November 1, 2018
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We all know how crazy important it is to be organized, especially if you work from home. But getting everything in the right place will probably get ten times more tricky if you are a stay-at-home parent. Juggling with family life, a career, and getting a bit of “me time” in between can be incredibly challenging for even the bravest of us.
So, is there anything we can do to keep a healthy balance between working and parenting?
To answer this question with real-life useful advice, we took a peek into how other stay-at-home-parents manage their daily work-life balance. They share their tips and experiences on how to be productive and a parent at the same time!
Serina’s tips on how to stay organized
Serina is a stay-at-home mom who knows things can easily get out of hand without a proper schedule. Especially if you work from home. The way she manages her time, however, isn’t rocket science – you and me both can learn to minimize our distractions and save time with her tips!
Put most difficult tasks in the morning
Why the morning? Most likely, this is when you’ll be the most alert and will be able to focus best. Also, make sure to use technology in your favor.
Serina suggests that you keep track of your schedule in a Google Calendar – it can be shared with the rest of the family and everyone can see when you are occupied and need time to properly focus. Also, set alarms for small and important tasks and events. You don’t need to remember everything by yourself! You can do all of that, including starting an app job, just by using your phone.
The 2 minute rule
Know when you wake up in the morning and know you need to do a thousand little things you postponed throughout the week? Yes, we’ve all been there. But the 2-minute-rule is actually a great tip against procrastination. It goes like this: if something can be done in 2 minutes or less, do it now!
Shop online
Another quick tip for saving time as Serina does is shopping online. Whether its groceries, diapers, electronics, shoes, or random birthday presents, shopping online can save you the time of commuting and even the stress of staying in traffic. You order online, then take care of your tasks, and in no time they will appear at your door. Simple, efficient, time-saving!
Dennis’ tips for stay-at-home dads
You might still wonder: how can I make an office for myself when children need attention all the time? Indeed, especially little children need you by their side regularly. But don’t forget you don’t have to be alone in all this struggle. One of the most important tips we get from stay-at-home-dad Dennis is specifically this.
Switch parenting time
Indeed, if you live with your partner, it’s helpful to take care of the children “on shifts.” You can work in the morning, while your partner looks over the kids, and switch after lunch, so your partner can get work done too! If you are a single parent, you could ask for help from one of your parents or even other stay-at-home friends. You can join forces and together build a balanced schedule for everyone.
Earn money while walking with the kid
On his half of the day taking care of the child, Dennis goes in the park to play with him but also carries out small chores around town. This can be an inspiration for those making money with app jobs. What if you would delivery groceries? Or maybe walk your neighbors’ dogs? So, taking your kid out for air is good for both of you! But don’t forget to take extra food supplies for your child in case he gets hungry, alright?
Tips on being mindful of yourself by DNVlogsLife
Being a stay-at-home parent is the hardest job out there. Why? Because you don’t get to take any time off! Working for the house, the family, and the job at the same time will most likely get you overwhelmed. That’s why you should be mindful not only of organizing a schedule, but also of taking care of yourself in between.
Make to-do lists
Create a to-do list at the beginning of every single day, with priorities written at the top. Finish them one by one, and if you don’t finish something, you can always put it as a priority on your next day’s list. This way you can smooth your way into working from home (or with an app job), see how tasks gets solved one by one, and not despair if you haven’t touched on everything on your list.
Treat your home like your office
Just because it doesn’t look like a traditional office, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t treat it like one. Pick a spot that will be your office everyday as use it (as much as it is possible) only for that. It can be a corner, a table, or even the bed if you appreciate being silent and cozy. And if you need to keep an eye on the kids while working, it’s easier if you choose a “work station” that’s closer to their play-space.
Team up with the family
Yes! Your children can be your employees too! When it comes to housework, get everyone involved – make an event out of it so you can finish faster. The kids can learn to do the dishes, learn to vacuum, and so it becomes more like play then work. And you get to spend quality time with your family at the same time!
Finally, remember to take small breaks in between, both for your “me time” and for some extra cash activities that don’t require much effort and help you relax, like pet sitting/dog walking for example.
Read also:
How much do freelancers make and how do they get paid?
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