My Struggles...while working full time, completing a MEd program, and being a mother

Since starting school in September 2011, some of my biggest challenges have been around time management and prioritization as my personal demands and commitments all compete with each other. 
 

My week consists of 45+ work hours (9-10 hour weekdays) and then 10+ hours weekly on the soccer field with my boys…and that does not include time for homework (my boys, as well as my own), grocery shopping, meal prep, laundry, housekeeping…and the list goes on… and most importantly…family time.  I struggle, as a working mother, to balance children, marriage, household, career, education, and selfishly…some personal time for myself.  At times…I feel like I am drowning…and barely able to keep my ahead above water.

My husband and I have had to find a balance with including our children in everything we do…as time together is very precious to us.  I am very appreciative and thankful for the help of my in-laws, as without them…my life would have been even more complicated as I would have had to figure out car-pooling.

Some days, I struggle to get things done, but at the end of the day, I reflect about my family and am very appreciative of the little things we do with each other…and are creating memories.  When the boys will be older, I know they will remember me attending school…but I want them to remember the quality time we have spent together and supported each other.

I know I will never feel perfectly caught up on all things that I expect of myself.  Balance isn’t something I will necessarily find in my multiple roles, but it is something I am always moving towards.  Some weeks will be productive for school work, and other weeks may require more “parenting” depending on what the boys may be going through.  In the long run, I may be able to figure out how to balance everything that is important to me.