Despite the fact that many work-at-home parents share similar schedules as those working outside the home; they are not always given the same respect or acknowledgment. Unfortunately, many people are under the impression that the work-at-home parent is simply living the good life. This is not true. In fact, work-at-home parents seem to take on the additional responsibilities associated with the home, simply because they are there. Not only must they care for the children and everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, carpooling, etc., but they must also maintain the duties associated with their job. With all of these time constraints, it is no wonder that so many work-at-home parents are suffering from higher stress levels and seeking better ways to manage their time.
Becoming overloaded by the demands of balancing both roles under the same roof is a common. As a work-at-home parent myself, I often feel the overwhelmed by the pressure of juggling these responsibilities. I am expected to take care of all household matters while trying to maintain a full work schedule. Because I am at home, others assume that I am readily available to do whatever they want me to. On the contrary, I have bills to pay and children to feed just like everyone else. Granted, I do have more flexibility in my job schedule as opposed to others, but just as with any job, missed work hours need to be made up in order to meet deadlines. So how do I manage my time effectively?
While you may never be able to change the judgmental attitudes of others, work-at-home parents can learn to balance their work and home responsibilities more effectively through organizing, prioritizing, and planning ahead. Of course, when all else fails, it never hurts to ask for some help. Think in terms of running a business. Many of the skills used in running a business are actually transferable from the home office to the household. Use these to your advantage. For instance, if you are accustomed to managing others through your job, you can use this skill in managing the needs of your family. Scheduling meetings at work is another transferable skill that can be put to use in scheduling appointments for those at home.
Organization plays a huge role in balancing my work duties with home responsibilities. One way to effectively organize all of your tasks is by keeping a calendar handy in a common area of the home. Marking down and highlighting appointments or other commitments will save on both time and headaches as everyone knows who needs to be where and when. I also keep a bulletin board with important reminders such as school-related information regarding field trips and early dismissal days. I adhere to a rigorous routine, whenever possible. The children are expected to pick out their clothes the night before, saving time in the morning when getting ready for school. Each child has a designated wake-up time as well, per bus schedule and individual needs, to ensure that everyone has adequate time to get ready.
When it comes to prioritizing, all families are different. For instance, our children are school age, so I am free to complete most of my work and household tasks during school hours. Luckily, since I am a writer, much of my work can be completed at any hour of the day. However, I try to finish everything up by the time the kids arrive home from school so I am free to help out with homework. While all of this may seem easy enough, consider the fact that I also have all of our kids (and sometimes their friends) during summer and other times when school is out. In order for me to ensure that everything runs smoothly and effectively, I make it clear that while I am working, they are not to bother me, unless it is a dire emergency. Fortunately, the older ones help out with entertainment, lunches, or minor problems while I am working.
Still I must complete everyday tasks such as laundry, cooking, and cleaning. For many work-at-home parents, assigning age-appropriate chores can work wonders. The younger children can often fold laundry, wash dishes, or dust while the older ones can help out with preparing meals, light housecleaning, and caring for smaller children. I have found the best time to complete these tasks myself is during the early morning, especially laundry. With six to seven people in our home, this chore must be done continually. My teenage daughter often helps me out with preparing or cooking meals and washing dishes. The task of dishes, by the way, can be easily reduced simply by using paper plates instead. Although I perform light cleaning throughout the work week, I generally reserve any major cleaning for the weekend.
It never hurts to plan family or work-related events well ahead of time. Furthermore, when it comes to household chores, such as meals, planning menus ahead of time can be a valuable time saver. There will, of course, be times when workloads become too heavy; therefore, planning backup can help alleviate future problems. For instance, plan for someone else to care for and pick up or drop off the children whenever you are not available to do so. Many family members and friends are more than willing to help.
For more tips on working from home, visit WAHM.com