This topic hits close to home for me, literally as I’m writing this I have two little ones hanging off the window sills, screaming at each other. The never ending chaos of working from home is something that is NOT talked about enough.
I wanted to stay home with my kids, but also want make a living for my family…
so now I never get a break from either 🙃
As Hannah Montana would say, I get the best of both worlds. But in all seriousness, the reality of trying to get a job done with full focus, while also tending to your littles is a juggling act that seems nearly impossible most days. You want to be present with your child(ren), and give them the attention that you wish you could. While also trying to schedule Zoom meetings and get in your work before the deadline hits. I’ve been faced so many times with the mental and emotional struggle of feeling inadequate at both.
That is why I am here to tell you, HEY MAMA – YOU’RE DOING A GREAT JOB!! 👏🏼❤️ Often times people tell me “Kelli, I don’t know how you do it it all?!” Which is a kind thing to say, but if we’re being honest – I don’t do it all.
Some days, I put my work off for way too long, ignore emails, and barely make deadlines. I choose to spend more present time with my kids and give them more of my attention than work.
Then there are days where I let them have WAY too much screen time, wreck the house and have probably one too many snacks. Anything to keep them occupied while I sit at my desk and plug away at all the work that needs to be done.
What I’m basically trying to say is, give yourself grace. It’s not easy, you’re pouring from one cup, and trying to fill two. It just doesn’t work. Take a deep breath, one task at a time, and just try your best.
Ok, now that I’ve gotten the encouragement part taken care of – here are some practical things that I do to help me work from home with littles:
- Set Aside Specific Work Blocks
I have, have, HAVE to schedule specific blocks of time during the day that are deemed “quiet time”. In our house, this is usually during Evelyn’s afternoon nap. Avery knows that this is Mommy’s work block and her quiet time. She understands that it’s only while sister naps, then when she wakes up we can go back to playing. Highly recommend implementing some sort of “quiet time” into your littles routine. It’s hard a first, but they adjust after a week or two.
**Trust me, if Avery can do it, your kiddo can too… Avery has ants in her pants 24/7!** - Ask for Help
I am NOT super women, I CANNOT do it all by myself. I’m a highly independent person, so this is something that I’ve had to learn as I’ve gotten older. Asking for help, or acknowledging that you need help isn’t a bad thing. It’s realizing that you’re human, and humans are designed to need community.
Example: I have a sitter that comes twice a week for 3 hours in the morning. This is enough time for me to sit at a cafe or go into my office to get a predetermined list of tasks done. Jordon (my husband) is home on Tuesdays. So I have designated Tuesday – Thursday mornings, working blocks. - Plan Ahead
Piggy-backing off from my last point – plan ahead what needs to get done and prioritize that list. If you can’t already tell, I love my lists… just ask Jordon, he has his own “to-do list” that I make for him too 😂. - Find “Non-Traditional” Working Hours
This one might not apply to everyone, but it is truly something that has changed the game for me. If I can find one to two nights a week where I work when the kids go to sleep, I’ll accomplish more in that two hours of them sleeping, then four hours of them awake during the day. If you’re a morning person, wake up a little earlier to plug in an extra hour, or even 30 minutes to get through emails. NOW remember, don’t work yourself around the clock. This is a give and take. Give a little more at 9pm the night before, so you can take a little more at 4pm the next day.
I’ve been a stay at home/ work from home Mom for three years now. I hope some of my trials and errors helps you establish a routine for yourself. I thrive in schedules and routines, and so do my kids. Working from home with kiddos isn’t easy, and don’t let anyone tell you that “don’t actually work” because you don’t go into an office everyday. They’re dumb.
One. Day. At. A. Time. You got this 🙌
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