Hey, mama!
Balancing work and motherhood without feeling overwhelmed can be challenging, but with some helpful tips, it is possible because YOU ARE AMAZING and an incredible, hard working mom.
If you don’t currently have a job but are hoping to make some extra money as a stay at home mom, you’ll definitely want to head over to this post!!
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Working Mom Tips and Tricks
1. Set a schedule
Planning your day in advance is a game-changer. Grab your favorite planner or use a nifty app to create a schedule that includes dedicated blocks of both work and baby time. Think of it as your roadmap for the day.
Create a routine that works for you and your little one. Maybe you can plan your work time around your baby’s nap schedule, utilizing those precious moments of tranquility to tackle your important tasks. And when you need uninterrupted work time, consider scheduling childcare or enlisting the help of a trusted family member or friend.
Remember, flexibility is key, and sometimes plans may need to shift. Embrace the beauty of adapting your schedule to your baby’s needs while still making progress in your work. With a well-crafted schedule in hand, you’ll feel like the ultimate mom-boss, mastering the art of balancing work and baby time.
2. Create a designated workspace
It’s essential to designate a specific workspace where you can focus and be productive without distractions. Find a cozy nook or corner in your home and transform it into your own dedicated workspace.
Make it comfortable with a supportive chair and a clutter-free desk. Keep your baby’s toys and supplies in a separate area to minimize distractions and create a clear boundary between work and playtime. Remember, having a dedicated workspace not only helps you stay organized but also signals to your brain that it’s time to get down to business.
So, deck out your workspace with inspiring decor, maybe even a cute motivational quote or two, and get ready to conquer your workday.
3. Use a baby carrier
Use a baby carrier to keep your baby close while you work. This is great for little ones who need to be close to mama throughout the day. This way your baby feels close and comforted while you work, and you don’t feel as if you are prioritizing work over your little babe. There are so many amazing carriers out there, but I personally preferred a structured and more affordable carrier. If you don’t have one yet, you might like giving the Infantino a try!
4. Take breaks
Take frequent breaks to attend to your baby’s needs or simply to take a break from work. This will help you recharge and refocus so you can use your time more productively when you return to working.
As you juggle work and baby, it’s essential to listen to your little one’s cues and take frequent breaks to attend to their needs. Whether it’s a diaper change, a snuggle session, or just some quality bonding time, these breaks are precious moments that keep both you and your baby happy.
And here’s a secret: taking breaks is not only good for your little one but also for you! It gives you a chance to recharge, refresh your mind, and refocus on the tasks at hand. So, embrace those mini pauses, go ahead and take that deep breath, and return to work with renewed energy and a clear mind.
Trust us, when you prioritize self-care and allow yourself these breaks, you’ll find that your time spent working becomes even more productive and efficient.
5. Utilize technology
Use technology to your advantage by using apps or software that can help you stay organized and on top of your work.
- Trello: Trello is a fantastic project management app that helps you stay organized and collaborate with others. Create boards, lists, and cards to keep track of your tasks, deadlines, and important information.
- Evernote: Evernote is a versatile note-taking app that allows you to capture ideas, make to-do lists, save articles, and even record voice memos. Stay organized by creating different notebooks and easily access your information across devices.
- Asana: Asana is a powerful task management app that helps you stay on top of your work. Create projects, assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress all in one place. Collaborate with your team and keep everyone aligned and organized.
- Todoist: Todoist is a user-friendly task management app that helps you create and manage your to-do lists. Organize your tasks by project, set due dates, and receive reminders to stay on track with your work-from-home responsibilities. This is the app I personally use to help me stay on a track with my daily and monthly tasks!
- Google Calendar: Google Calendar is a popular choice for scheduling and organizing your day. Create events, set reminders, and share your calendar with family members or colleagues to stay coordinated and manage your work and personal life effectively.
- Slack: Slack is a communication and collaboration platform that helps you stay connected with your team. Create different channels for specific topics or projects, share files, and have real-time conversations to enhance your work-from-home productivity.
- Focus@Will: Focus@Will is a unique app that provides curated music playlists designed to improve focus and productivity. Choose from various genres and soundscapes to create an optimal work environment and enhance your concentration.
- RescueTime: RescueTime is a time-tracking app that monitors your computer and mobile device usage. It provides insights into how you spend your time, helping you identify areas for improvement and boost your productivity while working from home. This is especially helpful for tip number 16 below!!
- Dropbox: Dropbox is a cloud storage app that allows you to securely store and access your files from anywhere. Easily share files with colleagues or clients, collaborate on documents, and keep your important work documents organized and accessible. Another option is Google drive. Anywhere you can save your work to the cloud for ease of access from any device is a must-have.
6. Prioritize self-care
Taking care of yourself is crucial amidst the chaos of motherhood! Remember to carve out some “me time” to recharge and rejuvenate. Treat yourself to a warm bubble bath, sip on a cup of herbal tea, or indulge in your favorite guilty pleasure TV show. Don’t forget to connect with other moms, whether it’s a virtual coffee date or a quick chat in a mom’s group. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, and take breaks when needed.
