My baby will be due soon and this is the first time I will be an artist mom. Being a mom will be difficult and tiring but being an artist mom has a different level. I have thought a lot about how I will balance being both an artist and mom during my pregnancy. Here are some thoughts and ideas about being an artist mom.
Challenges of Being an Artist Mom
Here are some challenges of being an artist mom. I think it is good to think about what will be difficult and try to plan for it as best as possible.
Being lonely
Being tired
Time management
Not feeling like I am doing a good job in both being an artist or being a mom
Not accomplishing goals
Being too hard on myself
Ideas for How to Be an Artist Mom
My baby isn’t born yet but being an artist mom is something I am actively planning and thinking about. Here are some thoughts below. Of course take them with a grain of salt. I will report back to see what works and what doesn’t later!
The Challenges and the Solution Ideas
Being Lonely
Luckily I will have a couple of friends on maternity leave at the same time as me. I think it is nice to have a support system of moms going through a similar journey to help you not feel so alone. I also want to check in with my husband regularly to speak about how we are feeling since this is our first baby. I plan on meeting other moms at the library programs or in the community too. I will get involved with business and artist Facebook groups to help me feel less alone.
Being Tired
Being tired is something I don’t think I can solve! I have been very tired during this pregnancy and I’m sure when the baby is here it will be x10 or x100? I plan on batching activities like cleaning, meal prep, business jobs in my art business, as well as asking for help.
Time Management
I want to really use my planner and plan what are some goals I want accomplished each day, goals both in my art business and around the house. I plan on just choosing 3 things and maybe just one goal in the first few months. I also plan on batching similar tasks, asking my husband and other people for help.
Not feeling like I am doing a good job in both being an artist or being a mom
I think this one will be the hardest. I am definitely my worst critic. It’s also hard not to compare yourself to other moms or other artists. I will definitely lean in to my husband for support, I will have to cut back on projects and say no to some things and I’m sure I will have to choose how I am spending my time wisely. I also want to have a home studio so that I have opportunities, even just for 20 minutes during the day to make art.
Not accomplishing goals
I love making goals and it is hard not to feel defeated when a goal isn’t reached. This year I need to be more realistic about my goals and the time I will have. I will need to ask for more help and I will need to say no to things so that I have more time. Not accomplishing my goals is also a fear that I have. I still want time to work on my goals so I think it will be important to try to find balance.
Being too hard on myself
I am extremely hard on myself. I am going to really have to make sure I am taking care of myself with self-care so that I don’t become burnt out or overwhelmed. That seems to be when I am hardest on myself.
I hope these ideas are helpful and work out. I’m looking forward to my little one and this next chapter of my life being an artist mom!
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