Tips for Working from Home {now that kids are home for summer!}

Being a Mom is a Balancing Act

First and foremost, be reasonable in your expectations.

• Make a rough schedule that accounts for when you will work and what you will get done.  It doesn’t have to be carved in stone, but playing it loosey goosey doesn’t bring in a sizeable pay check.  Try it out and adjust it as necessary.
• Set up specific time to work.  This might just mean following your schedule.  Slot out several hours that are for work and not anything else.  If you have some kids at home, try taking advantage of down time or nap time to work.
• Be sure to treat work like work- it’s not a hobby, nor is it 24/7.  It works best for me to try to get my quota in Monday through Friday, though if I have to take time off during the week, I make up for it on the weekend.  This will vary based on how you’re paid- you may need certain hours or it may be a task-finished kind of payment.
• Use a sound machine.  Using a sound machine will help you tune out kid noise, as well as other distractions at home.  {You can obviously still use a baby monitor to keep track of little ones.}

Tips for Keeping the Kids Busy

Just as important as scheduling time to work, you have to be creative in fitting in your work time.  Here are some of the things I have tried.

• Use the kids’ “down time.”  I don’t like working while they’re awake for so many reasons; thus, I maximize their awake time by being present with them and I maximize my work time by giving them sleep or something special.  Usually I work during nap time or after they to bed, or both, dependent upon how much time I need.    I’ve found it works best to put the older kids down for naps when the baby goes down.  If the older kids aren’t napping anymore, I give them room time or movie time.
• Schedule some play dates away form home.  Another option is to ask your friends to keep your kids for a couple hours so you can work.  You can always return the favor, which may be worth it for the extra time.
• Hire a babysitter.  If your work pays enough, it’s often worth paying a fun babysitter your kids enjoy to spend a day or two with.  Remember to hire someone you trust who is good with kids, not just okay with them.  Your kids will look forward to a good sitter and dread a boring one.

Working from home while still being a mom can be tricky- try these tips for making it work when kids are home.