When I first thought about starting a home business while also caring for my young kids, I had some concerns. How would I handle everything on my plate? Care for my kids, homeschool, keep the house clean and find time to work. I was also anxious about how I would handle those wild weeks. Like kids being sick. Trips out of town. Catching up on housework after being sick or out of town.
Before taking the leap, I read numerous books on time management to help me prepare. Now here I am on the other side letting you Mamas know, IT CAN BE DONE! Are there days when things don’t go as planned? YEP! But I am able to adjust and still get done what I need to in a week. Our family is clothed, happy, and cared for. My husband feels loved. The kids are current with school, and my business isn’t suffering. Let me share with you How to Make Time to Work from Home with Young Kids.
Set Work Hours
Create a work schedule for yourself even if this has to change and adjust week to week. By setting aside the time to work on your business you are making a commitment to yourself and are more likely to show up. Sure, some days will go amiss. Things will need to be rearranged, but that is OK. Set work hours and a schedule that benefits you. Then when you sit down to work just complete one simple task. If that seems too daunting, then break down that task even further. Set yourself up to succeed. Not feel defeated when you can’t get something done in one sitting. Remember the way you eat an elephant is one bite at a time.
A wonderful podcast episode that gives you additional ideas for setting work hours is by Chelsi Jo of Systemize Your Life. Listen and learn more from EP 282 // 5 Different Ways To Get 10 Hours Of Uninterrupted Work Every Week.
Work Before Kids Wake Up
I am NOT an early morning person. I like my sleep. Working early in the morning before kids are awake is a great option for many people who desire to Make Time to Work from Home with Young Kids. So, I figured it was worth a mention.
One Youtuber I enjoy watching is Lydia Seen. She does many Days in the Life videos where she will show what her daily flow looks like. Working from home in-between homeschooling her kids. Taking care of household tasks. Getting her college classes done and even going to the gym! She makes this schedule work for her by getting up at 4:30am most mornings!
Work During Naptime, Evenings OR Weekends
The main way I am able to Make Time to Work from Home with Young Kids is by working during naptime. Most days I have roughly two hours during nap time, but that time is often met with interruptions. Some days it is a race again the clock to get things done. But I am able to accomplish much more that I think I am capable of during this small block of time. By having a plan in place of one OR two tasks that need to be completed and will move things forward help me get things accomplished during nap time.
Evenings is a way I am able to catch up on work if needed OR work on projects. I work 1- 2 nights most weeks since my husband has to work a closing shift or two. I may work an additional night if I am really behind on things, but that is not the norm. Now I will say when I work in the evenings I do so for maybe 2ish hours after the kids are in bed and I never burn the midnight oil. I enjoy winding down in the evening and look forward to relaxing and reading before bed.
Weekends is another option for How to Make Time to Work from Home with Young Kids. Perhaps you find yourself with some free time due to the Kids enjoying a sleepover with the Grandparents. Maybe make a deal with Dad to watch the Kids for a few hours so you can catch up, get ahead, or finish a work project. Make a Coffee Date with yourself at your local Coffee Shop so you aren’t distracted by Home Life, Task(s), etc.
TV Time for Kids
When all chores and schoolwork are done for the day, my Kids are allowed TV Time. This is another way I can get work tasks done during the day. I am able to sit nearby and work for an extra hour or so depending on the length of the TV Show or Movie. I am still around my kids if they need me, but I don’t have to pay attention to another Silly Song with Larry.
Another way TV Time can be beneficial is when everyone is sick and doesn’t have the energy to do much. Once I have cared for the kids. Got them comfortable on the couch. Then I will let them relax and watch something. If I am not sick, this helps me get a little work done so I don’t get behind or have to ditch work completely that day. Allowing some TV Time each week is a great way to Make Time to Work from Home with Young Kids. Curious what our kids watch then read my post of a List of Clean + Age- Appropriate Television Shows for Kids.
Fringe Minutes OR Hours
Taking advantage of unexpected free time or small pockets of time you find here or there is another great way to Make Time to Work from Home with Young Kids. Kids sleeping over at the Grandparent’s house. A week of Summer Camp. Playdate with a Friend. Special day out with Dad. Pregnant and dealing with insomnia. Waiting at the Doctor’s Office or the DMV.
Working while your kids play inside or outside is another great way to squeeze in work time. If I have something quick to complete like writing post outlines. Checking email, or schedule something to Google Calendar then I may only need 30 minutes to complete it. Again, this time may be met with interruptions, but you learn to go with the flow, and still get the work done. These are all excellent pockets of time you can use to work on your business rather than piddle it away.
Ask for Help OR Hire a Babysitter
If you work from home and care for your kids but there are work tasks that may require a few hours of your undivided attention, then ask Dad for help. My Husband will watch the kids solo once a week on a day he is off if I need a few extra hours to get a work project done. I try to limit myself to only 2- 3 hours, so I don’t work the day away and miss spending time with him and the kids.
If it is in your means, then hire a Mother’s Helper or Babysitter to help out once or a few times a week. This is another great way to work from home if you need to give a project a few hours of undivided attention. When we lived in Tennessee, we had a wonderful babysitter who was always willing to help out if we needed her. I have also paid Olivia to watch the younger boys for 20- 30 minutes or so if I need to complete something really quick. She likes it because this gives her spending money, and who doesn’t enjoy a Mother Daughter trip to Target?!
More Time Management Resources…
I hope these suggestions were helpful. Mixing up the ideas above helps to Make Time to Work from Home with Young Kids very doable. You may not have large chunks of undivided work time but get creative and see where you can find work time in your day or week.
If you are looking for more in-depth information on how to make the most of your time day to day, then get your FREE copy of My Top 5 Time Management Book Recommendations for ALL Moms. Whether you work full or part time. Have one kid or many. Hire out help running your household or call it good enough most days. Married, single, or whatever your situation may be. These Time Management books offer ways for you to use your time wisely on what matters most.
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