Toddlers and work- whew!! Toddlers ARE work! Lucky for me, my most creative hours are after 1 am, but this is definitely not practical for everyone. The toddlers in my house are my grandbabies, so I only have them a set number of hours each day. For those mothers that have little ones around the clock finding time to breathe can be challenging enough, finding time to work can seem impossible. It is imperative to find a balance between giving your little ones the attention they need and being productive in your work.
Here are a few tips for all you work-from-home mommies:
1. Schedule, Schedule, Schedule.
Easier said than done, I know. There needs to be a clear, concise time that is set aside for you to devote to your business. Even if it is only an hour, make sure you clear that space and utilize your time wisely. You will feel like you have accomplished something, trust me. You also need to get the kiddos on a schedule. Make sure you have breakfast at the same time, naps at the same time, activities at the same time and so on. I know some days this will be about as possible as winning the lottery, but for the most part, children adapt to schedules relatively well. Whenever you can sneak in a little work time take advantage of that!
2. Minimize distractions.
Easier said than done, I know. When you have your scheduled work time, make sure you are completely zoned in on the task at hand. Turn off your phone, TV and any other devices that may take away your focus.
3. Have a designated workspace.
You want a place where you can go that is neat, organized, and efficient for your needs. You don’t want to waste whatever time you have managed to set aside looking for a lost file.
4. Delegate tasks.
If your business is booming and you have more work than you can handle, hiring a virtual assistant may be an option for you. There are several online platforms, like Upwork.com, which makes it easy to find a reputable freelancer.
5. Meal Prep.
Meal prepping has become very popular with busy moms. There are countless step-by-step instructions on the internet to walk you through this. It will shave off a significant amount of time you spend in the kitchen preparing meals each day. It also encourages healthy eating…a win-win situation!
6. Share chores.
Everyone knows running a household is more than a full-time job! If there is someone else who lives in the home with you (husband, roommate, older child, etc.) get them to lend you a hand getting the clothes in the dryer or washing that stack of dirty dishes.
7. Get plenty of rest.
When there’s not enough time in the day many people, myself included, find themselves burning the midnight oil. This is not good for your health, your family or your business. Many nights I have found myself up well after 3 am just to be unproductive the entire next day due to moodiness, brain fog, and exhaustion. You have to fuel yourself with rest to be at your full potential.
8. Enjoy the time with your child.
This is the most important tip I can give you. I mean, after all, this is why we do it. Quality time with your baby makes all of the sacrifices worth it! When my kids were growing up I didn’t have the option to work at home. Take it from me, you miss so many things! The daycare center was essentially raising my children. I am so grateful now to be able to spend my days with the grandkids. And I know their parents are grateful to be able to have someone to nurture and love them, rather than sharing a teacher with 20 other children. Make the time you have with them special, it goes way too fast!!
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.