Simple Ways To Mindfully Balance Everything as a Work From Home Mom
Pandemic life has definitely changed the intensity of the parenting game as most of us are tasked to work from home. Although this flexibility has its perks, more roles and responsibilities are placed on our shoulders for this ‘flexibility’ tradeoff. We not only need to ensure that we get our job and housework are done. But we also need to have a mind to our family’s safety as well.
As a working from home parent, here are some mindful tips that would hopefully help you pull through this season we have together. May you also find the idea that we’re not alone, and support each other through it all. Let’s dive in:
1. Schedule EVERYTHING.
As we’d need to drastically change the environment that we’re working in, we need a clear system on how we can catch up with all of our deadlines. For any task, appointment, or event, I’ve tried my best to schedule them and write them down. If it doesn’t get written down, it’ll never pull through.
You can schedule on paper or go digital. For me, I’d had to use Google Calendar and color code events to be reminded and so I don’t get confused on whether a task is my kid’s appointment or my work deadlines. However, don’t overcomplicate yourself with using all sorts of fancy project management tools. You choose what works best for you.
Here’s a copy of my color codes for my Google Calendar though, should you need some inspiration for your own calendar. 😉
2. Rely on your ‘village’.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. I’m lucky enough to be living with my in-laws that I don’t have to overextend myself in creating the village for my source of support and help. But your village could be the teachers who care about your child’s learning, even the friendly garbage truck drivers that your child always looks forward to waving.
You’re not alone in teaching your child about the world. Your village can be also your source of support to teach your child about kindness and grace. And for those who have the luxury of having your loved ones near, do let them know when you need help and support. They’re most likely willing to lend you a hand more than you realize.
3. A wireless earpiece is the key to meetings.
Ah yes. This headline is definitely something that deserves a spot in the mindfulness tips for a work-from-home mom. When you’re still breastfeeding your toddler, you wouldn’t want those wires around as an excuse for your child to mess with later. They’re also one less thing for your toddler to pull from the table in their quest to get your undivided attention.
In the same way, have your wireless earpiece out solely for meetings. This helps as a visual cue for your child to take note of that you’ll be unavailable in the next hour or two (or however long your meeting is). But as it is with toddlers, life happens. When you’re in the middle of a tantrum and still need to at least attempt to pay attention to the meeting, the wireless earpiece definitely helps.
4. Automate what you can in housework.
Technology has given us the flexibility of the work-from-home setup. So why not use technology to further help us in making life more convenient. Like say for my family, we’ve invested in a robot cleaner to help save us those times of having to vacuum and mop the floor. If it can reduce the mental and physical workload for you, investing in these technologies is worth it.
This is of course, after you’ve assessed your finances and discussed them with the family. Automating some of the housework does free your entire family the time needed for the cleaning. However, do take note that they require as well certain maintenances to keep. And proper handling of these tools needs to be also properly thought to even your little toddler.
5. Give yourself grace.
There are just some things that even the best mindfulness tips can’t handle. We all are humans after all. We’re bound to make some mistakes. And as it is with the work-from-home setup, maybe even more so than usual. We are after all, outside our normal environment. Everything is being in this ‘new normal’. Hence, give yourself grace for the times you can’t handle.
Let go of the parent guilt, and focus on improving yourself. There are no perfect parents out there after all. Be honest with the things you can’t handle, connect with your partner, even if there are no solutions. Just simply connect and when you feel seen and heard, sometimes, that’s more than enough to get through the tough times.
And that’s it, my friends! Hopefully, these tips resonated with you. Comment down below which tips has really helped you. Even better if you can share more mindful tips of your own!
I also wrote some other mindful parenting and motherhood blog posts that you can check out below:
7 Healthy Self-Care Ideas for New Moms of Infants
Finding Joy in the Routinary Day of Taking Care of Your Baby
5 Simple Ways to Begin Respectful Parenting in Your Home
Always cheering for you in this parenting journey we have together,
Kristine 🌸
