Time Management Strategies for Work-From-Home Moms: The Art of Chunking

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For nearly a decade, I’ve been navigating the world of remote work while raising my kids. Juggling the chaos of family life with professional responsibilities can feel like trying to balance a spinning plate act, and trust me, it’s not always pretty. I often get asked, “How do you manage it all?” Honestly, your guess is as good as mine! It’s a cocktail of determination, the desire for a life beyond motherhood, and, of course, the financial necessity of bringing in some income.

The truth is, I’ve never viewed myself as a superhero mom. I’m absolutely terrible at multitasking, which I assumed was a prerequisite to being a successful work-from-home parent. The thought of making a snack for my kids while answering emails and finishing a work project? No, thank you!

Fortunately, recent insights into time management have come to my rescue. The trendy new term is “chunking,” which means dedicating specific blocks of time to focus solely on one task. No distractions. No multitasking. Just pure, uninterrupted work.

It turns out I’ve been instinctively chunking all along! But, let’s be real: this usually requires me to be in a separate room (like my home office—okay, my bedroom) while someone else is wrangling my kids. I’ve got to ensure the caregiver understands the golden rule: “DO NOT DISTURB MOM UNLESS IT’S AN EMERGENCY.”

Here are some practical tips I’ve gathered through trial and error:

1. Create a Work Schedule and Stick to It.
   When you finally snag a moment of peace, resist the urge to tackle household chores. This is your work time! Don’t get sidetracked by cleaning or organizing.
2. Disable Distractions.
   This one’s tough. As a writer, I often find myself needing breaks, so I keep my social media handy. But the notifications? Off. If you know you’ll be tempted, leave your phone in another room or use apps that block social media during work hours.
3. Anticipate the Unexpected.
   Kids will get sick, and naps will be skipped. That’s just part of the game. Accept this reality and plan for it. This mindset helps when things inevitably go awry, allowing you to pivot without losing your cool.
4. Take Your Role Seriously.
   You’re a professional, whether in pajamas or not. Show up for your commitments, work hard, and don’t undervalue your contributions. Don’t give your work away for free—ask for raises, and be confident in your worth.
5. Avoid Overcommitting.
   If managing work and kids is already a full plate, don’t add volunteer roles or extra playdates unless you genuinely have the bandwidth. Establish boundaries and stick to them.
6. Maintain an Organized Work Plan.
   I keep a weekly schedule and daily goals. Some days I nail it; other days, I have to push things to tomorrow. Remember, working from home means you’re accountable to yourself, which can be tempting to slack off. But always treat your work as valuable.

Let’s face it: balancing everything can be exhausting. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that self-care isn’t optional. It’s easy to fall into the trap of working nonstop or solely focusing on family. But if you neglect yourself, you won’t be able to care for anyone else. I’ve made a point to carve out time for myself daily, whether it’s a quick run, yoga session, or simply zoning out on my couch.

And the truth is, I don’t do it all alone. My partner, Tom, is a lifesaver when he comes home, and I often feel overwhelmed with all my responsibilities. But despite the chaos, I cherish the opportunity to work from home, surrounded by my family.

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In summary, while it can feel impossible to manage work and family life, chunking your time, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care are essential. Embrace the chaos, lean on your support system, and remember that it’s okay not to have everything under control all the time.