Balancing the demands of a thriving business with the joys and challenges of raising little ones is an art form in itself. As an online business manager and mama to four little ones, I completely get the struggle. Right now, I'm actually writing this while "sittervising" my oldest playing – shoutout to Susie from Busy Toddler for that awesome term! – and the three younger ones are taking their naps. Some days are calm, but most days, it's a beautiful chaos. But no worries if you're in the same boat! In this post, we'll dive into some practical tips and heartfelt advice on how to gracefully navigate this wild ride of business and babies.
Prioritize with Purpose
Time is your most precious resource. Prioritizing your tasks and responsibilities is key to focusing on what truly matters. Whether it's in your business or personal life, identifying the most important projects and moments can make all the difference. Setting a plan for the day whether it's first thing in the morning, or the night before, will set you up for success. Knowing what needs done, and also knowing that your plan is bound to change (we all know kids are unpredictable), will allow you to check those tasks off your to-do list. But remember, it's all about quality over quantity. Don't forget to cherish those precious moments with your little ones at home while you tackle those important projects for work, too.
Efficient Time Management
Being a mom and a business pro means you need to be a ninja when it comes to time management. Use productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method to improve your effectiveness. Here's how:
Pick one project or task you want to focus on.
Set a timer for 20-30 minutes, and get to work!
When the timer goes off, take a small break.
Repeat.
After four of those sessions, take a longer break.
Repeat.
I've found this to work best for me because I can check several tasks off of my home or business to-do list very quickly. Once the timer is up, I use my break time to play or read with my kids. If this method doesn't seem feasible, try time blocking instead to make the most of your working hours while ensuring you have ample moments to snuggle and play with your precious babies.
Embrace Flexibility
Business and babies are full of surprises! It's all about staying flexible and adaptable. Check out my typical day below:
6:00 am - Rise and caffeinate
7:00 am - Quiet play time/Getting ready
8:00am - Breakfast
9:00am - School/Work
11:00am - Snack time/Play time
12:00pm - Lunch
1:00pm - Naps/Quiet time/Work
2:00pm - Snack time/Play time
3:00pm - Play time/Work
4:00pm - Naps/Play time/Work
5:00pm - Dinner
6:00pm - Quiet play time
7:00pm - Bath/Story time
8:00pm - Kids to bed/Relax
9:00pm - Relax/Work
11:00pm - Bed
Sprinkle in preparing meals and housework and most days I feel like I've ran a marathon. Without fail, something will come up that will change this schedule (a baby who wakes up early from a nap, a sick kiddo, a client deadline). But with this relaxed routine that accommodates both my work and my family's schedule, I don't need to stress if something changes.
Leverage Support Networks
Don't be afraid to ask for help. This is something that has taken me years to learn. I used to think that I had to do it all. As I've gotten older, I've realized that there is no weakness in asking for help. Your support network is everything! So whether you're bringing in a dependable babysitter, chatting with other mompreneurs, or getting a helping hand with your business tasks, these connections are absolutely invaluable.
Self-Care is Non-Negotiable
As you grow your business and nurture your growing family, don't forget to take care of yourself. Make time for self-care activities you enjoy. Self-care doesn't always look like a day at the spa. Sometimes it's waking up early to read your Bible. Other days it's staying up late to have a cup of tea and watch Virgin River with your husband. No matter what activity you choose, a well-rested and happy you is essential for managing it all.
Celebrate the Wins, No Matter How Small
Every day is full of accomplishments. Some days you may feel like all you did was keep the kids alive. And that's okay! The important thing is to celebrate your wins, even the teeny-tiny ones. Whether you rocked a project at work or your baby just took their first wobbly steps, soak up and cherish these precious moments.
In the whirlwind of balancing business and babies, always remember that each day is a unique adventure. It's not about striving for perfection but finding that sweet spot in the midst of the beautiful chaos. So whether you just completed a huge project for a client or you wiped your kiddo's nose for the 903,275 time today, know that what you are doing is important.
Stay flexible and go with the flow, lean on your incredible support network, and never, ever forget to throw a little party for even the tiniest of victories. Whether you're a seasoned mompreneur or just beginning this incredible journey, keep these key takeaways close to your heart. Embrace every moment, and you'll find the perfect balance that works for you and your family.
Until next time...
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