it in a foreign country. It’s about finding what works best for you and your family, whether that’s embracing local customs or creating your own unique blend of cultures at home. 

Embrace the journey, celebrate your successes (no matter how small), and be kind to yourself along the way. You’re not just juggling work and motherhood – you’re doing it while navigating a whole new culture. That’s no small feat!

By implementing these strategies, you can create a more harmonious balance between your career, motherhood, and life in your adopted country. At MumLifeHacks, we believe in empowering working moms to thrive in all aspects of life, no matter where that life takes them.

✍Share your own tips and experiences in the comments below – let’s support each other in this beautiful, global journey of working motherhood!