HERWORKINGMAMASTORY | CHANIQUE ZWARTZ

Chanique Zwartz is a mom of three littles ages 9, 6, and 1 year old, and is an

Internal Audit Manager - A very demanding job...

Who cares for your kids while you are at work, if at all?

My baby is currently taken care of by my Mom, who fortunately lives only a few minutes away. My boys are both at primary school and have extra mural activities that keep them busy after school, after which they come home. Both my husband and I currently have hybrid work-from-home arrangements. On the days we are not home, the boys join their sister at their grandparents' home.

What keeps your plate full these days? What's your job?

I have a very demanding day job which keeps me busy from at least 8 am - 4 pm daily. My work is very people-focused, so while it is hectic, it keeps me energised. My children's school and sports activities keep me busy after hours and sometimes during the day. My oldest is very active, so we always attend sports matches, transport him to practices, etc. The boys also have hectic social lives, which we play chauffeur. Our one-year-old keeps us on our toes as she enters that mobile stage. So our plates are overflowing with ensuring that we try and give each child what they need, as they are all very different.

What does your day-to-day look like, and how do you juggle it with kids? Could you walk us through your typical day?

Shoo! Where do I begin? Despite the many balls I juggle, the household runs smoothly as I always plan, adapt, and multitask. My day starts with an early morning feed with the baby (if I am lucky, she sleeps in a bit). Followed by getting the kids ready for school (dressed, fed, and daily lunchboxes). Once the kids are off to school, I prepare green juice and pack our lunches (usually prepped the night before). Quick tidying up before getting showered and ready for work. After work (home or office), I fetch my daughter, followed by some playtime with her while the boys do their thing. Twice a week, my Hubby and I would go for a run, which means the kids stay for a bit longer at granny. Preparation of supper and the next day's lunch is up next. Family dinner time! School time prep for me (putting out the next day's clothes, checking bags, etc.) while kids play and Hubby clears the kitchen. Bath time follows. As the boys go to bed, the baby is fed and put to bed. If I don't fall asleep while putting her down, I will have some downtime (if the laundry is up to date, if not, we do a load of washing and hang it out. Bedtimes follow with one or two night feeds after that.

What holds immense tension for you in managing everything (e.g., childcare, meals, mom guilt, friendship, being a single mom, your marriage, etc.)?

My most prominent tension is wanting to make sure I make time for everything and everyone I need to keep my cup full. I want to show my kids balance and lead by example in setting goals and achieving them. I don't believe in mom guilt, I communicate with my kids, and they even encourage me to go for a run or have alone time at the shops (mainly because the boys hate the mall!)

Do you work because you want to, need to, or combine both? What's your honest answer to the question, "Why do you work?"

I work (my current career) because I need to, but I do want to work, although I am hoping for a career change. I love spending time with my family, and I would like the flexibility to enjoy milestones with them but I could never be a full-time stay-at-home mom.

How does being a working mom impact your kids positively or negatively?

We can't have one without the other; negative is when they need me, and I can't be there, which does not happen often, but I have had to leave a sick child at home in the past. But it's primarily positive. I always explain to my kids why I have to work and why other parents work, which teaches accountability. Still, it helps them to understand that as a Mom, I have many roles, and while motherhood is an essential job for me, there are times that I may have to see to my other functions. It helps my kids set realistic expectations of us as parents. In addition, this helps my kids realize that as you are in someone's life, they can't always be present or see to your needs immediately.