As a multi-tasking parent, the question I hear most is: "How do you balance work and parenting?"
It is really a matter of finding time to do it all. Those not so little three words are loaded. 'Doing it all' means different things to different mothers.
'Mompreneurs' love their work and pursue it passionately. Time flies when occupied in that realm. But, there are the children, the school time, the carpooling, the household needs, not to mention the spouse. The list can go on forever.
I recently picked up my copy of The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris. (It was getting a bit dusty on the shelf-wonder why?) Clearly, I needed a review.
He advises the reduced hour work week so that you can live the life that fulfills you. I need to limit work time so I can have more time with my children.
Here's how I try to do it:
A) Segregate your work into "efficiency" groups: Do all your email correspondence in one batch. Do your blogging in another. Dedicate one chunk of time for phone calls.
It creates some rigidity but the benefits are worth it. When you spend time with your kids, give them full attention just as you give each task group full attention when "at bat."
B) Toss junk mail and clear junk out of your way. Don't waste time on "stuff" that does not demand attention. Heave ho--and quickly! You don't have to read everything.
C) Control your email. Immediately delete all the cutesy chain letters despite the punishment for non-compliance. Make sure your spam filter is up to date.
Prepare canned answers to questions that you confront regularly so you can tick them off as needed and still be responsive to clientele. Be brief. Don't let your conversations drag on or they really will. You have to be your own traffic cop.
D)Skim, scan and read fast. You don't actually have to take a speed reading class but do scan things quickly and quickly delete the unnecessary.
E) Focus. Make sure your family and friends understand when you are working. Let them know that if you can work done efficiently you can have quality time with them. Deliver on that promise. Don't talk about work, unless asked.
Focus on your family and friends when you are with them. It is better for you-- breaks are healthy. It is better for them--they will appreciate that you value your time with them. Your kids will bask in the focused attention!
F) Get help. If you can afford to, relieve yourself of tasks you hate. These are the bottom fish on your list; the ones that don't get done. If you can't afford help, try working out a trade exchange of your services for those you need.
While Ferris' book is not targeted to moms, the lessons apply to mompreneurs.
If work at home moms can tame the 'time management' beast, they can live happily ever after!
For more juggling tips for work at home moms, sashay over to http://www.maestromom.com
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