As a working mom, the day-to-day juggle of career, family, and everything in between can feel like a never-ending balancing act. Between deadlines, school pickups, meal prep, and finding a moment to just breathe, it can sometimes feel impossible to manage everything. But there’s one thing that consistently brings me joy and a bit of nostalgia: vintage baby names. Not only do they bring a sense of timelessness and charm, but they remind me that, despite all the craziness, there’s a little piece of history and tradition in the world of parenting. This year, many vintage names are making a huge comeback, and as a mom to a son, it has been a delightful (and sometimes overwhelming) journey discovering these old-school gems.
In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on vintage baby names, and how the process of choosing one taught me some valuable lessons in time management, self-care, overcoming guilt, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I’ll also offer practical tips for fellow working mothers navigating the challenges we face. Trust me, we’re all doing the best we can, and that’s what truly matters.
The Resurgence of Vintage Baby Names
There’s something undeniably special about vintage baby names. Maybe it’s the connection to our grandparents and great-grandparents, or the timeless elegance that many of these names seem to hold. As I scrolled through lists of baby names with my partner, I was struck by how many old-fashioned choices were resurfacing—names like Theodore, Oliver, Grace, and Eleanor. It wasn’t just a passing trend; these names seemed to carry weight and meaning. Names like these hold a story, a legacy.
Choosing a name for my son was a deeply personal decision. While the internet is overflowing with baby name lists, I wanted something that felt meaningful to me and my family. I didn’t want a name that felt too trendy, yet I didn’t want to go for something too old-fashioned either. After a lot of thought, we settled on a vintage name that felt just right—a perfect balance between classic and modern.
The Struggle of Time Management as a Working Mom
Choosing a name for your baby seems like a fun and exciting process, but for a working mom like me, it quickly became another task to juggle. Between my full-time job, taking care of my son, and running a household, the search for the “perfect” baby name often had to be squeezed in between everything else. Some days, I felt like I barely had enough time to cook dinner, let alone browse through endless name lists.
Time management, or rather the lack of it, was a big challenge for me. I had to learn to prioritize what really mattered in the moment. The name search turned into small windows of time: scrolling through names during lunch breaks, asking family members for input during a car ride, and even jotting down name ideas while waiting for my son’s soccer practice to finish. Every small moment counted.
Tip for fellow working moms: Time management isn’t about squeezing everything into a packed schedule. It’s about finding the small pockets of time and making the most of them. Embrace the chaos, and don’t beat yourself up if everything isn’t perfectly planned. Sometimes, the best things happen when you least expect them.
Self-Care and Making Room for Yourself
When you’re balancing a full-time job and family life, self-care often becomes a forgotten luxury. I’ve been guilty of putting myself last on the priority list, thinking that my role as a mother and professional should always come first. But in doing so, I realized I wasn’t doing my best for my son or my career because I was running on empty.
Choosing a baby name reminded me of the importance of taking care of myself, even if it’s just in small ways. Instead of diving into the name lists when I was exhausted, I took breaks. I’d step outside for a walk, or I’d enjoy a quiet cup of coffee while reading a book. These small moments of self-care weren’t just indulgences; they allowed me to recharge so that I could be the best version of myself—both as a mother and as a professional.
Tip for working moms: Never underestimate the power of a few moments of self-care. It doesn’t have to be a luxurious spa day. A 15-minute break to read a chapter of a book or take a walk can make a huge difference in your mental clarity and overall well-being.
Overcoming Guilt: You’re Doing Your Best
As a mom, I often find myself grappling with feelings of guilt. Whether it’s about not spending enough time with my son, or not giving 100% to my work, guilt seems to be a constant companion. When it came to choosing a baby name, I felt like I had to make the “right” choice, the one that would somehow live up to the perfect image of motherhood I had in my head. But the truth is, there’s no such thing as a perfect decision. There’s only what feels right for you in that moment.
I found myself questioning whether I was being too sentimental about my name choice or if it was truly meaningful. But the deeper I got into the process, the more I realized that this was a deeply personal decision, and that made it special. There’s no right or wrong way to choose a name, just as there’s no “right” way to be a mother. Every journey is different, and the guilt we feel as moms is often an indication that we care deeply. Embrace that, and give yourself the grace you deserve.
Tip for working moms: Guilt is a normal feeling, but it’s also important to recognize that it doesn’t define you. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough. Don’t let guilt take away from the joy and pride you should feel in being both a mother and a professional.
Balancing Work and Family: Tips for Working Moms
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on this motherhood journey is that balance is a myth. There will be times when work demands more of your attention, and there will be times when your family needs you more. And in those moments, you’ll have to make tough choices. The key is to be flexible and compassionate with yourself.
Here are a few strategies that helped me find a balance between work and family life:
- Set Boundaries: At work, I’ve had to establish clear boundaries. When I’m home, I focus on being present with my son and my partner. Work can wait until tomorrow. On the flip side, when I’m at work, I’m fully focused on the task at hand. This allows me to give my best to both my family and my career without feeling like I’m neglecting either.
- Delegate Tasks: There’s no shame in asking for help. Whether it’s asking your partner to take over certain tasks or hiring help for household chores, delegating can give you some breathing room.
- Plan Ahead: This doesn’t mean scheduling every minute of your day, but having a rough plan for the week can help you stay organized. Meal prep, grocery shopping, and scheduling family time can all reduce the mental load that often comes with being a working mom.
- Give Yourself Permission to Rest: Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. I’ve learned to embrace moments of rest without feeling guilty. Whether it’s a nap or watching a favorite show, taking time to recharge allows me to be more present for my family and work.
The Empowering Conclusion: You’re Doing Great
Choosing a name for your child is just one of the many decisions that come with motherhood. As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded that being a working mom is a constant balance of hard work, love, and grace. No, we don’t always get it “right,” and there are certainly moments of doubt, exhaustion, and guilt. But we are doing the best we can, and that’s more than enough.
To every mom out there navigating the beautiful chaos of work and family life, remember: You are enough. Your choices, whether in naming your child or managing your work-life balance, are valid. Embrace the vintage names making a comeback, the lessons you’ve learned, and the small victories along the way. You are a mother, and you are doing an incredible job. Keep going—you’ve got this.
I’m Zara Michell
