2. Set aside finite time for both work and being mom: basically this means if you go to work, leave work at work, so that when you are home you can embrace your role of motherhood without the cloud of work pelting you and your little sweetheart with rain. If you work from home, and are trying to balance work and motherhood, set aside time that will be devote to work, and time that work will not interfere with motherhood. This way, no matter what your kid will know they are loved. If you set aside time just for them, and no matter what happens it is them time, they will know that even though you work, they come first. Later in life they will understand when you have to miss a soccer game or a piano recital because of a big deadline at work. However, if you constantly try to combine the two, work and motherhood, both will be left lacking. Your children will feel neglected and your work time will be interrupted and not as productive.
3. Take time off: this means time off both work and playing mom. One of the best ways to find balance and to realign your priorities is to have some perspective. Perspective does not come easily when you are on a conference call covered in oatmeal your child lobbed at you across the kitchen. So, even if it is only one hour a week, get away from both. Leave the kids with Dad or a sitter, and get out. Shop, read, go out to eat, it really does not matter what you do as long as you take a break. When you return, you will be rejuvenated and ready to put on your cape and play super mom and wonder woman worker.
4. Find someone you trust: one of the best ways to find a balance with work and motherhood is to know that while you are working your children are being loved, treated well, and being taken care of. So, find a good sitter, family member, or day care facility to watch your children. It does not matter who you choose as long as you can be away from your children but have the piece of mind to know that they are in good hands. If you work from home and don't use a sitter while you work, you may want to simply secure your house, make sure knives, medications, and anything else that could be hazardous to your child is out of reach. That way, even if you can't see them you will know they are safe.

Balancing work and motherhood really comes down to how your children feel. If you working leaves them feeling neglected, unloved, or ignored, then you have not found a good balance, but if they know how much you love being with them, and if you make the most of the time you do spend with them, working as a mother will not make you a "bad mom".