Since my first child arrived nearly a decade ago, I have been working from home in various capacities. For the majority of this time, I’ve also taken on the role of a full-time mother, navigating the challenges of balancing work with the often hectic nature of family life. People often ask me how I manage to juggle everything, and while I appreciate the compliment, I honestly have no definitive answer. It’s a blend of determination, a desire for a life beyond motherhood, and financial necessity that keeps me at it.
Interestingly, I’ve never seen myself as a supermom because multitasking is not my strong suit. The thought of making sandwiches, texting my supervisor, and managing a toddler’s tantrum simultaneously is overwhelming. Thankfully, recent insights into time management suggest avoiding multitasking altogether. The emerging concept of “chunking” advocates for dedicating specific blocks of time to singular tasks, allowing for deeper focus and productivity.
I’ve naturally gravitated toward this method, often finding that I can only accomplish tasks when my children are occupied elsewhere. This usually involves retreating to my home office (a.k.a., my bedroom) and ensuring that the caregiver has clear directives, including “DO NOT DISTURB MOM UNLESS IT’S AN EMERGENCY.”
Here are some practical strategies I’ve gathered through experience:
- Designate Work Hours: When you find yourself with a moment of peace at home, resist the urge to tackle household chores or errands. This is your dedicated work time; focus solely on your tasks.
- Limit Distractions: I struggle with this, especially as a writer who benefits from breaks. However, I turn off notifications and avoid checking texts or emails during work hours. If you find it difficult to resist distractions, consider leaving your phone in another room or using apps that temporarily disable social media and email notifications.
- Anticipate Interruptions: Children will inevitably get sick, or naps might be skipped. Embrace the unpredictability of working from home by planning for potential disruptions. This mindset helps you create backup plans and remain calm when things don’t go as planned.
- Value Your Role: Acknowledge that you are a professional, even if much of your work occurs in your pajamas. Commit to your schedule, strive for excellence, and don’t shy away from asking for fair compensation or raises.
- Avoid Overcommitment: If managing work and parenting feels overwhelming, don’t take on additional responsibilities like volunteering or extra social engagements. Set clear boundaries and prioritize your roles as both a mom and a professional.
- Maintain a Work Plan: I keep a weekly schedule outlining my goals for each day. Some days, I achieve everything on my list, while other days require flexibility. Ultimately, I’m accountable to myself, which encourages me to treat my work with respect.
A critical lesson I’ve learned is the importance of self-care. It’s easy to become consumed by work or parenting when they occupy the same space. However, neglecting your own well-being leaves you unable to effectively care for anyone else. I’ve had to remind myself of this repeatedly, so I now allocate time for self-care—be it a quick jog, yoga session, or simply unwinding with my phone for a bit.
While I may not do it all, I’m fortunate to have a supportive partner who helps manage the kids, especially during weekends. There are certainly days when I feel overwhelmed, but I appreciate the opportunity to work from home. As a self-identified homebody, I cherish being present for my children as they grow. Despite the challenges of managing everything, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.
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In summary, while managing work and home life can be challenging, implementing structured time management techniques can make all the difference. Embrace the concept of chunking, respect your professional role, and prioritize self-care to navigate this rewarding yet demanding journey.
Keyphrase: Time management tips for work-at-home moms
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