5 Secrets to Managing Your Time as a Work at Home Mom
Let's talk time management as a work-at-home mom.
Before I had a kid, I was a firm believer in project time-blocking. I knew how long I would have to sit down and focus on a task or project and could easily map out my day.
HA! Joke was on me, because once baby boy came into the picture, that concept completely changed! (Working moms, I know you know what I mean!)
Now I run things a little differently when it comes to managing my time as a work-at-home mom.
Here are my secrets:
TIME BLOCK THE KIDS SCHEDULE FIRST!
Okay, I lied. I do sort of time-block. The only difference is, I time-block my son's schedule FIRST!
The truth is, when you become a mom, you're kid's schedule becomes your schedule. Somehow you realize that you're now feeding them every 3 hours during the day, putting them down for a nap or 2 or 3, and evenings are spent doing their bedtime routine and then your own!
If you time-block your kid's schedule first, you can see gaps in your day to focus on other things, like chores and your business!
TIME BLOCK YOUR ME TIME!
You can't take care of your clients or your kids, if you don't take care of yourself FIRST!
Follow this advice when trying to manage your schedule. Next, I recommend time-blocking out some "me time".
Will you wake up early to workout or do it after the kids go to bed? Do you like to enjoy at least 15 minutes of peace and quiet once the kids are down for a nap? Schedule that time in your calendar and you'll be able to see gaps where you can get work done!
FOCUS ON SPECIFIC TASKS ON SPECIFIC DAYS!
Manage your schedule better by ONLY taking calls on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Or better yet, let your clients know that email will be checked once a day in the morning, that way you can check it when you get some downtime in the mornings!
Make Saturday mornings a day where the kids spend it with Dad. Have Dad take them to the park or out to breakfast, while you sit at home, sip on coffee (or if you're like me, tea) and catch up on work.
SQUEEZE IN CLIENT WORK WHEN YOUR KIDS ARE OCCUPIED!
We don't always have to entertain our kids. I read somewhere that it's okay for kids to be bored and to have to use their imagination when playing. It actually helps their development!
Are they focused on a craft project (that doesn't require your help) or playing quietly in the corner? Take that as a chance to grab your laptop and catch up on emails or bang out the easy tasks that can be done with very little brain power!
GIVE YOURSELF GRACE AND BE FLEXIBLE!
This is the hardest... at least for me, it is!
Give yourself grace and remember, every mom is just trying to survive. Especially those moms that are working at home with their kid(s)! In order to make this work, without pulling your hair out, you need to be flexible and okay when things go awry! There's always tomorrow to start fresh!
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