Working at Home While The Kids are Still Young

The clock reads 10:00 pm on our kitchen clock. Everyone is asleep and I am sitting on the couch with my laptop propped up on my knees. I work on warehouse orders, billing, and other administrative things for my dad’s company. Sometimes, I sit working on blog stuff. But its all the same, as a work at home mom I never really stop.

Trying to Find The Balance As a Work At Home Mom

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A few bloggers and I have teamed up to share our experiences balancing a work at home mom life. This summer series was started by Arin and Navy. While today, we are sharing about working at home, they have created a list of topics that I can’t wait to read about later this month.

Truth: I haven’t found “balance” yet and I’m not convinced it exists. But I do believe, every work at home mom will find their grove.

So basically, if you work from home or want to work from home, there is no one size fits all method to being a successful work from home mom.

For example, I usually wake up to a crying baby or a toddler running around screaming “Mommy, I have to pee!” It seems that everyone suggests waking up before the kids. I’ve tried and it usually doesn’t work out well for me. My kids always wake up minutes before my alarm at 5:25 am. It’s exhausting. I stay up late instead because the chances of someone waking up is slim!

But, that’s okay. Morning Nicole is typically no good anyways. 

Which brings me to my first tip for work at home moms:

Do what feels right to you

Mornings have never been a strength for me. I like to wake up with the sun and linger over an iced coffee. The kids eat breakfast watching TV and I catch up on notifications and emails. It sounds nice, but the soundtrack of the morning is Rowan screaming at Piper, “stop touching me, baby girl” or “leave me alone, Piper.” I didn’t realize that a one year old and an almost four year old could fight so much.

In the mornings, I also try to give Rowan 20 minutes of my undivided attention. Sometimes we color, play dough, read, play cars, or even make breakfast. I heard on a podcast a while ago that if you spend 20 minutes a day letting kids lead an activity with you, they will feel love and their attention needs will be met for the day. 20 minutes doesn’t seem like a long time, but for Rowan its a time where I put my phone away and I’m there listening and playing.

What happens next in our morning usually depends on the day. Two days a week, Rowan goes to daycare (Piper has started going with him on Mondays). We have play dates, MOPS meetings, and errands. On days that we stay home, Piper will go down for her morning nap, Rowan will independently play with his cars without worrying about his sister stealing his toys, and I’ll get ready for the day, clean up a little, and work. Which brings me to tips #2 and #3 and beyond!

Always Get Ready for the Day

I’m a believer in if you think you look good, you will feel good. Change out of those PJs and put on some mascara to take on the day. Trust me, the motivation to get stuff done is just not there when I wear pajamas all day. Figure out a uniform for both your outfits and makeup. My method is easy, denim on the bottom and a cute but casual shirt on top. For my face, I use CC creme, concealer, bronzer on both my eyes and face, and mascara. Sometimes, I’ll line my eyes with a dark brown eyeliner, but that’s more out of habit then anything.

Find a work at home look that works for you. Just because I love my denim jeans and shorts, doesn’t mean you have to. I have friends that love maxi skirts, knee length dresses, or their super cute  work out clothes. Just take the time for yourself every morning.

Don’t Be Afraid to Hire Help

Just because you’re a work at home mom, doesn’t mean you can’t have childcare or hire help. Having dedicated hours just to work (or run errands) alone can be life changing for your work at home life.

Rowan (and now Piper) go to daycare/preschool twice a week. I was amazed at how much work I could get done knowing that my kids were taken care of. Making the decision to have childcare has helped me manage my time and set up some work life/mom life balance.

Not ready for childcare, there are a few other ways to get help. One of the other ways, I try to maximize my time is I order my groceries for pick up (at Walmart) or I get them delivered by Instacart. You could also try house cleaners or hiring an assistant. The goal with hiring help is finding out what brings you joy and let go of the expectations that you have to do it all. We were not made to do it all!

Take a “Lunch” Break

Truth: I don’t always work during nap time. Sometimes I clean or do laundry. Other times, I’m hanging out with the Housewives on Bravo. Use nap time how it will best benefit you. For me, nap time is a moment where I can relax after working and living that mom life all morning. People that work out of the house take a lunch break and you should too.

Don’t Forget to Sleep

I’m a night owl and Brady is not. He is usually in bed by 9 pm regardless if he works the next morning. Okay, so maybe on weekends, he’ll stay up a little later, but typically the hours between 9 pm and Midnight is my time to shine. Most nights I try to wrap everything up by 11 pm because I would like to be asleep by midnight, but I lose track of time when the house is quiet and dark. I could probably work all night if I could…but sleep is essential to a well balanced life.

Other quick tips

Don’t forget about date nights and nights out with your friends.

It’s okay to say, “let mommy finish working first”

It’s also okay to turn on the TV or the ipad.

Don’t forget to wash your face or drink water.

Wireless headsets (I have airpods) are a game changer if you make phone calls. Especially in the middle of target holding a crying baby. Yep, true story.

Working at Home isn’t The Glamorous Life Some Think It Is

I feel like I’m always working. Yes, its kind of my fault. I work part time for my dad, part time on my blog, I run social media and have a leadership role at my MOPS Group, and like all moms, I’m a full time mom of two small kids. Life is a bit hectic and when you add on my travel schedule, I am behind in most everything I do.

But I still chose this crazy life I set up for myself everyday simply because I love the hustle. And I hope that my kids will grow up and know that I worked my butt off and every little sacrifice was ultimately for them.

Do you work from home with kids? Do you have any tips to share?

Connect with the other bloggers for Week 2 Summer Blog Series and read about their experiences:

Navy  | Arin | Kate  |  Chelsee  |  Aryn  |   Rese  |  Hannah  |  Jen  |  Holly