So many changes since March. So many unknowns. Everyone has been under one roof for months. School is on a computer, no more than five people in a group, wash your hands, wear a mask, stay six feet apart and work from home while taking care of the kids. I’ve heard from so many Moms that they are ready for school to start (even though that brings on new stressors). They are ready to have more time and space from their children. While we wait for the world to go back to “normal” what can you do to feel like you have some control back?

Working from Home

Whether you are working at home as a full time Mom or for your office job, things are different. When your children have been at home since March, there wasn’t an option to step away from your job as Mom and new stay at home employee. So how do you cope? How do you have zoom meetings, get work done, have quiet time and still make sure your children are taken care of?

The short answer is, it isn’t easy. Planning is necessary and putting yourself first is a must. Now that things are getting a little more relaxed take advantage of the new expectations and rules.

Tips to Survive at Home

• Create a routine, for your children and yourself. (check out my shop for routine and reward charts)
• Get enough sleep! Go to bed on time, set a timer.
• Eat and drink water. Plan meals, make more than you need so you have food ready to eat. Snacking or skipping meals doesn’t feed your brain.
• Create a healthy snack bin for yourself and the children. They have to grab at least one healthy snack before they have a fun snack, for example.
• Set timers for break time and quitting time.
• Allow your children to have some independence. Teach them how to get dressed, make a snack or small meal.
• Have house rule and expectations. What do they need to do first, before they can play, go outside or go on their electronics.
• Create a space to work that is comfortable and sets the tone to get work done.
• Get dressed! All the way down to your toes, no more pj bottoms. ( I used to wear PJ bottoms all the time, but I felt as though I was in comfy mode instead of work mode)
• Create a sign that goes on your door for when you are busy working. Be clear with how much time you need. From 10 am to 11:30 am for example.
• Ask your children what they can go while you get work done.
• Give them a reminder before you go on your call, or go do some uninterrupted work.
• Acknowledge their good behaviour. Reward them with time with you after the call, or some time outside for example.
• Remember they are only children. They see you, so they want to spend time with you.
• Acknowledge their struggle but stay consistent and follow through with your rules and expectations.
• Take care of yourself. Self-care is your number one priority.

Self-care? I don’t have time for that!

You are right, there is never enough time, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care will help you feel more in control, calm and happy overall. When life gets hard we tend to do less for ourselves. Keep your coffee date with your friend, go for that walk, leave the dishes and read your book.

Self-care doesn’t have to take up a lot time. Self-care doesn’t have to be ONE MORE THING to fit into your day. It’s the little things that make a difference.

Try doing some micro practices within your day. Think small and often.

• Deep breathing
• Stretch your body
• Move your body
• Laugh
• Meditation
• Mindfulness practice
• Gratitude journaling
• As for a hug
• Have a cold drink
• Repeat a positive mantra to yourself

Life has changed. It’s been a hard few months. But you have a choice, let it suck you down deeper or use your skills and positive coping to get through it. This is a time of resetting, starting new practices and really being grateful for what we have.