Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless responsibilities. But this balance of work, personal care, career aspirations and the demands of raising a family can feel like a constant juggling act. However, with the right strategies, mindset and support it's possible to navigate this complex terrain with grace and resilience. That’s why we brought in 4 talented, motivated and relentless career women who are navigating the art of motherhood and life to give you some of their top tips. This webinar features radio and TV presenter, Pabi Moloi, Lyra Wellbeing’s Managing Director, Navlika Ratangee, YuLife SA Head of Marketing, Bernise Games, and Rectron's Head of HR, Nande Sikampula.Read on to learn their top 5 tips on navigating the balance of motherhood, work and wellbeing. Watch the full webinar here.1. Build Your Village“I never really understood the phrase it takes a village to raise a child — until I became a mom,” says Bernise, YuLife SA Head of Marketing. “And I really understood then how important it is to have your village, whether it be your family, friends or colleagues.”Even in today’s world, there’s still a lot of stigma around asking for help. And while it may seem like some moms have it all figured out, the truth is, many of them don’t! “It’s not weakness,” says Navlika from Lyra Wellbeing. “It’s not that somebody who has it together is doing everything on their own. It’s often that they do have a support system surrounding them. A big part of my support system, not just family and friends but my helper, as well, plays a critical part in just running my home.” No one can or should feel like they have to do it alone to be a good mother. Don't hesitate to lean on your village for assistance with childcare, household chores, or emotional support when needed. What’s more, by nurturing these connections, you can create a strong foundation for both your wellbeing and that of your children.2. Embrace ImperfectionAs a mother, it's natural to want to strive for perfection in every aspect of your life. However, constantly chasing an unattainable ideal can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy. So instead of aiming for perfection, embrace imperfection as a valuable life lesson for both yourself and your children. “I keep on having to remind myself that it’s so important for my children to see me navigating life. It’s so important for them to see that whilst I try to do the best that I can, it’s not going to be perfect, and that’s okay,” Navlika begins. “I’m role-modelling my kids that they don’t need to be perfect in everything that they do. And that’s a very sobering thought to hold onto,” she says. “What’s most important is that your child is happy — and you can only truly showcase that when you’re showing that you are happy.” By openly acknowledging your mistakes and demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, you teach your kids that it's okay to fall short sometimes. Show them that failure is not the end of the road but an opportunity for growth and learning.And it’s vital that moms not only showcase those imperfections to their children but also support other moms in the same situations and not project ideals and realities that simply aren’t attainable. 3. Involve Your Children in Setting BoundariesCommunication is key to maintaining a healthy work-life integration as a working mom. Take the time to sit down with your children and explain your work schedule and commitments. It can be as simple as letting them know when you’re in the office during the week and making sure they know they are a priority, but you have some other commitments you need to attend to as well. “I think the children need to be brought into that conversation as well,” says Navlika. “Whilst I completely agree in terms of having that focus time, because I think that quality over quantity makes a world of the difference, but it also allows you to put the boundaries in place to say: ‘I have a report that I need to work on and I need to get it done tonight, so between 7 and 8 I’m going to be working on that. So what do you need most from me right now?’, so that you’re managing expectations with your child as well.” By involving them in the process of setting boundaries and managing expectations, you empower them to understand the importance of your work while also valuing quality time together. Encourage open dialogue and mutual respect, so that your children feel heard and supported in their own endeavours as well.4. Define Your Self-Care RoutineWhether it be carving out time for a workout, indulging in a hobby, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone, prioritise activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Remember that self-care isn't selfish—it's an essential component of maintaining your overall wellbeing and ensuring you can show up for your child as your best self. And self-care routines can look different for everyone.“For me it’s exercise,” says host and journalist, Pabi Moloi. “I do the school drop off and I’m like ‘thank you enjoy school’ but I’m going to lift some heavy weights. And it reminds me of who I am.” Pabi goes on to say how she has mantras that she recites to herself in the gym, and that it’s a self-care routine that allows her to compartmentalise her life and make sure she’s attending to her passions as her fullest self — just as she’s attending to her children’s needs with her fullest self.The concept of self-care is often described as doing something “fun” — like exercising, hiking, hobbies or spa days. But even though some might deem work as the opposite of self-care, for others like Navlika, simply sitting in the office, working towards their goals and interacting with colleagues is self-care.“I think self-care can also look like learning a new skill, sometimes self-care is also sitting in the workplace,” says Navlika. “And we mustn’t overlook that. Work is not a bad thing, and it’s not in contrast to everything else that we do in life. And that’s why I’m not an advocate for ‘work-life balance’, [...] the term ‘work-life integration’ is a lot more flexible and a lot more inclusive. For me personally, I love my career. I love work. It makes me happy [...] and again, your children need to see that. They need to see that you derive pleasure from work too because you want to inculcate in them, that they must do what makes them happy.” Self-care looks different for every mom, and it's essential to identify what practices rejuvenate and replenish your spirit. By modelling goal-setting and achieving alongside healthy self-care habits, you teach your children the importance of prioritising their own needs and fostering a balanced approach to life.5. Advocate for Support at WorkThe corporate office also plays a role in the overall village that raises a child, and it’s important to raise conversations in the office to open up those pathways and spaces for innovation and further support to be normalised within all workplaces. “An employer plays a big part as well,” says Nande Sikampula, Head of HR at Rectron. “The programmes that we have as businesses and employers to try and assist and help working mothers is key because they are truly juggling quite a lot. Put initiatives like breastfeeding rooms for instance, if someone is coming back from maternity leave. Support them, and create awareness before they even get to the 3rd trimester. That open conversation and communication with the business and feeling comfortable and creating a culture of inclusivity for one to have that conversation with the HR team to say: ‘I am actually 3 months pregnant and I would like support, is there anything that is available for me?’ Because there are rights and there’s also entitlement for working moms — people who are expecting, as well as the mothers who are coming back from maternity leave.” Your workplace can be a valuable ally in your journey as a working mom. Don't hesitate to communicate your needs and challenges to your employers and colleagues. Whether it's requesting flexible work hours, access to breastfeeding facilities, or support from co-workers, advocating for accommodations can make a world of difference in your ability to juggle work and family responsibilities. When your workplace acknowledges and accommodates your role as a mother, it not only benefits your mental and emotional wellbeing but also strengthens your relationship with your children by allowing for more quality time together.“I had an opportunity to host a presenter search that required a lot of travel, and my son was just turning 2,” says Pabi. “And I thought there is no way, emotionally I’ll be a wreck, there is no way I can leave him behind. And so I just asked. ‘Can my son and our nanny, can they come travel with us?’. [...] Honestly, I was shaking and trembling, and to this production's credit, they said absolutely. [...] And it was an amazing way for us to be together and see the country but then I was also able to do my job. So wherever it is possible, just be brave enough to ask. The worst they can do is come back and say no.” Support your working moms with YuLife On a mission to inspire life and create a better working world through insurance and benefits offerings, YuLife provides employees with a wellbeing app that makes taking care of their needs simple and accessible. Meaning not only can working moms have access to best-in-class insurance cover for themselves and their families, but also access leading resources for women’s health and wellbeing, while making those habits and prioritising wellbeing simple and accessible. About YuLife.YuLife is working to reimagine the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. How does it work? Our award-winning app uses behavioural science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance programme, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, virtual GPs, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.Request a demo for your team today.