Being a work-at-home mom offers the opportunity to balance the responsibilities of both work and family life. However, finding the right balance and establishing a structured schedule can be challenging. In this blog post, we will guide you through creating a productive work-at-home mom schedule that allows you to maximize your time, achieve your work goals, and still be present for your family.
Tips to help create a productive work-at-home mom schedule
- Start with a Morning Routine:
- Wake up before the kids: Begin your day with some quiet time to set your intentions, practice self-care, and prepare for the day ahead.
- Exercise and energize: Engage in physical activity, such as yoga or a quick workout, to boost your energy and focus.
- Time Blocking:
- Divide your day into dedicated blocks of time for specific activities, such as work, household chores, and family time.
- Prioritize work tasks: Identify your most important work tasks and allocate focused blocks of time to tackle them without distractions.
- Plan breaks: Incorporate short breaks between work blocks to recharge and avoid burnout.
- Flexibility for family needs: Allow for flexibility in your schedule to accommodate your children’s needs or unexpected interruptions.
- Utilize Nap/Rest Times:
- Leverage your child’s nap or rest times to concentrate on tasks requiring deep focus or concentration.
- Reserve this time for important work assignments, client calls, or creative projects that demand your undivided attention.
- Engage in child-focused activities:
- Designate specific periods for engaging with your children without distractions.
- Plan activities like reading, playing, or going for a walk together to strengthen your bond and create cherished memories.
- Establish a support system:
- Seek support from your partner, family, or trusted caregivers to share childcare responsibilities during crucial work hours.
- Communicate your schedule and expectations to ensure everyone understands and respects your designated work times.
- Create a productive workspace.
- Designate a dedicated workspace that fosters focus and productivity.
- Ensure your workspace is organized, free from distractions, and equipped with the necessary tools and technology to support your work.
- Set realistic goals and boundaries.
- Define realistic work goals for each day or week, ensuring they are attainable within the time you have available.
- Establish boundaries with friends, family, and clients regarding your availability during work hours to minimize interruptions.
- Embrace technology and time-saving tools:
- Leverage technology to streamline your work processes, automate tasks, and save time.
- Utilize project management tools, scheduling apps, and communication platforms to stay organized and efficient.
Sample work-at-home mom schedule
6:30 AM–7:00 AM: Personal Morning Routine
7:00 AM–8:30 AM: Kids’ Morning Routine and Breakfast
8:30 AM–10:30 AM: Work Block 1 (Focused work tasks, emails, and client communication)
10:00 AM–10:30 AM: Break and Snack Time
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Work Block 2 (Project work, deadlines, or creative tasks)
12:00 PM–1:00 PM: Lunch Break and Family Time
1:00 PM–3:00 PM: Child-Focused Activities (Playtime, educational activities, outdoor time)
3:00 PM–4:30 PM: Work Block 3 (Administrative tasks, planning, and research)
4:30 PM–5:00 PM: Break and Snack Time
5:00 PM–7:00 PM: Family Time and Dinner Preparation
7:00 PM–8:00 PM: Kids’ Bedtime Routine
8:00 PM–10:30 PM: Work Block 4 (Optional: Catch up on work or personal projects)
Monday–Friday: Follow a similar schedule with variations as needed.
Remember, this is just a sample schedule, and you can adjust it based on your personal preferences, the age of your children, and the specific demands of your work. The key is to establish a routine that allows you to allocate dedicated work time while also providing quality time for your family and self-care.
Work-from-home essential: My Must-Have Picks
Working from home as a mom comes with its unique challenges, from balancing house chores to keeping up with deadlines. Over the years, I’ve learned that having the right essentials can make all the difference. These must-haves have personally helped me stay productive, comfortable, and organized while managing my work and home life.
1. Ergonomic Office Chair
I used to work from the couch or the dining table, but it took a toll on my back. Investing in an ergonomic chair changed everything! It provides the right support, ensuring I can work for hours without discomfort.
2. Adjustable Standing Desk
Sitting for long hours wasn’t working for me. I got an adjustable standing desk, which allows me to switch between sitting and standing, improving my posture and energy levels throughout the day.
3. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Between kids playing and household noises, staying focused was a challenge. A good pair of noise-canceling headphones has been a game-changer for me, especially during video meetings or deep work sessions.
4. Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
As a work-at-home mom, I need a clutter-free workspace. A wireless keyboard and mouse provide me with flexibility, allowing me to move around and stay comfortable while working.
5. Planner or Digital Organizer
Juggling work deadlines and family responsibilities was overwhelming until I started using a planner. I use both a physical planner such as Army knap family organizer and digital tools like Google Calendar to keep track of my tasks and appointments.
6. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Staring at screens for hours gave me headaches and eye strain. Ever since I started using blue light blocking glasses, I’ve noticed a big difference in my comfort and productivity.
7. Smart Mug or Insulated Tumbler
I can’t count how many times I’ve had to reheat my coffee before finally finishing it! A smart mug or insulated tumbler keeps my coffee hot for hours, saving me time and keeping me energized.
8. Ring Light and Webcam
With virtual meetings and content creation for my blogs and social media, having good lighting and a quality webcam is essential. It helps me maintain a professional appearance on video calls and improves my content quality.
9. File Organizer or Storage Bins
Keeping work documents and supplies organized was a struggle until I got a file organizer. Now, everything has a place, and I don’t waste time searching for papers or office supplies.
10. Aromatherapy Diffuser or Scented Candles
Creating a relaxing work atmosphere is a must. I love using essential oils or scented candles to keep my workspace calm and inviting, which helps reduce stress and boost my focus.
11. Time-Saving Kitchen Appliances
Managing work and home duties means I need all the help I can get in the kitchen. My Instant Pot and air fryer have been lifesavers, allowing me to prepare quick, healthy meals without spending hours cooking.
12. Portable Lap Desk
As a mom, I sometimes need to work from different areas of the house. A portable lap desk makes it easy to work from the couch, bed, or even outside while keeping my posture in check.
13. Self-Care Essentials
I’ve learned that self-care is just as important as productivity. Amazon has great self-care products like bath bombs, skincare sets, and massagers that help me unwind after a long day.
These essentials have truly transformed my work-from-home experience, making it easier to stay productive while balancing motherhood. If you’re a work-at-home mom looking to improve your workspace and routine, I highly recommend checking them out!
What’s your must-have work-from-home essential? Share in the comments!
Conclusion: By creating a well-planned and structured work-at-home mom schedule, you can strike a balance between your professional aspirations and family commitments. Remember that flexibility and adaptability are key when juggling work and family life. With a thoughtful schedule, perseverance, and self-care, you can thrive as a work-at-home mom, achieving success in both realms while nurturing your family relationships.
