If you're a working mom, you don't have to be told - it's hard work maintaining a career as well as a happy family. Here are some ideas on how to keep the balance between work and home.

Between sales calls and bake sales, board meetings and PTO meetings, there’s no questioning the fact that working mothers have it rough in today’s society. We live in a time where we are expected to give way more time and effort at work than most of us are getting paid for, in addition to working a 40+ hour week. We come home, beat and weary, to a house that needs cleaning, kids that need feeding, homework that need correcting, and once that’s through… well, it’s usually time to turn in for the night and begin the whole cycle over again. Whether you choose to maintain a career for personal fulfillment or out of sheer necessity, you are bound to have some difficulties balancing it all, while still holding on to a sliver of time to enjoy yourself as a person, not a Supermom or someone’s employee. Here are some ideas on how to deal with your schedule while keeping your sanity.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew: The ultimate Mom-weakness? Saying ‘Yes’ when someone asks you for your assistance. The desire to help others is engrained in our maternal instincts, but it does come to a point where you have to draw the line, for your own sake. If you know you have to work late all week, don’t offer to bake those cookies for your child’s class, and don’t feel bad about it, either – there are twenty other mothers who can take care of it this time.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help: For some reason, many of us feel that we are faulty or, dare I say, ‘bad mothers’ for not being able to juggle every little thing thrown our way. Kick this notion to the curb! We have to realize that being a Supermom doesn’t entail having actual super powers and we can’t be expected to do everything, all of the time. Don’t be afraid to ask hubby to do some of the work around the house or help with the children’s homework, or asking Mom-in-Law to watch the youngling’s for a night so you can take a break. You can’t effectively take care of others without first taking care of yourself first.

Don’t let your boss dictate your life: It’s hard to say to no the guy or gal who signs your paychecks. Sometimes, however, it is necessary. If you have an employer who expects you to work beyond your scheduled hours and you feel that it is conflicting with your family time, speak your mind, but just be sure you do it in a considerable manner. Next time Bossman asks you to work an hour late, reply respectfully, ‘I apologize, sir, but I have a family obligation at 5:30 since my workday is scheduled to end at 5:00. Can I possibly come in early one day in exchange?’ The key is offering an alternative; it is important to keep your job, after all. If your boss consistently requesting more time than you have to give, it might be time to start looking for a change.

It’ll take some time, but once you find that equilibrium between work and home, everyone wins - especially you.    

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Written By: Laura Viars, Family and Relationships Editor