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11 Tips For Work-At-Home Moms
Over the past few weeks you’ve probably heard me mention that I’ve been going through a “balance overhaul” in regards to my schedule.
In July I reached a point of overwhelm and I knew something needed to change.
For those of you who don’t already know, The Balanced Life is my full-time job. I work from home to keep this site running and also teach in a studio/train in-home clients for a few hours per week. It was always my dream to get this site to place where I could stay home with my kids and also build a business that I’m passionate about. I’m thrilled that it’s worked out but to say it’s been easy would be a lie.
Before I had my daughter I had more than enough time to work on the online side of my business. Once Blake arrived I took 3 months off which was a wonderful time to rejuvenate and re-focus on where I wanted my business to go with my new role as a mom.
When Blake was a little baby (before she started moving), working from home was a dream. I was able to work on blog posts and coach my clients while she slept in her swing next to me or laid on her back and wiggled her little limbs. It was rather idyllic and my schedule felt perfectly manageable.
I knew that would change and I know it will change again with each new season of life so I’m learning that in order to successfully work from home I’ll need to continually re-evaluate what’s working and what’s not.
Now that Blake is running around the house in a constant blur, I am unable to work while she is awake. I’m holding off on TV as long as I can (even through I REALLY want to give in!) so the only time I am able to focus or get things done is while she is sleeping or while I have help.
The Balanced Life really took off this year. And it happened on the same curve as Blake taking off in her abilities, needs and overall busy-ness level. Hence, the overwhelm that struck back in July.
All of a sudden, everything was off-balance and something really needed to change. I was stressed out all the time, working late nights rather than connecting with my husband, and frustrated during the day by my inability to keep up with work which led to a less-patient mom. It wasn’t good.
So I sat down and re-evaluated what was working and what wasn’t. I had to make choices that were hard to make. I hate letting people down but I told my dear clients and colleagues at the studio that I would no longer be able to teach on Fridays. My babysitter changed schedules and the stress of finding someone new/re-arranging our whole routine for a few hours of teaching wasn’t going to help in removing stress from the week.
Around this time, Blake also dropped her morning nap. I was holding on to it as long as I could. Although we still do “quiet rest time” most mornings I can no longer count on that hour and a half in the morning to get caught up on emails and ready for the day. So, as a result, I’ve added early morning work hours to the routine. A few days a week I get up at 4:45 and head to Starbucks. It may sound crazy but I’m actually kind of loving it… (more on this soon).
All this to say, after 16 months of working from home with a baby here are a few things I’ve learned…
11 Tips For Work-At-Home Moms
1. Get your baby on a schedule.
I know this is fairly controversial in the parenting world but if you plan to work from home I can’t stress the value of a schedule enough. Blake was never on a strict time-based schedule, but she has had a very regular routine since she was about 3-months-old. We followed Babywise and she fell right in line with the natural routine (eat, play, sleep – and no I never ignore her hunger or sleep cues). Knowing when she was going to sleep and when she needed to eat was imperative to being able to return to work and maintain my sanity.
2. Create rituals.
One could easily argue that I spend way too much money at Starbucks. And while I would agree, I’ve come to accept that it’s a part of my routine that has helped me build my business. I learned this from my cousin whom I greatly admire. She’s a very successful work-at-home mom and after dropping the kids off at pre-school in the morning she would swing through Starbucks as a ritual that marked the transition from being mom, to being at work. Your ritual doesn’t need to include Starbucks, it could be a mug of tea, changing clothes, turning on music, etc. The key is to find something that helps your transition from “home time” to “work time” during naps.
3. Keep a running To Do list with daily action items
I keep a running To-Do List throughout the week. I add to it continually and let the list get really long. I actually keep two: one personal and one work-related. But each day I select 3-5 action items which are the things that I truly need to get done. If I can get through more than that, great. But most days there is really only time for the top 3 pressing items. You’ll be surprised how efficient you can be when you narrow your focus each day. Read more about my To-Do list strategy here.
4. Set timers
This is a new practice I started to make the most of the nap time hours. As I mentioned, we’re down to 1 nap in our house so those 2 hours are like precious gold. Social media is a big part of my job, as is email, and both are easy to get sucked into for longer than necessary. So I set timers. 20 minutes on the clock for social media posts and responses, 35 minutes for email, 65 minutes for writing/bookkeeping/program creation/video editing/etc. It’s a great tool to stay focused.
5. Make use of drive time
Schedule calls when you know you’re going to be in the car. I’ve been known to leave early and take the long way to library story-time to take a call on the way. It’s much more efficient than using precious nap time hours to take a call.
