(CBS Radio) — In today’s society, many mothers hold down full-time jobs, or multiple part-time jobs — while continuing to run a household and care for their children.

Back in the 1950′s, many mothers stayed home and didn’t have to juggle the work-life balance. But, let’s not forget that it wasn’t easy to be a mother back then either.

The 1950′s mother had more household responsibilities, relied less on her husband to assist with the household, and had to tend to these responsibilities without the modern appliances mothers today take for granted. Back then, many mothers did not have washing machines or their own car, and they also had more children than the average mom does today.

While the average 50′s mother had to juggle her children and her household, she most likely did not have to juggle life outside of the house.

The average mother today is a modern-day hero — somehow she manages to work outside of the home, care for her children, and run the household — all with great ease, right?

Well, more like surface ease. For some reason, many mothers today have adopted this notion that they have to “do it all,” and smile through it all.

The reality is that it is quite stressful to be a working mother, especially a working mother who has young children. In truth, there’s work, and then there’s life — there is no real “balance.”

Balance is an illusion. There’s no real way to balance the two because there will be many times when a woman’s children will require more from her, and times when her work will require that she work harder or work longer hours.

Prioritize

Avoid the “balancing act.” It doesn’t help when working mothers act like they can do it all, but are secretly anxiety ridden with their growing to-do list. Eventually, the  working “I can do it all” mother will more than likely have a nervous breakdown, and it won’t be pretty.

Before a nervous breakdown becomes imminent, save yourself from the notion that you have to “do it all.” The best approach is to create a to-do list and prioritize the tasks for the week. If the to-do list seems overwhelming, postpone the tasks that can be delayed. Also, never try to accomplish things when you are tired. Chances are the task will take longer than it would if you were well-rested. Lastly, ask for help from family and/or friends. After all, that’s what family and friends are for.

-Nichole Jaworski, CBS Radio