Episode #3 - Ashley Chang
In the fast-paced world of motherhood and career, finding time for what truly matters can feel like an insurmountable challenge. This blog post distills insights from the latest episode of the Feel Good Club podcast, featuring Tia Graham and her guest, Ashley Chang, who share invaluable strategies for working moms to reclaim their time and enhance their well-being. Ashely is the CEO and Co-Founder of the company, Sundays.
Understanding the Time Dilemma
In a society where working parents often report having less than an hour a day to themselves, the struggle for balance is real. Tia and Ashley discuss how many working parents feel overwhelmed and time-poor, which can lead to stress and burnout. They emphasize the importance of quality time with family and self-care, pointing out that the science of well-being suggests that individuals need at least two hours a day for activities that genuinely fill them with joy.
Creating a Family Knowledge Base
One of the first steps Ashley recommends is to unload the mental load that many moms carry. This involves getting all the crucial information out of your head and into a shared system. For example, details like pediatrician appointments, grocery lists, and car insurance renewals should be documented where everyone can access them. Tools like Google Docs or Notion can serve as effective platforms for this purpose. Ashley suggests starting with a 30-minute session to begin this process, using your calendar as a reference to identify important tasks and responsibilities.
Leveraging Fair Play for Shared Responsibilities
Once you’ve established a foundational knowledge base, Tia and Ashley discuss the importance of dividing family responsibilities using a system called Fair Play. This innovative tool consists of a deck of cards that outline all tasks necessary for maintaining a household. By categorizing responsibilities and discussing them with your partner, families can create a more equitable division of labor. This not only lightens the load for working moms but also fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration within the family.
Automating and Systematizing Tasks
After delineating responsibilities, Ashley encourages families to explore what tasks can be automated or systematized. For instance, meal planning can be streamlined by establishing a routine, and household supplies can be set up for automated delivery. This approach minimizes decision fatigue and allows parents to focus on activities that bring them joy, rather than getting bogged down by mundane tasks.
Key Takeaways
Reclaiming time as a working mom is about more than just managing a schedule; it's about creating systems that allow for a balanced and fulfilling life. By documenting essential information, using tools like Fair Play to share responsibilities, and automating repetitive tasks, moms can carve out the time they need for self-care and meaningful family interactions. Remember, it's not just about doing more but doing what really matters.
“You can divide the home and family responsibilities and decrease resentment.”
Guest Appearing in this Episode
Ashley Chang
Ashley is the CEO and co-founder of Sundays. She is on a mission to make it possible to have a meaningful career and family. She spent a decade in product management at fast-paced technology startups. She was the first employee at a developer tool called ReadMe, built the member experience at Collective Health, and helped to scale Carta's Venture Capital Business from $10 to $100M+.