10 Tips On Working From Home With Little Kids

Welcome to our guest blogger this week, Cassie Howard.

It's a crazy season right now - everyone is at home, the kids aren't in school, and you just may feel like pulling your hair out from all of the demands they make every day.

You want to enjoy your kids while they are little, but you also want to be able to run a successful business while working from home. Here are some ideas to keep you working while you've got a child at home for awhile.

1. Work early in the morning or late at night - and during nap time if you’re lucky enough that naps still exist in your life.

2. Set a work-from-home schedule and try to stick with it. Establishing a schedule (as best you can) while they are still little will help them to understand what you do, as they get older, and are more likely to give you the time you need. 

3. Schedule in time for interruptions and play-breaks so you can manage your stress levels and not feel guilty about not working or not playing enough with your child/children.

4. Designate times when you can give your full attention to your kids - have a routine where they know when you’ll be available for play and when you’ve got to get back to work.

5. Mobilize your office. Get yourself a laptop, your cell phone, pen and notebook and you can work anywhere your kids are. Work at the kitchen table, the backyard, the couch, you'll be surprised how much you can get done in between activities.

6. Ask for help - remember that you don't always have to be superwoman. You don't have to do it all on your own. If you have a partner, ask them to watch the kids for a few hours while you get some work dine.

7. Delegate business tasks. It may mean spending a little extra money but hiring out some of the tasks in your business will free up your time to spend with your family. Having someone work on your website, or help with answering customer service emails can be a huge help in keeping your business running smoothly with little ones always around.

8. Keep your kids well fed and, ideally, well slept. When your kids start bouncing off the walls or throwing tantrums so often it can be a sign of hunger or being tired. Keeping lots of healthy food options on hands keeps your toddler happier, calmer, and lets you get more work done.

9. Do something for yourself. Take some time during the week to make sure you get time in to do something that's just for you, NOT work related and NOT mommy related. Read a book, take a nap, take yourself shopping (online). Keeping yourself motivated by scheduling these special times in lets you focus and refresh your batteries. Set yourself goals and celebrate each victory with doing something for just YOU!

10. Lastly, cut yourself some slack - seriously. Soon enough they won’t want anything to do with you anyways. Enjoy them while they’re still little - but don't feel as though you need to occupy them 24/7. 

Hope this was helpful! :)

xx,
Cassie

Thank you to our guest blogger this week. Connect with Cassie to learn more about she helps women entrepreneurs thrive.