I am so lucky to be able to work from home, considering I have 3 kids.
But anyone who has ever asked me, “how do you do it?” knows that my first response is, “it’s HARD.” I can’t tell you how hard it is to focus day in and day out with little ones who need me… TV only works for so long, after all (and yes, I use it much more often than I sit down to do Pinterest-worthy crafts with them – let’s be real).
So twice a week, my husband gives me a few hours in the morning to work without interruption and then he makes up his time later in the day. This usually leads to late nights for him, which is hard on both of us, but I am so thankful for his flexibility and help! And we just do our best to accept that this is the season we are in, and the way our schedules have to work for now. Making time for one another is essential to the health of our marriage, and it usually has to happen on the weekends, because our weeks are SO busy.
So on these mornings, I head to the coffee shop or I lock myself in my office; and I am finding this time alone to be essential to my productivity! The focus is exponentially better than when I’m working and parenting simultaneously. I’m able to get into work mode and shut off mom mode. And I think it is the only way for me to be successful in my business, because when I am scatter-brained and flustered and working in 5-minute spurts, I accomplish nothing.
All this to say, take time for yourself, mamas. In whatever capacity you can. And I’m talking about whether you, too, need to work, or if you just want to scroll through Instagram uninterrupted and finish a cup of coffee before it gets cold. It’s ok. You’re allowed – and you deserve it. Find someone who will watch your kids – for 20 minutes, an hour, or a few hours! Talk to your partner about how much you need this time and see if they can help; and accept that it might come at the expense of the two of you spending time together. You can find ways to balance this elsewhere. I promise you will find yourself more successful in your business, in raising your kids, in running your household.
And get a quiche, because coffee shops make them way better than we ever could (just my own personal tip).
*read my mantra to see why self-care for moms is so important to me