In our last post, we discussed the third technique Daisy Dowling recommended to tackle the BIG challenge of working parenthood. In this post, we will move on to her fourth technique: Add Boundaries Back In.
The Fourth Technique: Add Boundaries Back In
It is important to note one obstacle that has blurred the lines between our work and home boundaries. With the rise and expansion of technology and work-from-home positions, it is more difficult to separate career and home life. While Daisy Dowling acknowledges that technology and remote positions have become beneficial for working moms, she also admits there is a disadvantage. Because there is no “demarcation” or separation between motherhood and career, you may feel constant pressure to “do both the mom job and your regular job at the same time”. This pressure can be harmful to your ability to be effective and fully focused in your separate spheres (motherhood and your career).
Thus, Daisy Dowling suggests putting boundaries back in, whether they be artificial or small. These boundaries will help you be “fully present, focused, and top of the game” in either “full mom mode” or “full professional mode” to be more effective and confident in whichever sphere you are working in. However you chose to add boundaries back in, it might be helpful to ask yourself, “How am I gonna be focused and present and delivering in the job at hand?”
Here are a few examples of small boundaries you may consider implementing into your routine:
- “Before 8:30 am, I am not opening my laptop because I am in full mom mode”
- “Before I enter work, I will take a few minutes in my car and put myself into full professional mode”
- “I am only gonna be in my professional mode when I have a blazer on”
- “My office is my workspace, and everything else is my mom space”
Want To Learn More?
Click here to be redirected to Daisy Dowling’s Mothers Lead the Way video and follow along for the next series of techniques presented by Daisy Dowling.
Also, check out Daisy’s book, Workparent: The Complete Guide to Succeeding on the Job, Staying True to Yourself, and Raising Happy Kids.
References and Further Reading
Dowling, D. (2021). Workparent: The Complete Guide to Succeeding on the Job, Staying True to Yourself, and Raising Happy Kids. Harvard Business Review Press.