Survive and thrive as a work-from-home parent with this advice
Working from home might sound like a dream come true for some, but for parents of young children, it’s often much harder than working from an office. Distractions are not only common, they’re expected, and having to multitask leaves parents feeling exhausted and mentally drained. Not only that, you risk making costly mistakes at work when your mind isn’t fully involved.
Fortunately, work-from-home parents have found ways to survive and thrive by utilizing helpful resources and ensuring that their physical and mental health get the attention they deserve. You can start by gathering time-saving tips and tools at Help For Busy Mums where you can find advice on running your household and creating work/life balance on a full schedule. Next, set an action plan that will help you stay on top of things while holding it all together.
Stay comfortable
It’s hard to focus on a full schedule when you don’t look and feel your best, so take a second look at your wardrobe. Working at a desk, jumping up several times during the day to run after your little ones, and running errands all require comfortable clothing that breathes and stretches. This is especially important if you’ve recently had a baby. A versatile pair of leggings will take you from morning to night, dressed up or casual, and you’ll feel stylish while remaining comfortable. Pair them with a soft new bra or tank top for an outfit that works no matter how busy you are.
Get outside
Let’s face it: Sitting at a desk all day isn’t ideal for your mood, and when you add in parenting responsibilities on top of everything you have to do for work, you’re just asking for burnout. Once you have some comfy, cute clothes, make it a point to get outdoors and show them off. Take your little ones to the park on your lunch break, or simply sit outside with your laptop and soak up the sun while you work. Not only will this help to boost your mood, it will benefit the kids by providing exercise and fresh air–which could be advantageous for you when they’re ready for a nap later.
Have a backup plan
Some days, taking a long lunch hour or working outside isn’t an option. When the weather is bad or when you’re on a time crunch with work, having a backup plan is crucial. Depending on the age of your little ones, the plan will vary, but you might have a “surprise” bag of toys or games they’ve never seen before to keep them occupied (the local dollar store is a great place to shop for these) or a new movie that will keep them entertained for a while as you work. Set up stations with various crafts and tasks. You can also prepare a contingency plan for meals–such as freezing a casserole or ordering out–for those busy days when you know you won’t have time to cook.
Change your outlook
Even armed with a solid plan and some resources, it can be hard to get through a day of remote work without stress when you’ve got a mindset that expects it. Rather than dreading a busy day, create a plan that will help you manage it and take control. Set yourself up for success by working in little breaks that will help keep interruptions to a minimum. For instance, if your kids are full of pent-up energy, make it a point to get up and do a round of silly dances with them for five minutes every hour. Not only will this be helpful to them, but it will also allow you to get moving and shake off some stress.
Remote work does have many benefits for parents–including saving money on childcare and a commute–so it’s a good idea to try and focus on the positives as much as possible. Creating a plan that works for both you and your kids will allow you to take control of the day so that everyone is happy.
Help For Busy Mums offers advice and resources for overwhelmed parents, but they also offer mentoring and time management workshops. Get in touch today if you have questions or just want to contribute.
