It’s especially important to me that boys see that women do everything men have historically done, and, in most cases, do it better.
Name:
Aileen Sokol
Current Occupation:
VP, Content Partnership Development, NBC Sports
# of Children and their Ages:
Two boys, ages 12 and 10 (almost 11)
What do you love about being a working mom?
I really enjoy having an identity in addition to ‘mom.’ And I really like that my boys see that not only do I have a career but I also enjoy what I do. Whether it’s seeing more of women’s sports, or women in business, or female political leaders, it’s especially important to me that boys see that women do everything men have historically done, and, in most cases, do it better.
What is the biggest challenge of being a working mom?
I constantly feel like there is never enough time- not enough time to get through ‘to do’ lists, or to spend with my children, or get work done.
That of course creates the spiral of mom-guilt we all have.
Thankfully I do have a lot of flexibility with my job, and I have a lot of support from my husband and family.
I have gotten better at focusing less on the quantity of time I spend with my boys and focusing more on the quality of the time I spend with them.
Spending time with them has become more challenging as they get older, and I’m told it will become more scarce as they become teenagers, which is around the corner. So, even when some days aren’t going well, I try to remember that my time with them is limited before they leave the house.
If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you change about working mom life?
For every mom, I would want to make sure that we all have flexibility with work, and access to affordable, quality child care.
On a personal level, I’d love to just. have. more. time.
What tips do you have for other working moms?
We all can relate to whatever each of us is going through, and are great cheerleaders for each other. Just last night I had a mom moment that wasn’t my best, and talked it through with a friend who not only had great perspective, but also gave great advice.
Have a support crew, at work or outside of work, or both- it doesn’t matter.
Any relationship tips for working moms?
With every day being so busy, the tendency can be to push your relationship to the side. I’ve been told this, and I agree, that we need to find small moments to connect, whatever that means to you. It’s something I need to work on, so I’m making a note to take my own tip.
What's the best piece of advice your own mother gave you?
My mom used to say ‘Take a breath,’ whether it was when playing a sport, or taking a test- just in any stressful situation.
I sometimes take that literally; or I also use it to take a beat, take a minute, take a step away- lots of ways to slow down and regroup in stressful moments. I often don’t do this very well (see above story about my recent not so great mom moment)
What stresses you out?
Broadly, what is happening in the US right now, and feeling like I have no control over it. We need people to be kinder to each other.
In my personal life, there is the constant hum of daily stress:
are my kids ok? how many mistakes did I make today? did I get everything done that I needed to?
How do you mother yourself?
A few go-tos, in no particular order because it depends on the day:
- Exercise is a must for me, especially when my stress level is high- specifically a run or walk. I’ve never been a good runner, but it always relieves stress.
- A glass of wine is my relaxing go-to. Just have to keep the balance between both.
- And the beach has always been my happy place.
How and why do you use CBD?
Full transparency: I’ve never used CBD, but have heard great things about it. I love what you are doing; so why not give it a try if it will ease some stress, and also support a great person and her business!
Please use Aileen20 at checkout for 20% off your order of Moment CBD mints made for working moms like Aileen who believes in the power of finding small moments to connect and regroup on her journey to "do it all."