6. Schedule walking meetings
Thankfully, I am my own boss so I can run my business however I like. I get to decide which things I include my daughter in and which times I leave her at home for the sake of professionalism. Often, when people ask to meet for coffee I suggest getting coffee and going for a walk instead. It allows me to have meetings without needing a babysitter, and personally I prefer walking and talking anyway. It’s more natural and better for our health. 🙂
7. Wake up early
As I mentioned, now that I’m down to 2 hours of work time during the day, I’ve instituted a new system of early work hours. 3 days a week I wake up at 4:45, roll out of bed and head to Starbucks for a 2 hour work session. So far, so good. Although I don’t enjoy getting out of bed that early, it feels amazing to start the day on top of my inbox and ahead of the game rather than watching work pile up until nap time. My stress levels are down, my productivity is up and my after-dinner hours are now open to connect with my husband. You may not feel you need to leave the house but I do. It keeps me focused and since my daughter is still breastfeeding I can’t be in the house if she wakes up and expect to continue working.
8. Only respond to emails that truly need a response
This is a big shift I’ve made recently. I love, love, love, receiving emails from readers and other bloggers and used to respond to 100% of them. Unfortunately I’ve gotten to a place where I just can’t do that anymore. I found I was doing it at the expense of being with my family or taking care of myself and my needs. Which does not reflect my values and doesn’t exhibit balance in my own life. So now, I have a form email response for many inquiries noting that I do have a program that includes unlimited email interaction/coaching and at this time in my life my time and energy needs to go to those valuable, committed, paying clients. Don’t let this scare you away from emailing me though! I still love them and respond to as many as I have time for. 🙂
The same goes for other inquiries that you many not be interested in. Every email doesn’t require a response. It’s okay to choose wisely. Your time is valuable. Also, unsubscribe from junk mail.
9. Prep on Sundays
Anyone who has gone through The Pilates Body Program knows how big I am on Sunday prep time. Grocery shopping, meal planning and food prepping set the week up to be healthy and stress-free. I make lunches and prepare snacks on Sunday afternoons so that I don’t have to spend extra time in the kitchen during the week. There is a silly amount of cooking and clean up that happens for a 1-year-old who hardly eats, so saving time on myself is super helpful. When lunch time rolls around I just open the fridge, take out my dish and I’m good to go.
10. Hire help
It took me too long to realize the value of help. Hire help when you need it. Sometimes you’ll need a babysitter to meet a deadline or attend an important meeting. That’s okay! It’s good for your child to have time with others and good for you to have a break.
I’ve also begun outsourcing more technical/design parts of my business because it takes me a ridiculously long time to figure out what I’m doing. The saved time and frustrations is well worth the money. Another part of my balance overhaul was to hire a housecleaner. The time and more importantly, annoyance that was relieved by doing this has been significant. I no longer beg my husband to help me and I don’t feel guilty when I haven’t cleaned the bathroom in weeks.
11. Remain flexible
A good friend of mine told me that she’s found she needs to shift her routine to reflect her kids’ changes every 2 months. So really, once you hit your stride things begin to change. I’m learning how important it is to remain flexible. Some days will go as planned, but most won’t. And the routine will continually need to be tweaked and adjusted as Blake grows and our family grows. Some seasons will be easier than others. Moms who are ahead of me already know this and know that 2+ kids changes EVERYTHING once again.
These are just a handful of the things I’ve put into place over the last few weeks to create more balance in my life.
While I wish I had more dedicated work time, it’s nice for me to know when Blake is awake, I’m mom; email is closed, the phone is away and it’s time for me to be present. We read, go to the park, go to story time, run errands and get stuff done around the house.
And when she sleeps, I’m at work. These clear-cut lines and rituals have really helped me to stay on top of my work while also caring for my daughter. Don’t get me wrong, some days are still really hard. It’s a continual learning process. And I know it’s only a matter of time before I have to change things around again, but if you’re trying to balance work, life and productivity I hope some of these tips will help.
If you have any of your own to add I’d love for you to share them in the comments!
xo,
PS – you may also enjoy 10 Self-Care Tips for New Moms and How To Exercise With A Baby.
Robin Long
Robin Long, founder and CEO of Lindywell, certified Pilates instructor, Nutrition Therapy Practitioner, and author of 'Well to the Core,' blends 15 years of expertise with a lifelong commitment to holistic health.
Learn more about Robin Long
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24 thoughts on “11 Tips For Work-At-Home Moms”
I admire you for putting yourself, Blake and your marriage first and then work. It’s not easy, especially in today’s world. You are an amazing woman to be able to balance all of it and run such a successful blog, body program and teaching of others through videos or in person. I’m sure it is not easy and I know you have to be organized to do it all. Please know you are an inspiration to many!! May God continue to bless you, your family and your business!!
These are amazing points! I just started working from home more as well due to a babysitter moving. I want to maintain that work/life balance and these tips are definitely going to be bookmarked. You are amazing to have figured things out so quickly! I admire you.
Time management is so tough! I’m still trying to figure that out, especially with two kids who no longer nap (most of the time), homeschool, workouts, my quiet times, housecleaning, cooking, running errands, spending time with my husband, and oh yeah, sleep! I’m also starting to study for my ACE training certification while continuing to read up on holistic nutrition (my passion!). I love seeing tips from other moms, so thank you for this! (And i have the same Whitney English planner!)
