This past January began a new career journey for me. I embarked on this journey after realizing I was truly miserable in my then-current position. At the time, I was working the front desk at a cancer center. This position is an emotionally and mentally draining one as you see hundreds of sick people coming, fighting for their lives. I am thankful for those who work in this field because it is TOUGH. To work in this kind of environment, and then come home to take care of my son who is fighting his own cancer battle, it was exhausting. I was surrounded by cancer 24/7. It was time to put my well-being first.
Everything began to align. I was in the office for a couple weeks for training, and then gradually moved to a hybrid schedule (a few days at home, a few days in the office). By April, I was working from home full time. I finally have the work/life balance I’ve always desired.
Even though I haven’t done this for very long, I did learn a thing or two about surviving working from home full time with a little one who wants ALL of my attention. So, whether you are completely new at juggling this or an expert looking for some possible new tools under your belt, I’m here to share my best tips on how to make your day go a little smoother!
- GET IN A ROUTINE
No, seriously, if you take anything away from this, it’s this one! We all thrive off of routine, especially children. Even though I work from home and don’t really need to “get ready” in the morning, I still follow my morning routine. I don’t have to clock in for work until 7 AM, but I make sure I’m awake by 6 AM each morning (if not sooner). Sure, it would be cool to just roll out of bed and clock in for work, but then I don’t feel my best!
The first thing I do in the morning is hydrate my body with a glass of water. (This is something I’ve recently added to my routine, and it has actually helped how I felt overall tremendously!) Then, I start doing my yoga practice or a morning workout. Waking my body up this way helps me to feel energized throughout the day. I don’t this for more than half an hour, so once I’m done, I’ll “get ready” for work (brush my teeth, skin routine, do my hair, etc.) I do this even though I’m not actually going anywhere because it helps me to feel good about myself. And when I feel good about myself, I’m more confident and successful throughout the day. Whether you feel best when you are dressed up or dressed down, hair done or in a bun, makeup on or all natual, just do whatever makes you happy!
I also make my cup of coffee during this time, and then I’m ready to start my workday! If I wake up later than 6 and can’t get my routine in, I’ve found I don’t thrive as much because something from my day is missing, whether it’s the physical activity, or the things I do for my own appearance that make me feel good about me. I also get some “alone time” in before the kids wake up and the crazy starts!
For the kids, specifically the little one, having them on a schedule helps them as much as it helps me while I’m working. Ian thrives off of routine and numbers, so we have incorporated him being able to tell time on a digital clock. When he sees there is a new hour, he knows there is something to do. For example, he knows at 8 o’clock, it’s time to take his morning medicine.
Your schedule can be however you best see fit. Ours can change depending on doctor appointments or meetings I have for the day, so not every day is exactly the same. But as I mentioned earlier, Ian now is at the point where he knows each hour is something new. Not all activities we have planned last an hour, but it helps both of us to get through the day.
2. PRIORITIZE
Make sure you are setting realistic expectations for yourself. You are only human, mama. I know you want to be able to do it all, but if you push yourself too hard, you will just end up frustrated and disappointed. These negative feelings can move inward, and before you know it, you’re in a negative and unproductive mindset. Whereas, if you set yourself up for more reachable, realistic goals, you can come out feeling proud and accomplished, which will feed into a positive energy.
Let’s face it: you might not be able to get everything done on your to-do list when you are trying to juggle work tasks and a child who depends on you for everything. But what you can do is prioritize: make sure you get the most crucial things done first, and then work your way down the ladder.
3. CHANGE UP TOYS
Let’s face it: kids get bored. FAST. While some toys will always be their favorite, it’s still good to rotate toys in and out so to keep kids entertained. Trying to be a work from home parent means that your child will learn to entertain themselves, at least to some degree. (Totally will not be all day, so be prepared for interruptions!)
What I found worked best for me are toys that don’t need a ton of supervision (so do not give your child play doh if you intend to be getting work done during this time). Examples of this could be building blocks, matchbox cars, picture books, playing music, etc. (And obviously coordinate in what your child likes and age-appropriate things!)
I have also personally found it helpful when my child is given a choice of what to play with, but make sure it’s 2 choices you can live with! (Don’t ask them if they want to play with dolls or paint and get upset when you are now trying to work AND supervise a paint job on your house.) Providing your child with 2 choices makes them feel in control and helps to build on their independence. They are much more willing to play with one of the choices given if they are the ones who get to choose (but mama wins because it’s also a choice mama picked out!)
4. BE KIND TO YOURSELF
No one said working from home as a mom would be easy. So be kind to yourself as you learn to navigate and find what works best for you and your child. Following all of the above steps really has helped me to stay productive during work hours, while making sure my child is taken care of. Life is crazy, and I see you working hard to juggle it all. But it’s okay that we can’t juggle it all at once given time. Us mamas are doing our best, and I promise, that is enough. If no one else has told you today: You’re doing great!
