Revealing Secrets to Juggle Between Work and Family

Working from home has its advantages, especially if you have a family to raise. The key to being a successful parent while working from home is to be able to keep work and family separate from the other. Once your family understands that work is a “Do Not Disturb” time, the rest is up to you. The following tips will help you create an effective plan of action that allows you to be successful in both areas.

Set Boundaries

You have to convince yourself from staying away from your family during work hours. With home right on the other side of the door, it's easy to give yourself a pass to take an extra break or grab a quick nap. Set firm boundaries and remember to stick to them no matter how tempting it is to walk away from the job for an extra hour.

Delegate

Just because you work at home it doesn't mean the chores will get done. Sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to meet deadlines and make sure all of the housecleaning is finished or the dishes or done. Delegate chores to your family members and make a schedule in which everyone pitches in. Don't forget to include yourself!

Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time

Plan your meals a week at a time by cooking larger meals on Sunday afternoon and freeze them in single serving portions. This ensures family members have wholesome meals when they are needed and less food goes to waste. Make weekend meals a family affair by having everyone pitch and help. You not only make great meals, but you teach them how to cook nutritious meals for themselves.

Manage Your Childcare Needs

When you work from home, you will still need to find some type of childcare. Whether it is a sitter that comes to your home or a daycare where you drop your children off, it is important to make sure this area of your life is managed. Taking care of your children's needs is extremely important and having a well-managed routine will help them feel secure and cared for.

Organize and Streamline

Organize your tasks and take advantage of automated services like when you order take out, have it delivered or create a carpool for you kids' school events. When you are working make sure you are well organized and know what needs to be done for each assignment. Use the calendar on your computer and phone to help you better manage your time as your calendar can send you reminders for all of your important appointments so you are always ahead of schedule.

Create a To-Do List That Groups Activities Together

Streamline your routine so you can complete similar tasks in clusters. Run all of your errands at the same time if you can as it eliminates wasted trips and saves gas. Do the same with cleaning chores around the home. Make your list at night before you go to bed or first thing in the morning before you get busy with your duties. Combine your family's activities too so that way you don't have a surprise waiting for you when you least expect it.

Revitalize Your Mornings

Mornings can be the hardest part of your day. Revitalize your morning routine by having your coffee set to brew before you wake up so your first cup is waiting for you when you get out of bed. Choose an affirmation then write it down and place it under your coffee cup so you see it as soon as you take your first sip. Establish a morning routine with your kids so that everyone gets off to a bright start. Walking the fine line between working at home and spending time with the family is not as difficult as you might think, especially if you utilize a few tricks of the trade. You don't have to ignore your family to have a career you love. Keeping each in perspective will allow you to dedicate the time you need to both while being successful in your career as well as with your family.