HOW DO YOU SURVIVE THE FIRST WEEK AS A MOM NEW TO WORKING FROM HOME?
Are you new to working from home with kids?
For many moms, working from home with kids is a dream come true, but I know there are other moms who have been thrust into it for one reason or the other.
Whether you’re a stay at home mom who’s decided to start working from home, or a working mom who has to work from home right now, the tips I’m going to share will ensure a smooth transition into your new role.
Because your first week as a new work from home mom doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for you and your kids.
And in this post, I will share some tips to make sure it isn’t.
So if you’re looking for tips to help you enjoy your first week as a work at home mom, here are seven of them.
This post may contain affiliate links.If you buy anything using my links, I may receive a small commission.
7 AWESOME TIPS FOR MOMS NEW TO WORKING FROM HOME
1. TALK TO YOUR KIDS AHEAD OF TIME
Okay, this may be a little bit tricky if your kids are babies or toddlers, but if they can understand you or are a little bit older, have a chat with them ahead of time to prepare them for the change.
Let them know you have to start working from home and there will be certain times during the day when mommy is going to be busy or unavailable.
Even if they don’t completely understand what you’re saying, at the very least they’d understand that some things are going to change around the home.
This is a good way to prepare them for your new role.
2. BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF AND YOUR KIDS
When you’re new to working from home, you have to be patient with yourself and your kids to avoid frustration.
Sure, you’ve had the talk with them and they probably know what to expect, but don’t expect your first few days as a new work at home mom to be perfect.
You’ve to be patient with your kids because they still need some time to adjust to you working at home.
So you want to bear that in mind and have a realistic view of things (in other words don’t start the week with unrealistic expectations).
As long as you understand this and are prepared for it, your days shouldn’t be too stressful or frustrating.
3. ALLOW FOR SOME DISTRACTIONS AND DISRUPTIONS
Along the same lines, be prepared for some interruptions from your kids.
I have been a work from home mom for years and I still have to deal with some interruptions from my kids even though they are older.
It’s way easier (and less annoying) now because these distractions aren’t as often. If you have younger kids, be prepared to be interrupted especially in the first few weeks before they get used to the new routine.
Kids are very creative and they will always find new ways to interrupt you if or when they crave some attention.
You’re going to get the occasional knocks on the door (if you work in a home office). You’ll hear some screams and crying and a few other things that will interfere with your work flow so be prepared for them.
Make sure you have a plan for dealing with these interruptions so they don’t completely derail you.
One tip is to stay calm and understand your kids really aren’t trying to be annoying (most of the time). This is a phase for them and part of the adjustment period.
4. NEW TO WORKING FROM HOME? HAVE A SCHEDULE OR A PLAN
If you want to have a semi-productive first week as a new work from home mom, make sure you have some kind of schedule or plan in place.
It’s really important to have some kind of plan for how you want to spend your week or what you want to accomplish.
Without a plan, it’s easy to fritter away the whole week without achieving anything.
And that really isn’t a good way to start you work at home mom job or business.
Yes, you probably won’t complete everything you set out to do, but at least you will have an idea of what you are supposed to be doing and you can get a few things organized or completed.
5. SHOWER AND GET DRESSED
While the success of your business or job doesn’t hinge on showering and getting dressed, doing these two things will make a difference to your mindset and how you approach your work.
This is especially important if you are a stay at home mom who spent her days lolling around in sweats, not taking showers and God knows what else (okay, I’m kidding)!
Not knocking the sweats, I think they are awesome and have their uses and you can totally do a lot of work in your sweats.
Personally, I feel more purposeful and productive when I take the time to shower and get dressed.
My day never really gets going until I freshen up.
Just taking a shower and putting on fresh clothes sends a signal to my brain that I am ready for the day’s tasks. I’m ready to get things done and not waste anymore time on things that don’t matter.
So take it from me. You’ll feel more prepared for work when you take the time to freshen up and dress up.
6. GET AND STAY ORGANIZED
How you start your first week as a work at home mom may set the tone for your work life so start how you mean to go on.
Take the time to organize yourself and your business.
Staying organized is one of the easiest ways to be a productive work at home mom.
Ensure you take the time to set up your work space, get all the supplies or tools you need, have a place (or a home) for everything you use for your job or business so you don’t have to waste time looking for stuff.
When you take the time to organize and set up ahead of time, you can jump right into work since everything you need is in place.
Another useful tip is to get into the habit of tidying up at the end of the day. Put things back where they belong and get rid of unwanted stuff.
This would ensure that your work space and home remain clutter free.
It’s very hard to be productive when you’re surrounded by clutter so start the way you mean to go on.
7. ENJOY BEING A WORK AT HOME MOM
Being a work from home mom can be pretty exciting especially if it’s something you’ve always wanted to do.
Okay, even if you weren’t dreaming about it but sort of forced into it, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it.
You totally can!
So don’t stress yourself too much. Take things easy, relax and go with the flow.
With time you will figure things out including how to make the most of your limited working hours.
It takes time to find the best routine and schedule so you have to be flexible and willing to adapt.
As a work from home mom with a few years under her belt, I am always learning and tweaking things when necessary.
It never stops.
So don’t think you’re going to get everything right on the first try.
7 AWESOME TIPS FOR MOMS NEW TO WORKING FROM HOME
Working from home with kids has a lot of benefits so be sure to focus on them.
You are going to face some challenges especially in the early stages, but it’s well worth it for the privilege to stay at home with your kids while earning an income.
Don’t forget to do a review of your first week to see what worked and what you can improve or change.
You’re in for a fun ride so make the most of it.
Are you new to working from home?
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