Claiming to be a productive work-from-home mom may sound a bit like an oxymoron. After all, how much work can you possibly get done while chasing kids, changing diapers, making snacks, and everything else that comes with parenting? Dangling a phone and business conference call with your left hand and a sippy cup of almond milk with your right can have you feeling like you may as well be holding a candle that is burning at both ends. You may get through both every day, but just how productive are you at work? And, well, how cared for are your kids?
Are you ready for some good news? It doesn’t have to be this way. You can have your cake and eat it, too. In fact, you can enjoy every last darn bite of that sweet, delectable thing. And, no, you don’t need to be a superhero. All you need are these 5 tips.
One. Make the most of your time. It may sound cliche, but it is so easy to lose moments of the day just because you aren’t paying attention. For example, a commercial or news story catches your attention on the television. Subtract 4 minutes from your day. You begin to daydream of another place and time. Subtract 10 more minutes from your day. You take a bathroom break and spend 15 minutes perusing social media even though you were done using the bathroom 12 minutes ago. There goes another 12 minutes from your day. Do this all throughout your day and, before you know it, you have lost an hour – maybe even two. Be cognizant of your time so you can make the most of it.
Two. Plan, plan, plan. You can’t just wing anything successfully each time. If you plan, you are setting yourself up for success. So, while the kids are in bed for the night, take a few minutes to prepare yourself for the following day. Doing so can start the morning off on the right foot despite what the day actually brings.
Three. Create a designated workspace – and make it known. It is easy to get excited about working from home because you think you can literally work from anywhere. In a different world, sure. But, you have kids so you need to have a workspace that they know is off limits. When you are seated at that desk – it is work time. You should know it and the kids should know it.
Four. Have a set schedule. Did you know that kids do great when they have structure and a schedule? This means creating one around your work will bring more benefits to your home. Create a schedule of when you will get work done, when you will spend time with the kids, when they will eat, nap, etc. and begin to carve out your day. It may take a couple of different tries before you find the perfect fit. But, once you do, you will find that both you – and your kids – will begin to thrive. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t need your attention 24-hours a day. You can find time to fit in your work without feeling as though you are neglecting the kids.
“Create a schedule of when you will get work done…”
Five. Find yourself a social group of other work-from-home moms. This will give you a means of support and a group of like-minded individuals dealing with your same struggles. Plus, over time, you may even come up with a schedule of play dates that gives one mom control over the kids while the other moms knock out some work. Take turns – and watch the magic that can happen from this.
Working from home is a dream for so many moms. It means not having to separate yourself from your kids, while still earning an income. However, it can leave you with a balancing act that may even have you considering giving up.
Don’t.
Follow these steps. Take control of your time and make it work. Be a mom. Be a professional. Be your own successful superhero.