Summer brings with it sunlit days and a break from the school routine. However, for us moms working from home, the summer season can also bring about a challenging juggle between meeting work deadlines and ensuring that the kids are engaged and happy. This balancing act can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. Here are strategies for moms to help to try to manage this dynamic.
Tips for Moms:
–Set Realistic Goals: Acknowledge that summer days might look different. Adjust your work goals accordingly and communicate with your employer or clients about realistic deliverables during this period.
–Create a Flexible Schedule: Embrace the fluidity of summer by designing a flexible work schedule. If possible, tackle demanding tasks early in the morning or during quiet evening hours. Don’t shy away from leveraging the “power hours” when you’re most productive.
–Designate a Workspace: Establish a dedicated work area, signaling to your kids that mom is in “work mode.” A physical boundary can help in minimizing interruptions and keeping you focused.
–Plan for Downtime: Just as important as work, schedule in downtime. This could mean quiet reading hours for you while the kids are engaged in an activity or a planned family outing to look forward to at the end of the week.
Tips for Kids:
–Activity Stations: Set up different activity stations in your home—art and craft corner, reading nook, puzzle table, etc. Rotate these stations to keep the activities fresh and engaging throughout the summer.
–Be a Part of the Planning: Involve your kids in planning their day or week. This encourages independence and helps them understand the concept of structured free time.
–Summer Projects: Encourage your kids to pick a summer project. Whether it’s learning a new skill, reading a series of books, or building something, having a project provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
For Both Moms and Kids:
–Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Incorporate house jobs as a family activity. Simple tasks like watering the plants, setting the table, or tidying up can be made fun with music and a little competition.
–Stay Active Together: Incorporate physical activity into your day. Morning stretches, a midday dance party, or an evening walk can be refreshing breaks for both you and the kids.
–Communicate and Connect: Use this time as an opportunity to strengthen your bond. Share your work with your kids in a way they can understand, and show interest in their projects and activities. Mutual respect for each other’s time and commitments goes a long way.
–Embrace Imperfection: Acknowledge that not every day will go as planned, and that’s perfectly fine. Sometimes, the best memories are made when we let go of expectations and just enjoy the moment.
Balancing work and family life is no small feat, particularly during the summer months. Go easy on yourself and know that not all days will run smoothly. Ask for help if and when needed. And most importantly, remember we are all human and just trying our best.
*Let us know in the comments below if you have any tips you’d share with a mom working from home and minding her kids. All suggestions welcome!
*Images from Unsplash
