The summer holidays can be tough for Moms because quite literally over-night we go from having six hours of so called ‘free’ time to having none!
I remember before I had kids of my own I wondered what on earth stay at home moms did all day while their kids were at school – how dare I have had those thoughts!
It’s only when you have kids of your own do you really fully understand the commitment, dedication and time required of Moms. And with the turn of that switch and the summer holidays suddenly upon us, thinking about how we are going to get it all done can be a daunting thought.
I am by nature a fairly organized person and am structured with my approach to getting things done around the house. Knowing this has definitely helped me get through those days where the kids are at home wanting to be with me whilst at the same time I have work to do. Through trial and error, and a serious refining and tuning of my parenting skills, I have found a way to make this work for me AND for my kids.
I want to help you do the same.
How Are You Going To Do It?
As much as we all like to just wing it and go with the flow, when you know that there are certain things that you have to get done in the day you need to make a plan. You absolutely have to carve out the time one way or another. Here are the first 2 things to figure out:
- Know what has absolutely has to be done and roughly how much time it will take you to do it (don’t underestimate!)
- Have realistic expectations of yourself and your kids – know how much playtime everyone needs, how much rest time, how long they can entertain themselves, how often you want to go out, etc.
The next thing you need to do is determine what skills and strengths you possess that will help you juggle all the work and all the fun. What are you good at? Have a think about this.
- If you are organized and scheduled, you’ll be able to be fairly specific with when you are going to set aside the time to get it done.
- If you are more creative and intuitive, you’ll be able to come up with some ingenious ideas to allow you to go with the flow and work on something as you go along.
- If you can focus and work with the kids running around (lucky you!) you’ll have a lot of options for making things work
- If you need quiet and solitude to get your work done you’ll have to find ways to make that happen.
Knowing these things about yourself will help you use your strengths to your best advantage.
I know that I need time alone to focus so if the kids are running around and making requests of me while I am trying to get my work done, I go insane. I therefore make sure that I have the time I need carved out in some way, shape or form.
If you don’t create a plan that works for you and your kids you may become the parent you don’t want to be: shouting, getting frustrated and being the grumpy Mom who hasn’t got her work done! No fun for anyone right? I think that if we are really honest with ourselves, we would have to admit to spending a lot of time trying to get things done in ways that just don’t work.
So here’s what you have to do:
- Be clear on what you really MUST get done
- Have clear and reasonable expectations of yourself and your kids
- Know your strengths and use them
- Know what works for EVERYONE in your family
- Know what doesn’t work and respect it
Over the course of the summer, I will be posting SHORT blogs (because I know I have less writing time in the summer) to give you more ideas to solve the challenges you face juggling work and play.
Because we all want to parent well and have fun with our kids in the sun.
Want a 90 minute strategy session to make a plan with me? Click here to book the summer special.
Stay tuned.
Partnering you
