Working at Home- Tips From a Mom Boss
I am the expert on being a Mom Boss and working at Home.
This was not the case more than 20 years ago when I worked in Corporate doing Leadership Development. 18 years ago this month, I started a business, working at home with 3 babies under the age of 3. The business I created was successful, and almost 2 decades later, I have built-in two companies and have coached hundreds of Moms how to do the same.
A Bumpy Start to Working at Home
The only reason I experienced success is that I was 100% coachable, I followed the leader and took every action step. I was fiercely committed to my business and made it a priority in my life. The biggest player in my success was consistent activity. That was what brought my dreams into reality - “doing the do”.
It was not always pretty. I had to learn to let things go. I worked my business in those early years during nap time. I fed the kids lunch, read them a story, and then it was “nappie time”. Once I got them in their bed and cribs, I came straight down the stairs and into my office. The peanut butter & jelly scraps were left on the counter, and the mess was dealt with later. Productivity and time needed to be prioritized.
Mom Boss Tips for Working at Home
My first year in business I did not have much help, I worked part-time with kids at home, and I managed it. Many of you are in that situation now, and these strategies can help you create even better work at home practices moving forward. You have to be willing to let some things go. The housework, laundry, and piles of mail will be there. Just focus on the kids and your business and learn to lean into imperfection. It is a great part of your success story. The untold truth about working at home is that it is messy, hard, and frustrating. Feelings of being overwhelmed for the work at home mom are real.
By using the following strategies, you will lessen the burden, be more productive, and feel more present as a mom. I am a big believer in delegating. If there is anything on your plate you can delegate, do it. Know this time is only temporary. It is a season, but a season in which you still want and need to be productive. So let’s do this.
Time Block
Look at your calendar and block out time that you will work your business. Commit to work during this time (non-negotiable) and make sure your work is IPA (income-producing activity).
Create a Family Schedule
Kids at home mean so many distractions while you are trying to work. Create a schedule to build some normalcy into your day. Include time to be outside, have the kids run (get tired) and fresh air for all. Carve out time where you are present as a Mom. Put your phone away. Do an activity with the kids. Be present. You will feel so much better about yourself and give yourself more permission to focus on work during your work hours.
Delegate
Business and housework can be delegated if your kids are old enough. Assign tasks to them so that they are busy and you get the support you need. It needs to be a team effort. Ask your spouse/partner for help. My husband and I would tag team so many times in those earlier years when the kids were younger.
Create a Space for Working at Home
Make sure you have a private place to focus on your work. Some of you have a home office which is great but not everyone has that luxury. Use a bedroom or room/closet that you can have a desk & chair set up, with your goals posted in front of you.
Find Your Why
Clarify your “Why”. Your “why” is why you started your business in the first place. That might have changed over time. What is it that you are trying to achieve? Be clear on that and let it be your daily inspiration to do the work.
Be Flexible with Screen and Meal Time
If you have to put a movie or show on so that you can jam for an hour of work, then feel free to do so. I can assure you your kids will grow up fine. I did this when mine were little, and they turned out great if I do say so myself. Likewise, go easy on yourself with family meals. Keep things simple. Feed them the best you can, but be willing to let it go. Take Out is a great option some nights, and right now these small businesses need our business.
Bribery Works Wonders
Parenting experts tell you not to do this, but this Mom Boss expert disagrees. Have treats for the kids, and when they give you the time and space to work, give it to them. Things like a movie to watch, a sweet treat, a game you will play with them, and the like work.
Moon Lighting
This to me meant waking up early to work on my business because I am a morning person. You can get one to two hours of work done either by getting up early or staying up late, depending upon if you are a morning or night person. This was a game-changer for me when my kids were young, I even worked out before they woke up.
A Must-Do List is a Must for Working at Home
The must-do list will help you be more productive. Put a star next to the most important items, and make yourself do the hard ones first. Use the phrase “Just Do It”!
Embrace Technology
There has never been a better time to be a mom working at home. If you normally meet with people, you can use various platforms to stay informed and stay connected. You can literally meet with anyone in the world through video conferencing or face time.
Personal Development
Begin each day with some positive reading, affirmations, meditation, or prayer. Do things that will ground you for the day. Part of the waking up early can include this so you are better prepared and in a better headspace to take on the day.
Accountability When Working at Home
Last but not least, find an accountability partner for working at home. Reach out to another mom that works from home. Share ideas, support each other, and set some accountability partnerships to pace with each other. Make sure this relationship is positive, two-way, and that you are building each other up, cheering each other on. You are not alone, we are all in this together.