Work-From-Home Mothers: A Family Strategy

The Morning Rush: A Typical Day

It's 7:20 AM, and the day has already begun in a whirlwind. As I type away on my computer, trying to manage a flood of emails and tasks, my 19-month-old calls out, "Potty!" for the fourth time. I rush upstairs, only to hear the doorbell ring—my friend's children have arrived for the day. I care for them four days a week while their mother heads off to her job. Breakfast follows, and I dash back to the computer, but soon the four-year-olds are fighting, and the one-year-old has spilled applesauce on the carpet. It's only 7:35 AM, and the chaos is in full swing.

The Reality of Working from Home

Working from home, especially with young children, is a significant adjustment for any family. Many mothers, like myself, face the tough decision of returning to a traditional job and placing their children in daycare or finding a way to earn an income while caring for their kids at home. Our strategy has been for me to develop an online business while supplementing our income through babysitting. Although babysitting is not my first choice, I love the children I care for and will miss them when we move on.

The Long-Term Goal: Independence

Babysitting is a temporary solution, and I yearn for the independence that comes with running an internet-based business. I work early mornings, during nap times, and in the evenings after the children are in bed. This approach allows us to move towards a simpler life where my kids and husband will have more of my time. While work will always interfere with living to some extent, this is a solution I can accept.

Coping Strategies: Time Blocking

One of my main coping strategies is to do things in blocks. Writing an article is one block, reading and responding to emails is another. Feeding the children, taking them for a walk, or planning an afternoon out all combine to make my work-from-home day move forward. This method helps me manage my time and responsibilities more effectively.

The Joy of Being Present

Should my children be classified as part of my work? Absolutely not. This is the beauty of working from home. Despite the stress, I choose a life that allows me to step out of my "office" and cuddle on the couch with my little ones. I can shake off the frustration of work by having coffee with a neighbor. This is a life worth choosing.

Balancing Priorities

To all work-from-home mothers (and fathers), balance may not always be possible, but keeping priorities is. You can decide that the children must quietly watch a video while you make a phone call or finish a project, and know that you are not putting them in second place. Why? Because you are there. As long as you know when to put the office "away" and be present for your children, you are giving them a life where you play a significant role.

Encouragement for Fellow Parents

To all of you who take on the important task of raising your children while making a living, my congratulations and encouragement! You are providing a life that, while busy and not always easy, is one where you are a bigger part of your children's lives.

Interesting Statistics

• According to a 2020 report by FlexJobs, 42% of the U.S. workforce now works from home full-time, a significant increase from previous years source.
• A study by the Pew Research Center found that 52% of working parents say it is difficult to balance work and family responsibilities source.
• Interestingly, a survey by Buffer revealed that 98% of remote workers would like to continue working remotely, at least some of the time, for the rest of their careers source.

Conclusion

Balancing work and family life as a work-from-home mother is challenging but rewarding. By implementing effective strategies and maintaining priorities, it is possible to create a fulfilling life that allows you to be present for your children while also achieving professional goals. To all the parents out there juggling these responsibilities, your efforts are commendable and impactful.

This article is free to reprint as long as all links and author credits remain intact. A courtesy copy of the publication would be appreciated.