Summer holidays are some of the most challenging times for the work at home parent. Unlike during the school year, you have no pre-set blocks of time where you can do your work. In other words, in order to stay productive you need to consciously carve out time to get things done.
Here are a few strategies to help you get through summer holidays.
=> Have a Talk with Your Kids
If your kids don’t really understand what you do for work or why you need time on your own, then perhaps it’s time to have a talk with them.
The difference between having your kids on your team and your kids trying to vie for your attention is huge. If you can really get your kids to support your work, it’ll make things a lot easier.
=> Work Away from Home
It can really help to get away from the home atmosphere and distractions of being at home. Hire a babysitter, if your kids are small, then take your laptop, find a nice cafe or lounge with Wi-Fi and do your work from there.
Even if you can’t do all your work away from the home office, try taking a portion of your work with you and see if it improves your productivity.
=> Minimize Distractions
If possible, have your spouse handle the kids during work hours. If your kids are old enough, explain that they shouldn’t interrupt you unless it’s a true emergency.
Shop for groceries in bulk to avoid having to go multiple times throughout the week. Stock up on snacks and easy to make foods. Err on the side of over stocking rather than under stocking for summer holidays, as kids can really eat a lot when they’re on break.
=> Kid Sitting and Play Dates
Make plans with other parents to have play dates and kid sitting exchanges.
Basically, one or two parents can watch a whole handful of kids. All the other moms and dads can just take the day off while the kids play.
This is a great way of making sure your kids are having fun, while also freeing up time to get your work done.
=> End Your Work Day
At the beginning of every work day, pick a time to end your work. It can be very easy to get sucked into your work and not spend valuable time with your kids.
Summer holidays are a unique time for kids to create new memories, to spend time with friends and to spend time with mom and dad.
Yes, it’s important to get your work done. But it’s also important to take the kids to the park, to new playgrounds, to see movies. Craft your schedule so you can be productive, but make sure to schedule in time for your kids too.
We love:

Mompreneurs: A Mother’s Practical Step-By-Step Guide to Work-At-Home Success
Available from Borders.com
