Effective Time Management Strategies for Work-at-Home Moms

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Updated: Aug. 3, 2016
Originally Published: May 15, 2016

Working from home can be a juggling act, especially for moms who have to balance their careers with the demands of family life. Having navigated this dynamic for nearly a decade, I’ve encountered my fair share of chaos, and I’ve learned a few strategies that help me manage my time effectively.

When people ask me, “How do you manage to do it all?” I often smile and think, “I really have no idea.” My determination to maintain a life outside of motherhood, coupled with budget constraints that necessitate my work, keeps me on my toes. I’ve never considered myself a multitasking guru; in fact, I struggle with it! The notion of making lunch while texting a colleague and writing an article is utterly overwhelming to me.

The latest research indicates that multitasking may not be the best approach after all. The new buzzword in time management is “chunking.” This technique encourages you to allocate specific blocks of time for focused work, rather than trying to tackle multiple tasks at once. It turns out that I’ve been employing this method without even realizing it. However, it often requires that my kids are out of sight and under someone else’s supervision—usually meaning I lock myself in my office (read: my bedroom) and leave a comprehensive list of instructions for the caregiver, including “DO NOT DISTURB MOM UNLESS IT’S AN EMERGENCY.”

Here are some practical tips that I’ve gathered along the way:

1. Set Work Hours and Stick to Them
   Once you gain a moment of peace, resist the urge to dive into household chores. This is your work time! Avoid cleaning, making appointments, or running errands—focus solely on your tasks.
2. Minimize Distractions
   This can be quite challenging, but it’s essential. As a writer, I enjoy short breaks, so I keep social media accessible. However, I mute notifications and avoid checking texts or emails while I’m focused. If you think you might give in to temptation, consider leaving your phone in another room or using apps designed to block distractions.
3. Prepare for the Unexpected
   Children can be unpredictable—sick days and skipped naps are par for the course. Embrace the flexibility of working from home, but also have backup plans ready. Anticipating interruptions will help you stay calm when things don’t go as planned.
4. Value Your Work
   Even if you’re in your PJs with kids nearby, remember that you’re a professional. Treat your work seriously, meet deadlines, and don’t hesitate to request compensation for your efforts. Stand up for yourself and your contributions.
5. Don’t Overextend Yourself
   With the challenges of working from home and parenting, it’s vital to set boundaries. Avoid adding extra commitments like volunteer work or playdates unless you can genuinely manage them.
6. Maintain an Updated Work Plan
   Having a weekly schedule is crucial. Each day, outline your priorities. Some tasks may get pushed to the next day, and that’s okay. Remember, accountability is to yourself, so treat your work with the respect it deserves.

Let’s face it: balancing everything can be exhausting. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the necessity of self-care. It’s easy to get caught up in work and parenting, especially when they occur in the same space. But neglecting your well-being will hinder your ability to support others. I’ve learned to carve out personal time—be it a 30-minute jog, 20 minutes of yoga, or even just 15 minutes of quiet time with my phone.

I also want to acknowledge that I don’t do this alone. I have an incredible partner who takes over as soon as he comes home, allowing me to breathe and recharge. Yes, there are days when I feel overwhelmed, but I also recognize my good fortune to work from home. As a true homebody, I cherish the opportunity to be present for my kids as they grow.

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Summary

Balancing work and motherhood from home can be challenging, but with effective time management techniques like chunking, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, it becomes more manageable. Embracing your role as a professional and protecting your work time are essential steps to success.