And hey, don’t be too hard on yourself. Embrace imperfections, take deep breaths, and remember that you’re doing an amazing job. The bottom line, take care of yourself physically and emotionally. This will help you be more productive and better able to handle the demands of being a mom and working from home.
And by taking care of yourself, you’re not only investing in your own happiness and health but also setting a powerful example for your little one.
7. Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it – we all know how overwhelming it can get juggling work and family. It’s okay to ask for help! Reach out to family, friends, or fellow moms for support. Whether it’s sharing childcare duties, asking for advice, or even delegating some household tasks, remember that you don’t have to do it all on your own.
Remember, asking for help doesn’t make you any less of a supermom—it just means you’re smart enough to know when you need a helping hand.
8. Set realistic expectations
Let’s be real—expecting to work a solid eight-hour stretch without any interruptions when you have a baby is like expecting unicorns to show up at your doorstep. Babies need attention, and that’s perfectly normal.
It’s okay to take breaks and tend to their needs. Embrace the fact that your workday might look a little different now, with mini breaks for diaper changes, feeding sessions, or simply cuddling time. Remember, these moments with your little one are precious and won’t last forever. So, go ahead, pause that spreadsheet, and give your baby the love and attention they need. It’s all part of the beautiful balancing act of being a working mom.
9. Use naptime to your advantage
We know naptime provides a tiny window of golden opportunity for uninterrupted work. When your little one finally dozes off, it’s game on for tackling those tasks that require some serious focus.
Use this precious (and fleeting) time to dive into projects, respond to important emails, or tackle that presentation that requires all of your mindpower and focus. But hey, don’t stress about trying to accomplish everything in one nap session.
Save the mindless tasks for when you can multitask during your baby’s wake windows. You know, like replying to emails while singing their favorite nursery rhyme or folding laundry while engaging in a cute little conversation. Remember, you’re a mom with superpowers, and you’ve got this working-from-home-and-caring-for-baby thing down pat!
10. Multitask
When you find those moments where your baby needs your attention but you can still sneak in some work-related activities, go for it.
Feedings can be the perfect opportunity to pop in your earphones and catch up on work-related podcasts or audiobooks. You can even take advantage of baby’s playtime to brainstorm ideas or jot down notes for that upcoming meeting. It’s all about finding those little pockets of time where you can seamlessly blend work and baby tasks.
Just remember to be flexible and embrace the unpredictability of mom life.
11. Prioritize tasks
To stay on top of your game, start by making a good ol’ to-do list. Jot down all the tasks that need your attention and then prioritize them based on their urgency and importance. Is there a project with a looming deadline? Put it at the top of your list. Are there smaller tasks that can be done quickly but will make a big impact? Give them some love too.
By having a clear list of priorities, you can tackle the most important tasks first and avoid that overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start.
12. Be flexible
Life with a baby can be unpredictable, so as you navigate your work-from-home journey, be prepared to adjust your schedule and plans as needed. Life with a baby can throw curveballs, and that’s totally okay!
Remember, you’re a pro at adapting and finding solutions on the fly. So, stay open-minded and ready to pivot when unexpected things arise. By expecting the day to take its own course, you’ll be mentally prepared and less stressed when it actually does veer off schedule.
Maybe your little one decides that naptime needs to happen earlier or later than usual, or perhaps they need a little extra cuddle time during a crucial work moment. Embrace these moments as opportunities to be flexible and show your baby that they are your number one priority.
By being adaptable and adjusting your schedule as needed, you’ll find that you can still tackle your work tasks while being present for your little one. So, take a deep breath, go with the flow, and trust in your ability to handle whatever surprises come your way.
13. Communicate with your employer
If you’re working for a company, don’t hesitate to have an open and honest conversation with your employer about your new mom status. Share your needs, concerns, and aspirations, as they may be more understanding and supportive than you think.
Many employers recognize the value of supporting working moms and may be willing to offer flexible options or additional support to help you navigate this exciting chapter of your life. Whether it’s adjusting your work hours, exploring remote work possibilities, or simply creating a supportive environment, communication is key.
So, be brave, reach out, and let them know what you need to thrive as both a dedicated employee and a loving mom. You never know, they might just surprise you with their willingness to accommodate your needs. You deserve a work-life balance that works for you and your baby.
15. Eliminate distractions
We’ve all been there, right? It’s so easy to hop on your phone and scroll social media – what starts out as a quick check suddenly turns into 30 minutes of wasted time.
Consider setting limits on those time-wasting apps that suck us in, like social media. By setting a specific time limit or using app management features on your phone, you can regain control and stay focused on the tasks that truly matter.
Trust me, those 30 minutes you save from mindless scrolling can be put to much better use – whether it’s bonding with your baby, knocking out some work, or indulging in a well-deserved break. So, be intentional with your screen time and let it work for you, not against you. By setting boundaries, you’ll free up more precious moments to savor the joys of motherhood and conquer your to-do list.
[Related post: How to be a Stay at Home Mom]
Remember to take each day in stride – just being a mom is a full-time job in itself! Give yourself grace and don’t forget how incredible you are.
Jess
