Productivity tips for moms with businesses
Let’s get real—running a business while your kids are home requires ninja-level productivity tips (and a lot of coffee). But it’s not impossible. The key is being super smart with how you spend your time. How are all these Boss Moms balancing running a business and being a mom at the same time? Let’s dive into some essential productivity tips to help you manage both roles!
Get Smart with Your Time Blocks
It’s all about being strategic with the pockets of time you get. Some moms wake up before the kids to get a solid chunk of work done before the day kicks in. Early mornings might be prime focus time, so during the day, you can tackle tasks that don’t require as much concentration—because let’s be honest, once the kids are up, “focus” becomes a relative term.
If mornings aren’t your thing, no worries! Not everyone is wired for early starts, and it’s totally okay. Find the time blocks that work best for you, whether that’s during nap time, after bedtime, or when they’re entertained with a show. Just be intentional with how you use those precious moments.
Prioritize What Actually Moves Your Business Forward
I can’t stress this enough: not all tasks are created equal. You can have a huge to-do list, but if those tasks aren’t moving the needle, you’re just staying busy without seeing real progress. Get clear on what’s essential—whether it’s engaging with your audience, creating valuable content, or closing sales.
Pro tip: Make your to-do list the night before and rank tasks by their time commitment. Then, when you have those small windows of time (like when the kids are playing), you know exactly what you can knock out quickly.
Define Your “Me Time” and “Mom Time”
Drawing a line between “mom time” and “me time” isn’t easy, but it’s essential when balancing both roles. Think about when you’re fully present with the kids and when it’s okay to let them be a bit more independent. Whether they’re watching a show or napping, those moments are golden for diving into work.
For little ones needing constant attention, nap times are your best friend. For older kids, set up activities to keep them engaged while you work. Kids respond well to cues, so if they know you’re in “work mode” at your desk, they’ll start to respect those boundaries. Setting expectations helps them learn, and it gives you valuable work time.
Productivity Tips for Different Stages: Infants, Toddlers, and School-Aged Kids
Balancing work with a newborn versus a toddler or a school-aged child requires different approaches. Let’s break it down by age to maximize your productivity.
- Infants: Use Nap Time and Baby-Wearing
Babies nap frequently, and although their schedules aren’t always predictable, this is the most downtime you’re likely to get for a while. Use these moments to tackle high-focus tasks, and consider baby-wearing to keep them close while you work. You’d be amazed at what you can accomplish with a napping baby in a wrap.
- Toddlers: Keep Them Busy
Toddlers are active and crave attention, but a little creativity can go a long way. Set up activities that allow them to play independently, or let them mimic you with their own “work” setup. Toddlers love to copy, so give them notebooks or pretend laptops to work alongside you.
- School-Aged Kids: Build Routine and Structure
Older kids understand boundaries better, so establish routines for when it’s time for them to play and when it’s time for you to work. This helps set clear expectations and fosters independence.
4: Carve Out Time for “Big Tasks”
For tasks requiring serious focus, like writing a blog post, creating a course, or making sales calls, uninterrupted time is crucial. Try to carve out focused work periods—maybe in the early morning, late at night, or during a quiet weekend when a partner or sitter can step in. For single moms, maximizing kid-free time for bigger projects can make a world of difference.
Balance Business and Motherhood Without Losing Your Mind
Balancing a business and motherhood isn’t always easy, but it is possible with the right strategies. You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. It takes planning, flexibility, and using these productivity tips to maximize your time effectively. And, of course, a strong support system never hurts!
Find a routine that works for you, be honest about your limits, and surround yourself with people who understand the journey. At the end of the day, being a mom and entrepreneur means embracing the chaos while staying committed to your dreams.
If you resonate with this and need more support, check out Boss Mom Plus. It’s our social network designed for moms like you—a space to connect with other ambitious moms, share productivity tips, and build a business while raising a family. We get it, and we’re here to help!
You’re amazing, and we’re cheering for you every step of the way!