Thank you!! This is such a blessing. Live how authentic you were – appreciate these tips!
This is SO helpful. I already do a lot of these, but I find that I’m burning the midnight oil all.the.time, and it’s completely draining. I’m more happy and focused and patient when work is done before we start our day, and I’m super motivated by this post.
Also, to-do lists! GOLD!! I have a pad on my fridge and jot things down as I think of them (because otherwise – woosh!). This keeps me organized, and frankly, it helps my husband know what’s up too!
I’m not a mom but I think some of your tips translate to any of us, with or without children. Your thoughts here and the link to the oprah.com article yesterday – How To Leave Work At Work – remind me of the importance of setting boundaries and aiming for balance rooted in our values. In this 24/7 world, it’s so easy to get caught up in never ending cycle of making ourselves constantly “on call” for everyone but us! Some of the habits in the Oprah article and also this post I am certainly guilty of, and I never made the connection between my work habits and my stress level. Time to revisit my Things I Don’t Do list and reset my boundaries for my peace of mind both at work and in my personal life. Thanks Robin!
These are great, Robin! While I can’t completely relate since I don’t have a business to keep running, I do relate pretty much everything else and can completely agree that having discipline in time management is so crucial to having a balanced life. I am in awe of how you and other working moms do it – high fives and fist bumps!
I’m not even close to being a mom (or entrepreneur for that matter), but I found this really insightful and smart! Balance is had to achieve in every season of life, I’m learning. You rockstar moms are such an inspiration!
Just ordered a headband! Thanks for the free shipping, ladies! xo
Robin, I am trying to find more time in my schedule and waking up early seems like a good solution, but I wonder—what time do you go to bed to wake up at 4:45 everyday? I feel like I would lose out on time in the evening with my husband because I would need more sleep to wake up early the next morning. Thoughts?
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I can tell I’m pms-ing – practically crying when reading your blog! 🙂 Having 4 kids has been a difficult transition (3-4) – and I am realizing that I need to give myself permission to have boundaries on what my time is for – that I don’t need to feel like I need to be both (mom and working) and the same time – that I can just be mom in the moments I need to. My problem is the back burner is always spinning with work stuff. I’m going to implement your lists and see if that doesn’t help so I can be fully present at mom time.
I just read this and love it! Question though- where is the link to the Pilates Body Program? I clicked the one in the post but I got a “page not found” message. 🙁 I feel like I’m floundering trying to balance working at home, two small girls, cleaning, cooking, living… 😉 This post was great! And we did Babywise with our second, and oh my word, what a fantastic difference!!
Hi Sarah! The Pilates Body Program is being revamped and will launch again in the new year. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to be notified when registration opens. 🙂 I’ve just added another kiddo to the work-at-home mix as well – it’s a challenge that’s for sure! I’m glad you enjoyed this post. xoxo
Just a quick question: how much sleep do you need and actually get?
This is still my main challenge to be a good mother and to balance out time for me.
Hi Bettina! This varies from person to person – an important aspect to think about would be the quality of sleep you are getting!
Thanks for the great article! I worked a full-time job while growing my greeting card business. Soon after my daughter was born, I became a WAHM. This really hit all the areas of I’ve been struggling with. Such helpful advice!
These are just awesome tips for freelancers. You have collected so many useful and interesting tips for people who work from home. I really hope that you will continue to publish this type of content! I look forward to your new articles.
After reading this post. It feels like it was personally written for me. You sure speak like you’ve figured out ways to stay sane, on those crazy days. I’ve learned a thing or two. Yipee. I’m all about living more simply, and productively. Some days it just feels too much, and always like to learn new tips or tricks. Thanks
Hi Egypt – thank you for your message! I love hearing that you’ve found ways to be more productive and calm, especially on those days when life feels overwhelming. You should feel proud for seeking out ways to take care of your health <3
This is very helpful. I am also a work at home mom and these tips are on point. I have created my own tips as well, you can check it on my blog.
Good post! I also work from home. Now my husband and I are even thinking about expanding, because in connection with the pandemic, they are increasingly sitting at home, more space is needed. We are looking for a nice, spacious apartment for rent.
I would love to hear an update on this post! I’ve really found it hard to find time throughout the day now I have two kids. My daughter is almost 3 and doesn’t nap but I’m still waking through the night with my 3-month-old so late nights or early mornings for work are hard. Like you said, it’s always evolving as the kids change and grow. Thanks so much for sharing what worked for you. It is so helpful to hear what works for others. Would love to hear an update! x Nicola
We understand, it certainly is challenging to balance your family’s needs with your own, and as you’re seeing it’s an ever changing balancing act. Robin continues to practice the tips she shared in the blog post, along with prioritizing her workouts in the morning. She often will do a quick workout in the bathroom while she is getting ready for the day. You may enjoy the podcast “This Approach to Wellness May Surprise You”. https://lindywell.com/episode44/