Tips from a Multi-Tasking Mom - by Robin Gorman Newman, founder, www.MotherhoodLater.com

“TIPS FROM A MULTI-TASKING MOM” -- WANT TO GET SOMETHING DONE….GIVE IT TO A
BUSY MOM --By Robin Gorman Newman
Founder, www.MotherhoodLater.com (community/resource for those who became a mom
at age 35+, whether for the first time or again)


Back over this past summer, I was giving thought to doing some freelance
writing, but suddenly found myself in huge crunch mode. My son Seth, now
nearly 6, was off the month of August, and I fell behind in various
projects. Once he started kindergarten in September, I got involved helping
him transition into his new class, exploring after school pursuits, etc.
Never a dull moment as a multi-tasking mom. That said, I recently
thought….why not write a piece that would offer tips on “getting it all
done?” While I’m far from the expert on this subject, and feel like I never
get it all done, the following is my two-cents worth. Hopefully it will
resonate with you, and I’d love to have you weigh in with your personal tips
and feedback.

TIP #1 – FOCUS. This is one of the hardest things to do when you’re not
sure what to tackle first. As a big idea person, entrepreneur and writer, I
am adept at overwhelming myself. But, you need to prioritize to accomplish
your major goals. When creating your TO DO list, look ahead, with an eye
toward the life you aspire to lead in 2-5 years. Work at it now, even if
you take small steps. Try not to get caught up entirely in minutia because
there’s always an endless amount of it in our daily lives.

TIP #2 – CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACK. I recently attended a moms retreat at a
place called Peace Village in upstate NY. Their focus is teaching
meditation and how to incorporate it into your life. Periodically during
the day, at Peace Village, beautiful music plays for one minute intervals,
and you are supposed to stop in your tracks and take a silent pause…no
matter what activity you’re engaged in. I can’t say I’ve been able to adopt
this practice at home, but I see the merit. There’s a lot to be said for
creating moment of rejuvenation in your day. Even if you just stop whatever
you are doing, stretch, take a deep breath, look out the window, etc…..it
can help clear your head and be inspiring.

TIP #3 – KEEP IT REAL. The faster I try to get things done, the more
pressure I put on myself. Since I have a given window daily while my son is
in school, I am constantly looking at the clock, while I type fiercely at
the computer. As my son says, when he talks about his favorite film,
“Cars,” I feel like I racing to win the Piston Cup, except there is no real
end in sight. Instead of trying to work at lightning speed, it is more
fulfilling to accept what you are able to do and not set unrealistic
expectations. Racing the clock only makes your mind race, and it’s not very
gratifying at the end of the day.

TIP #4 – TAKE CARE. If you’re like me, you have moments when you wish you
could clone yourself. But, since I am only one person, I need to take care
of my body and soul. I go to the gym (not as often as I’d like, but at
least I’m there), try to spend time with friends, get occasional reflexology
massages (my favorite), indulge the bargain shopper in me with jaunts to TJ
Maxx…..etc. These are pursuits that in a perfect world would make their
way into our lives, but it doesn’t happen that way. We have to carve out
the time and allow ourselves to find happiness. You deserve it. Discover
what gives you pleasure, and work it in to your routine.

TIP #5 – MAKE A CONNECTION. I am a people person, and as such, working
from home is not easy for me. I bought a lap top and will sometimes write
at the local library, but it’s not enough. I crave camaraderie. So, nine
years ago I launched a networking group for enterprising women in New York
(ww.ibwc.org), and most recently, founded Motherhood Later….Than Sooner
(www.motherhoodlater.com). It is the only on and offline resource/community
for 35+ moms in the U.S. I began the NY chapter five years ago, when my son
was an infant, because I recognized the need to share my parenting
experience with peers. It proved so helpful, that today, I have made
genuine mom friends from it, and our children are growing up together. So,
don’t isolate yourself. It’s not always easy to get out of the house
without a specific agenda , so look for groups in your local community to
join. Take a class. Frequent a library or coffee shop. Find a
destination, and make it your place. Strike up a conversation. Meeting new
people keeps life interesting, and I’ve heard that people with good friends
live longer.


Robin Gorman Newman wears many hats. As an author, she has written How to
Marry a Mensch (decent person) and Meet a Mensch in New York. As a love
coach, she lectures, coaches singles privately, and founded
www.LoveCoach.com, where she dishes socializing advice. As a media
personality/relationship expert, she has appeared on radio and television
worldwide, including The Today Show, CNN and Good Day NY. As an
entrepreneur, she runs a public relations practice, RGN Communications. As
a work-at-home mom, her latest endeavor is Motherhood Later….Than Sooner
(www.MotherhoodLater.com), the only on and offline resource/community in the
U.S. for 35+ moms with young children. You may read her ongoing blog there.