Work at Home Moms – Tips for Enjoying Summer with the Kids
With Memorial Day behind us, summer has officially begun, and I can already feel the energy in my home changing. With longer days, we’re up earlier and in bed later. Baseball games, barbeques and sprinklers are beckoning.
The question is how do you stay focused on the business projects you want to accomplish while still enjoying the lazier days of summer?
Every mom can appreciate the extra stress of summer vacation but for work at home moms it can be even more challenging. Most of us can’t afford to put our businesses on hold for three months. So what can help us manage our business while we still enjoy the summer with our families?
Here are some summer vacation tips that I’ve found helpful:
Banish Guilt – Don’t waste your summer feeling guilty. You can’t get it all done (be it every work project and every activity with your children) so for your own sanity stop expecting yourself to. Focus instead on being grateful. The gratitude stems from acknowledging your opportunity to work from home and run a business that brings your joy and income while spending quality time with your children.
Focus on Your Priorities – Since you can’t do it all it’s important to have real clarity about which projects you’re going to focus on, so your work is streamlined. (If you need help deciding which project should be a priority, grab this handout for some get it done tips.) With my kids at home much more than during the school year, my focus is on a few key projects. Summer is not a good time to take on other activities that don’t matter. Wait until fall, set clear boundaries for yourself, and say NO to what doesn’t support you.
Plan Activities – Take a look at classes and camps that are available during the summer. If you’re sending them to camp for a week or two, make sure to take advantage of that time and get focused on your business. If you decide to forego a summer camp, there are usually activities in your local area like swim, tennis or art classes. This does require driving time but it will give you and your kids a little break from each other. You may also want to trade play dates with other moms or get grandparents to take the kids on some special outings.
Develop a New Routine - Figure out what work schedule supports you best during the summer. Maybe you’ll want to get an earlier start or stay up late so you take advantage of the time your kids are sleeping later (if they do that). I’ve been bringing my laptop onto my porch so I can watch them outside when they play. Kids are more likely to cooperate if they know what to expect ahead of time. For example, will your kids cooperate if they can count on you working just until noon everyday and taking them swimming afterwards?
Put Them To Work – Get your kids involved in your business. This is a special advantage for work at home moms. Kids think this is fun and they’re more likely to be supportive of your business if they’re involved! My kids help me with mailings sometimes and absolutely love using my postage meter. It’s all just a matter of thinking what tasks are “age appropriate” and fun for them.
Limit Screen Time – Be strategic about screen time - which includes TV, movies, computer and video games. Sometimes it’s okay… but it shouldn’t be the only option available to your kids. Instead make a visit to the crafts store for art supplies or go to the library so everyone always has something new to read. For littler kids, find or buy some building toys (like Legos) and make a “dress up box” with some of your old clothes.
Let Them Be Bored – Finally, resist the temptation to rescue the kids when they say they’re bored. In our busy on-the-go world we sometimes forget that boredom often leads to creativity. Let them know you have confidence in their ability to figure out how to spend their time.
I hope you find these summer vacation tips helpful. As hectic or frustrated as you might feel, summer usually flies by, faster than we want it to! Be grateful for the flexibility you have as a work at home mom and enjoy this special time to bond with your kids. Jump in the pool with them, ride bikes or grab a book and read under a tree!
If you’ve got some tips on how YOU enjoy summer with your kids? Please share!
Tags: extra stress of summer, get it done tips, kids involved in your business, summer vacation tips, work at home mom
