Working from home while raising children can feel like walking a tightrope, but over the past decade, I’ve discovered some practical strategies that have helped me maintain my balance. When people ask me how I manage it all, I often shrug and say, “I’m not sure.” It’s a blend of determination, a desire for a life outside of motherhood, and the reality that we need my income to make ends meet.
Despite the perception that successful work-at-home mothers are multitasking wizards, I’ve learned that multitasking isn’t my forte. In fact, I find it overwhelming to juggle multiple tasks at once. The good news? Recent time management theories suggest that multitasking may not be the best approach at all. The new buzzword is “chunking,” which means dedicating specific time blocks to work on one task without distractions.
Interestingly, I’ve been employing this “chunking” technique without even realizing it! Typically, my most productive work sessions occur when my kids are safely occupied elsewhere, often with a trusted caretaker. This usually involves me retreating to my makeshift office (also known as my bedroom) with a strict set of guidelines for whoever is watching my kids, like “DO NOT DISTURB MOM UNLESS IT’S AN EMERGENCY.”
Here are some tried-and-true strategies I’ve gathered along the way:
- Set Dedicated Work Hours: When the house is quiet, it’s tempting to tackle household chores. Resist that urge! This is your time to focus solely on work, not to handle laundry or make appointments.
- Limit Distractions: This can be a challenge, but it’s essential. As a writer, I often find myself needing breaks, but I’ve learned to silence notifications and resist the pull of social media. If you’re prone to distractions, consider leaving your phone in another room or using productivity apps to block distractions.
- Prepare for the Unexpected: Kids can be unpredictable—illness, skipped naps, and other surprises can derail your plans. Accepting that these interruptions will happen allows you to create backup plans and reduces stress when things don’t go as expected.
- Value Your Work: You’re a professional, even if you’re in your pajamas with kids nearby. Show up and work diligently. Take pride in your accomplishments, don’t give away your services for free, and don’t hesitate to negotiate for raises. Be bold!
- Avoid Overcommitting: Balancing work and parenting is tough enough without adding more obligations. Steer clear of taking on extra volunteer roles or playdates that aren’t necessary. Stay focused on your priorities.
- Maintain a Work Plan: I keep a weekly schedule with daily goals. Some days I hit all my targets; other days, tasks may have to roll over. Working from home means I’m accountable to myself, so I maintain a sense of importance about my tasks.
Let’s face it: juggling everything is tiring. A crucial lesson I’ve learned is the necessity of self-care. It’s all too easy to get lost in work or parenting, especially when both coexist in the same space. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to support anyone else. I’ve made it a priority to carve out “me time” each day—whether it’s a run, some yoga, or just zoning out for a bit.
It’s important to acknowledge that I don’t do it all alone. I have a supportive partner, Jake, who steps in as soon as he comes home, allowing me to reclaim some time for myself. There are certainly days when the stress feels overwhelming, but I also recognize how fortunate I am to have the flexibility of working from home. As a homebody at heart, I cherish the opportunity to be present as my children grow up.
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In summary, while balancing work and motherhood can be challenging, employing effective time management strategies such as chunking, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care can make a significant difference. Ultimately, being a work-at-home mom is a unique journey that I wouldn’t trade for anything.