Working from home can be extremely stressful and difficult to make it all work. It can be a lot managing getting all your work done and caring for your kids at the same time. It can be overwhelming and you may not know where to even start.

Though I work from home as a hairstylist, I don’t have a typical schedule. When my kids were little before they went off to school, or whenever they are home, I book clients around the times I need to do things for them. Unfortunately, not everyone has that luxury, so I’m getting help from Dorothy Watson, who is more of an expert on the issue. She’s gonna help us break down 10 ways to help you manage work and maintain being the amazing mom you are to your kids.

1. Set Up a Distraction Free Workspace

Setting up a distraction free space in your home is essential in order to stay productive and enjoy the many benefits that come with having flexible working hours. Creating an office space that works well for you, even if it’s not a large area, it makes it easier to focus on the tasks at hand without worrying about the potential distractions.

One way to do this is setting boundaries between work life and family life. Be sure that everyone in the house knows your work area is not an area for play. This can help normalize daily routines.

2. Keep Your Home Clean and Decluttered

Disorganization and messes can keep you distracted from work. Keeping the place tidy and clean helps set your mind up for work and success.

3. Reach Out For Support

As a remote working parent, support can come in many forms. Friends and family may need to help watch kids if you have an important meeting or day ahead of you. Learn to accept help, because people who love you want to be there for you and your family.

Sometimes that support looks like a friend to talk to about the hard parts. Learning to talk through hardships and then letting them go can be extremely helpful.

4. Plan Activities That Don’t Require Supervision

This one is crucial for being able to get a large chunk of work done. Plan ahead to print coloring pages already set up with crayons or colors pencils. Get out puzzles or age appropriate games. Get a corner ready with books to look at and soft toys and blankets to snuggle. Get a snack or two ready and opened for whenever they are ready to grab it.

5. Work During Naptime

Though taking a break for lunch and catching up on titoks would be more preferable, this is the best time to get a lot of work done. Since there is no noise to worry about, schedule any important meetings if you can at these times.

6. Make Time For Self Care

It is so easy as a busy parent to skip taking time for yourself, but self care is crucial in maintaining both physical and mental health. Make time either early in the morning or later at night for working out, taking a bath, or relaxing with your significant other. You’ll be glad you did.

7. Look Into Online Courses To Improve Skills

Taking online classes related to your industry is an excellent way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and tech improvements while maintaining commitments to family and other priorities. You can enhance your existing knowledge or learn something completely different.

8. Intentional Time with Kids

Make the time you do have with your kids special. Don’t sit around letting them play by themselves while you watch. Make time to play with them and snuggle them. Whenever you can, take them out for new experiences that you can do together, like getting ice cream or enjoying a new park.

Grace Through it All

It’s not easy wearing all the hats at one time. You may be tired. You may get overwhelmed. You may not get it all right all the time. Just remember to give yourself grace when things aren’t perfect. You’re doing a great job, so keep it up!

xoxo,

Jillian

You can read more from Dorothy Watson on her blog over at mentalwellnesscenter.info

8 Tips for Remote Working Parents withToddlers and Babies