Some moms think working from home can be difficult and stressful. You will be around your kids 24/7 and this means that you have to endure running and screaming while trying to analyse spreadsheets and create reports for your job. If you just recently started to work from home, you might be wondering how other moms manage to get things done.
In this article, we will give you tips that will help work from home moms stay productive and keep their family happy.
1. Have a schedule for everything
You need to have a schedule and stick to it. This means that everything should be planned out from your morning routine, work hours, your family and yourself. You will find that having a schedule will help you become more productive rather than just working on things you need to do when your hands are free. Establishing a routine may take a whole lot of practice but it is always better than not having one.
It would help if you have an actual planner or use a phone app where you can list down all your tasks for work and for your family. This will allow you to identify which things need to be prioritised and also keep track of your progress. Create a realistic schedule and don’t forget to take breaks in between work and include some family time too.
2. Come up with independent activities for your kids
Your work will sometimes require you to close the door and be away from the kids for a moment. This is especially true when you have online meetings or if you are working on a deadline. During this critical working time, have your kids do activities that they can manage on their own. You can allow them to be creative and have them do arts and crafts or you can just let them watch their favourite show, read a book or have naps.
It is important to engage your kids in activities that interest them so they can look forward to some fun time during the day while you focus on work. If your child is too young for some alone time, ask someone else to look after them during your work hours.
3. Have a dedicated workspace
Pick the right spot in your home where you can set up your workspace. Your space should have good lighting, located near a power source and gets a strong wifi signal. Creating an office-like desk will get you in the mood to work and be more productive compared to working on your bed, the couch or the kitchen counter.
Having your own space will set boundaries and also train your kids to respect your working time. Once they see you sitting on your chair while clicking and clacking on your keyboard, they will immediately understand that you cannot be disturbed or interrupted.
4. Adapt and be flexible
Being able to adapt to a completely different work environment is not a walk in the park. There are a few things that you may need to change on your usual routine and sometimes these are the ones that are tough to break. Learn to adjust to and recognise the things that you need to change.
Keep your communication line open so your husband or your colleagues can let you know if there will any instances that will affect your schedule. In these situations, you need to be flexible even if it includes waking up early than normal or having to prepare your meals in advance during the weekends. Remember, there will be times that everything will go as planned, but some won’t.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
This is probably the most important tip on this list. Work from home moms are faced with many challenges and it is okay to ask for help. Not asking for help may put your career at the risk of failing or your family getting neglected. When you feel that you are already struggling with playing too many roles at a time, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Consider these Exclusive bundle of 9 Chinese classes for FREE with LingoAce.
Surround yourself with people who can support you when you need them. Let your husband know if you need him to be home early or ask family and friends or even hire a babysitter if you need an extra pair of hands. Getting assistance from others can help you create more balance in your life.
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