Working from home can be such a challenge, even in the most ideal of situations. It is so easy to be distracted with the washing, cleaning, cooking, and to do lists that you have been wanting to do for some while.
Adding in children to the mix and you could probably never imagine being able to successfully work from home.
After having my first daughter I knew I did not want to return to work in the line of work I was doing. I wanted to be able to enjoy the years with her while she was young. I wanted to be there, I wanted to spend more time with my family.
I became pregnant with my second daughter in 2018. During my pregnancy I used to read a lot of blogs. I’d trail the internet for advice and tips, and read forums on all things motherhood and pregnancy. Half-way through my pregnancy I decided to take the plunge and start my own blog. I never thought I would begin to make money from it for at least a few years, but I have been very lucky to do so and I am now experiencing that ‘work from home’ mom life.
Now I have been doing this with a newborn and a toddler in tow, and I wanted to share with you my favorite tips that I’ve implemented during this time to allow me to get some work done. Be sure to also grab Momalot’s Work at Home Guide to Getting Started.
8 insider tips to get business done while nurturing your babies
- Baby Wearing – I never did this with my first born. But with my second and having so much to get done in a day, this really saved my life. Invest in a sling to wear comfortably around the house. It will help massively when baby does not want to be put down. You will have both hands free!
- Nap Time – This is the time I manage to get the majority of my work done. It is a little bit tricky now as my toddler no longer naps. (Dang it). Although during this time she will have quite time and “rest” for an hour while I do some work. Take advantage of this time and do as much work as possible. I know if I don’t then it ends up being a very late night. You may also enjoy our article How to Take a Break When You’re Surrounded by Kids.
- Pumping bra – If you are breastfeeding and pumping, this can seem very demanding. You can purchase a pumping bra that hold your pumps so you can be hands free again!
- Reach out to family – Use family and friends around you to entertain the kids while you work. Having the help will allow you to focus on work during the day and help you accomplish your working goals.
- Take the pressure off – Don’t be so hard on yourself. Working from home can be hard enough. Having children to watch as well can be very very stressful. Try to relieve some pressure off of yourself. Check out our article Self-Care for Busy Moms
- Activity list – Toddlers/babies need a LOT of attention. Setting up a range of activities/things and things for them to do should help buy you some time.
- Plan Ahead – Plan ahead for the next day. If you plan activities (mentioned above) as well as all your jobs you need to do for that day, you will wake up every morning ready to rock and roll.
- Be Flexible – When working from home with a newborn, recognize that your workday will need to be flexible because newborns are very unpredictable. Try and keep your home life and work life separate, or you will feel burnt out.
