Practical Tips for Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Stay at home Parent
For the last almost three years, I've worked at home without any childcare support. Over the last 9 months I've been able to find a nanny to come into the house and watch Little Dude, and I'm so grateful...but it's still been a very difficult road. I've often found myself in need of some practical tips for work-life balance.
I've learnt a lot about how to do both at the same time. The biggest thing I've learnt is to silence the inner critic that, most days, tells me that I'm not doing either one well. I choose not to listen to it, because I know that not only am I doing my best, but I am a DAMN GOOD Mom and business owner. I can, and do, do both well.
Here are my biggest practical tips for navigating work-life balance as a stay at home parent:
The Struggle is Real
Finding equilibrium between work responsibilities and parenting duties is undeniably challenging. But fear not, as I'm here to provide valuable insights and actionable tips to help you navigate this intricate balance.
Embrace the Chaos
Acceptance is the first step – acknowledge that chaos is part of the deal. Your home office may double as a playground or snack haven occasionally, and that's perfectly normal. Embrace the chaos, find humor in interruptions, and let go of the notion of a flawless home office.
Set Clear Boundaries
Initiate the journey to balance by establishing clear boundaries. Define specific work hours, communicate these boundaries with your family, and ensure everyone is on the same page. Clear boundaries not only enhance focus during work hours but also enable you to fully engage with your family during non-work periods. This goes for your clients too. My clients know that Mondays are for me and little dude, and that I try my best not to work evenings.
Prioritize Your Tasks
Not all tasks carry equal weight. Prioritize your to-do list by identifying and addressing the most critical tasks early in the day. This proactive approach not only boosts productivity but also allows flexibility for unexpected interruptions – a common occurrence in parenting. Some things just have to wait, and that's okay. It's equally important to know which things you don't want to put on the back burner. I never miss the opportunity to read to Little Dude before he goes down for a nap or bedtime, and I have a posting schedule I can stick to.
Leverage Naptime and Bedtime
Naptime and bedtime are invaluable opportunities for focused work. Utilize these quiet periods to respond to emails, attend virtual meetings, or make significant progress on projects. Maximizing these moments enhances productivity and aids in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I also use naptimes to nap myself if I need it. Taking care of myself matters the most, because if I go down the whole ship goes down with me.
Create a Support System
You're not alone in this journey. Connect with other work-from-home parents for mutual support and advice. Sharing experiences and tips can provide valuable insights, making it easier to navigate the unique challenges associated with balancing work and family life. If you can't connect with anyone in the exact same boat as you, the same storm will do. I have friends with toddlers that don't work from home, and I rely on them just as much as my entrepreneur friends.
I cannot stress this enough...my DM's and emails are always open. You can email me here, and DM me here.
Embrace Flexibility
Flexibility is a superpower. Understand that some days will be more unpredictable than others. Be prepared to adapt and remain flexible. Working from home allows for a personalized schedule that accommodates both family needs and professional commitments. When little dude was a newborn, I had reminders everywhere that said "just roll with it". It was a reminder I needed often, like when he wouldn't eat when I THOUGHT he should be hungry. Rolling with it is an extremely invaluable skill.
Communication is Key
Effective communication is the linchpin of success. Keep communication channels open with your partner, children, and even your clients. Clearly express when you require dedicated work time and when you're available for family activities. Transparent communication fosters understanding and contributes to a harmonious home office environment. On the client side of things, communicating your capacity and availabilty can help manage expectations on both sides and prevent burnout.
As we continue this journey, let's celebrate the victories, learn from the challenges, and acknowledge that, indeed, we are superheroes in the dual realms of parenting and remote work. Here's to you, to me, and to all the amazing parents out there – navigating this path with grace and resilience. Cheers to the beautiful chaos that is our everyday life!
