We're about to enter in to the wild and wonderful world of summer! With school out and the sun shining, many of us find ourselves navigating the life of working from home while keeping the kiddos entertained. But fear not, fellow parents! With a bit of creativity and [a lot] of patience, we can conquer the summer months with grace and sanity intact (God willing). Let's dive into some practical tips for managing work and kids during this chaotic, sunny season.
1. Keep a Consistent Schedule and Routine
Summer may bring a more relaxed vibe, but maintaining a consistent schedule and routine is key to staying productive and sane. I've worked from home for YEARS, including the very early years of my children's life. I can't tell you how often I got asked, "How do you do it?!" The secret was nothing but consistency. The same schedule DOES NOT work for everyone, but as long as you set a consistent schedule, things become easier. Set designated work hours and stick to them as much as possible, carving out time for both work and play.
2. Establish Strong Client Boundaries
Boundaries are your best friend when it comes to juggling work and family life. Clearly communicate your availability to clients and set realistic expectations for response times. Remember, it's okay to say no or negotiate deadlines to ensure you're able to give your undivided attention to both work and family.
3. Take Scheduled Breaks
Remember the importance of consistency? Well, it plays a role here as well. In the midst of the daily hustle and bustle, don't forget to carve out time for yourself. Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and rejuvenate, whether it's a quick walk around the block or a few moments of quiet meditation. Either way, walk away from your computer to take a breather.
**I usually like to do this between my client work blocks.
4. Start the Day Early
Early mornings can be a magical time for productivity, especially when little ones are still snug in their beds. Consider rising before the sun to tackle your most important tasks before the chaos of the day sets in (let's be real, some days this is REALLY necessary). This helps also set the cadence for the rest of the day and leaves you feeling accomplished.
If you have more of a relaxed day and your task list is short, I still suggest getting up before the kiddos. Practice journaling or reading devotionals. This is one of my favorites!
5. Get Your Focus Priorities Done First
This goes in hand with the previous tip, but still deserves it's own explanation. Identify your top priorities for the day and tackle them head-on before the distractions set in. By knocking out your most important tasks early in the day, you'll set yourself up for success and free up mental bandwidth for the inevitable interruptions that come with parenting-while-working.
6. Be Flexible and Work Flexibly
Flexibility is the name of the game when it comes to working from home with kids. Embrace the ebb and flow of your day, and be willing to adjust your schedule as needed to accommodate the ever-changing needs of your family.
You are one mama working multiple positions in a day. Give yourself grace.
7. Consider Screen Time
Ah, the age-old debate of screen time. Yes, while I do agree that screen time should be limited, there are also times when screen time is a life saver for parents working at home. When there is no other choice [like a meeting or just the need for quiet while you focus on important tasks], utilize that electronic babysitter!
I also want to note, I know it's important to strike a balance between entertainment and enrichment. Setting limits on screen time, not relying on it solely (or all day) and encouraging alternative activities that stimulate creativity and imagination is also important. Don't create tech zombies, but you also don't want to be a mom zombie.
8. Encourage Independent Play
Teach your kids the art of independent play to foster creativity and self-reliance. Set up designated play areas and provide plenty of toys and activities to keep them engaged while you work.
9. Snacks Anyone?
Is it just me, or has 'SNACK' become a trigger word? 😆 Keep hunger at bay with designated daily snack bins for each child, like these. Fill these baskets with healthy snacks to last them throughout the day, teaching them responsibility and helping them develop healthy eating habits.
BONUS: if they have they're own dedicated snack bin to eat responsibly to last throughout their day, the less likely they are to come to you asking for a snack.
10. Explain It to Your Kids
Kids have an insatiable curiosity, don't they? Their favorite question always seems to be "WHY?" And while we cherish their inquisitive nature, it can sometimes pose a challenge when we're trying to focus on work. That's why it's crucial to set clear expectations with your children about your work commitments and the importance of uninterrupted time. By communicating openly, clearly, and honestly about your schedule, you can help them understand the boundaries between work time and family time. And if they're old enough, involving them in finding solutions to minimize disruptions can empower them to take ownership of their own behavior.
I've found that when I explain to my kids that it's uninterrupted work time and to only interrupt if it's a real emergency, they tend to respect it. It's all about fostering mutual understanding and respect within the family dynamic while balancing the demands of work and parenting.
11. Create a Designated Workspace
Designating a specific area of your home as your workspace is a game-changer when it comes to maintaining a healthy balance between work and family life. By creating physical boundaries, you signal to yourself and your family that when you're in your workspace, you're in work mode. Choose a quiet corner or room where you can set up shop—a place that's separate from the hustle and bustle of family activities. This separation between work and family life is essential for maintaining balance and preventing burnout.
And there you have it—your ultimate survival guide for working from home with kids during the summer months! By implementing these practical tips and embracing the chaos with a smile, you'll navigate the sunny season with ease and grace. Remember, it's all about finding the balance that works best for you and your family. Here's to a summer filled with productivity, laughter, and cherished memories!
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