Caitlin Kruse | Maintaining Self While Blogging Alongside Parenting
by Neha Ruch
The blogging world may seem over-saturated these days, but throughout the last decade, there are certain names that have stood out through the crowd. To me, one of those names is Caitlin Kruse. Caitlin has ran editorial for successful websites like The Glitter Guide, and these days her career revolves around her own site, The Mama Notes, a playful, useful, encompassing community. She’s also home with her two daughters for the majority of their days. Caitlin shares how to maintain self care while working from home (and savoring the work week) and why being present is more important than clean shelves.
How did you change after becoming a mother?
Oh, I changed in every way! The saying is so true - that it can be hard to remember life before motherhood once you have kids.
I’ve learned to be more patient (something I’m still working on), to go with the flow, give up control, and have FUN again! I’ve also learned just how quickly time flies. I treasure all of the small moments so much more being a mom. I don’t wish away the work week. I get sad with every passing month thinking about how quickly childhood passes!
What choices did you make to accommodate motherhood? Would you make them again?
Motherhood is just a part of my identity and life now; I wouldn’t do anything differently. I’ve been able to continue to keep parts of myself (work, friends, self-care), while also having the title of “mom” be my number one priority and role.
Describe yourself as a mother in 3 words. What kind of mother would you like to be?
Three words…that is tough! I hope that my daughters think of me as loving, fun and inspiring. I hope I can teach them to be strong, independent leaders while also being silly and loving with them. I want to show them that you can have a career and passions, while also being a great mom.
How do you take care of yourself outside of motherhood?
I make time for myself whenever I can and my husband is really supportive of that, which I appreciate. Since I work from home full-time and am also with our girls often, I carry a lot of stress, and work a lot of late nights.
The only way I don’t go crazy is by having time carved out to fill myself up in other ways; like going out to dinner with girlfriends or taking a weekend trip to NYC. I always come back feeling refreshed, inspired and EAGER to step back into my mom-life zone, if that makes sense. I love going to museums, getting dressed up for a meal or cocktails, shopping, traveling - still doing all of the things I did pre-kids.
Every mother needs help to find balance. What does your village look like?
Yes - I totally agree. I don’t even think balance really exists being a working mom! It’s near impossible to be everything to everyone.
I have a close-knit group of girlfriends whom I text with constantly; some are moms and others aren’t. I wouldn’t be here without them or my parents who live 25 minutes away and are a huge help!! I also have a community online of moms who I count on for support & encouragement EVERY DAY!
What are you working on improving about yourself as a woman & a mother?
I’m working on being less connected to technology and my phone all the time, living in the moment, and stopping the comparison game (which consumes me a lot). It doesn’t help that my job revolves around being on Instagram.
I’m working on being more FUN and actually playing with my girls more each day. I find I get caught up in always doing something when I’m with them; organizing the toy shelves or meal planning with my notebook while we sit in the playroom together instead of actually playing with them! Living in the moment instead of just trying to be productive all day. I think this is so important and something I’m really working on!
Read More:
