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SALT LAKE CITY — It doesn't matter if your a working mother or a stay-at-home mom. It's a constant struggle to find balance. Two Utah women shared their experiences and what works for them.
Tara Carpenter is a stay-at-home mother to her two young children. Just because she doesn't work in a paid position doesn't mean she's not busy.
"I'm in the Relief Society presidency in my (LDS) ward," Carpenter said. "I get to serve a lot of the women in our neighborhood."
Carpenter said that finding time for herself is an often neglected task.
"The biggest thing is you have to prioritize your life and figure out what is most important to you," she said.
She makes an effort to take time out of her evenings to devote to exercising, or going on dates with her husband. The Carpenters choose to live on a modest income so she can stay at home.
"I chose to be a stay-at-home mom because I think in this world we live in, the kids need someone to look up to and I want to be that person," she said.
For working mother, Katie Hydrick, finding the right balance is just as difficult.
"We try our best to enjoy the time we do have together," Hydrick said. "That's where we find the joy."
She works as an ultrasound technician, and runs a small business from her home. The long hours mean some trade-offs.
"I wish I could go help in my little kindergartener's class," Hydrick said.
However, despite being away from her family, she said she looks forward to the time she spends at work.
"I find my own balance when I go and share my talents and go to work," Hydrick said. "I come back and I'm ready to be a mom again."
