Overview Balancing a career with motherhood may feel like an impossible task. On one hand, you have all the demands of a challenging career, and on the other, you have the pull of young children at home who need your love and care. It may seem like an unattainable dream to do well in one area of your life without sacrificing the other. While it isn't always easy, you can make several adjustments in your life to achieve a better balance with your career and motherhood. Step 1 Get organized at home and on the job. You will feel less frazzled if everything is in its place and you are not wasting valuable time searching for things that include the diaper bag, your keys or the report that is due. Use a master calendar and record every doctor appointment, play date and important business meeting so you know what is coming up. Before going to bed each night, see what you have in store for the next day and set out everything you need. Develop consistent routines for before and after work to keep everything going smoothly. Step 2 Enlist help from your spouse, family members or paid help. Don't expect others to know you are feeling overwhelmed. Communicate your feelings and ask your husband to assist or trade off certain parenting duties. Family members might be thrilled for the chance to spend time with your children to help care for them and give you a break. You may also eliminate stress by paying someone to clean your house or take care of landscaping chores. Step 3 Set realistic expectations. Realize that you are only human and you cannot give 150 percent at home and on the job without burning yourself out. Focus your greatest efforts on the important things and allow yourself to do the best you can with the rest. Step 4 Keep a separation between work time and parenting time. Try to avoid worrying about the kids while you're at work, and worrying about work responsibilities while you're at home. If you work at home, work in an area of your house that is quiet and away from the busy areas, such as the kitchen and living room. When you are spending time with the kids, focus solely on them without trying to multitask and work at the same time. Step 5 Take care of yourself. It may sound easier said than done, but with the demands of a career and motherhood, you have to make time to keep yourself well rested and healthy. Try scheduling a few single days or half days of vacation every few months and spend time doing something you enjoy. Hire a sitter every now and then to watch the kids on a weekend so you can have a date night or evening out with the girls. Eat healthy foods and try to get a good night's sleep every evening. Step 6 Consider an alternative work schedule. If you find your current position is too demanding to strike a good balance with motherhood and your career, evaluate your options. Your present employer may be willing to allow you to work a few days from home or work reduced hours. You may also find a different company with a shorter commute or hours that are more flexible that would make it easier to balance your work and home life. Source: livestrong.com