Rachael Sheehan posts at Lukeosaurus and Me
It’s nearly that time of year again! The school summer holidays are just around the corner and it won’t be long until your children are buzzing around the house, eating all the food, and complaining that they’re bored. Obviously, as much as we all adore our kids, it’s got to be said that balancing work and parenting during the long summer holiday can be a real juggle – especially if you work from home.
But fear not, because I have some brilliant practical tips that will help you to navigate the tricky world of keeping your work at home life running smoothly, even when the kids are on their summer holidays. So let’s dive in!
Embrace The Power Of Planning
When it comes to managing your working from home responsibilities whilst your kids are at home too, planning is going to be your secret weapon. Get yourself a trusty calendar or use an app like Google Calendar to map out all your work obligations and deadlines. Once you’re done, block off some days for family time and mark down any kids’ clubs or workshops that they’re enrolled in during the summer holidays.
By using a calendar to plan out your summer’s activities, deadlines, meetings, and appointments, you’ll be able to have a clear overview of your schedule and carve out dedicated work hours, while still ensuring you have plenty of opportunity for quality time with the kids.
Communicate Your Expectations To Your Children
If you’re going to be working from home during the summer holidays, setting clear expectations with your kids is crucial. Sit them down and explain to them that you’re working from home. Let them know that you will still be there for them when they need you, but you will need some uninterrupted time to ensure that you can work. Establish boundaries and let them know when you’ll be available for playtime, and when they will need to occupy themselves for a while.
Communicate these boundaries openly and clearly and allow your kids to weigh in and voice their concerns or ask any questions. Make sure that your children understand that you love them and will spend quality time with them, but that you also have work responsibilities.
Set Up Activities For Younger Children
As well as planning your time and communicating your expectations, younger children are likely to need a little extra stimulation to get them through the day. Consider scheduling out each day instead of simply mapping out a weekly or monthly overview. Incorporate blocks of time for your children and consider setting up activities for them to quietly engage in whilst you work from home.
Create a Work Friendly Space
Designate a specific area in your home as your work sanctuary. It could be a cosy corner in the living room or a home office if you have the extra space. Make it kid-friendly, yet organised, so they can enjoy quiet activities nearby while you focus. This area is for quiet activities only, so you could also consider setting up a little workstation for them too, complete with colouring books, puzzles, or educational toys. By doing this, you’ll keep them engaged while creating an environment that supports your productivity.
Prioritise Quality Family Time
While managing to work from home, it’s essential to prioritise quality time with your kids. Plan activities that you can enjoy together during breaks or after work. Take them to the park, have a picnic in the back garden, or get creative with arts and crafts. These little moments of connection will not only strengthen your bond but also give you the energy boost you need to power through your work tasks.
Moreover, by prioritising family time, you’re not only reinforcing your love for your children, but you’re setting them up with good foundations for a time when they enter parenthood themselves and need to juggle tasks.
Use Nap Time And Bed Time To Your Advantage
Ah, sweet naptime and bedtime – the golden hours for working from home mums! Take advantage of these little pockets of quiet time by dedicating them to your most demanding or tedious tasks. During the summer holidays, prioritising your work and organising your day based on your ability to concentrate in a peaceful environment can really help you to stay on top and continue to meet your work demands.
Find Supportive Resources
Explore resources that can be lifesavers during the summer holidays. Look for local summer camps, workshops, or activity days. During the summer, there are all sorts of camps and activities that are run by professional organisations with accredited childcare qualifications and DBS checks. These programs can give your kids a chance to socialise with like-minded children and learn new skills, all whilst giving you some uninterrupted work time. Additionally, online educational platforms and apps can keep your little ones engaged with interactive learning activities too.
Embrace Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of working from home is that you get to embrace flexibility. Working from home means you’re able to adapt your routine to fit the needs of your family, whilst still ensuring you meet your work commitments. If you find yourself needing to shift your work hours around and take breaks, go for it!
Final Thoughts On Tips For Work From Home Mums During The Summer Holidays
Working from home during the summer holidays won’t always be plain sailing, so remember that, above all else, you’re doing an amazing job. The summer holidays certainly present challenges, but with some planning, good communication, and flexibility, you will be able to manage your working responsibilities, as well as ensure your kids have a great summer! So, take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and enjoy spending precious time with your little ones.
