As mom entrepreneurs and coaches, we often find ourselves wearing multiple hats and juggling countless responsibilities. Working from home with kids around can feel like a daunting task, but with the right strategies, it’s absolutely possible to find a version of productivity that fits your stage of life. In this article, I’ll share some practical tips to help you get work done, even with little ones underfoot.

Embracing Flexibility in Your Schedule

Understanding Your Daily Rhythm

The first step to managing work with kids around is to embrace flexibility. Understand your daily rhythm and identify those peak productivity times. Maybe it’s early in the morning before the kids wake up or during their afternoon nap. Whenever it is, create a flexible schedule that aligns with your family’s routine. This will require that you are fully prepared to know what you’re working on when you do have time which we’ll talk about throughout this article.

Prioritizing Tasks

Prioritizing tasks is essential. Focus on what’s truly important and let go of the rest. Use a simple prioritization matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance. This helps you to focus on high-impact activities that move your business forward.

Breaking Down Tasks for Better Focus

Categorizing Tasks by Time and Mental Energy

One of the best ways to stay productive with kids around is to break down your to-do list based on the time and mental energy each task requires. Some tasks need a lot of focus and concentration, like writing a proposal or planning a strategy session. Others, like answering emails or scheduling social media posts, require less mental energy.

Creating 10-Minute Task Lists

Once you’ve categorized your tasks, create a list of tasks that can be done in 10-minute increments. This way, whenever you have a spare few minutes—maybe the kids are playing quietly or watching a short show—you can quickly check off an item from your list. Having a quick list of tasks ready means you’re always prepared to make the most of your time.

Occupying Your Kids While You Work

Creating a Dedicated Workspace

Depending on the age of your kids, you may need to work with them right in the room with you. That’s ok. Creating a dedicated workspace is crucial. It doesn’t have to be fancy or separate; even a small corner of your living room can work. The key is to have a designated area where you can focus on work and create a boundary between work and home life. This helps in mentally switching gears and being more productive.

Kid-Friendly Activities

While you work, keep your kids engaged with activities that require minimal supervision. Set up a kid-friendly space nearby with toys, books, or puzzles. Rotate these activities to keep them interesting. Sometimes, simple activities like coloring or building blocks can keep them occupied for those precious minutes you need to get tasks done.

Using Educational and Interactive Tools for Kids

Balance screen time with educational and interactive tools for your kids. There are plenty of apps and websites that offer educational games and activities. These tools can keep your kids engaged and learning while you get some work done.

Give Yourself Grace

The Importance of Self-Care

Amidst all the juggling, don’t forget about self-care. Taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining your energy and focus. Integrate self-care into your routine, whether it’s taking a short walk, meditating, or enjoying a cup of tea. Short breaks can help you recharge and come back to your tasks with renewed energy.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Lastly, set realistic expectations. Understand that it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly. Some days will be more productive than others, and that’s completely fine. The goal is progress, not perfection. Celebrate the small wins and be kind to yourself.

Working from home with kids around is challenging, but with these strategies, you can find a balance that works for you. Embrace flexibility, prioritize tasks, set up a kid-friendly workspace, leverage technology, and practice self-care. Remember, it’s possible to be productive while managing kids at home, it’s just that your productivity may look different than someone who is able to work without having a little one say “mom, look at this” every 5 minutes. 

We’d love to hear your tips and strategies for working with kids around. Share your ideas and stories in the comments below. And for more camaraderie of other moms who are going through these similar challenges, go check out BossMom+, the BEST place to grow your online business without the distractions of social media.