Work-From-Home Moms: The Definitive Guide to Staying Sane

All work-from-home moms know it can be challenging to stay organized and focused. Juggling work with kids and household duties can be tricky, but it’s definitely doable!

This definitive guide will give you tips on how to make the most of your work-from-home days. So read on and prepare to take your work-from-home career to the next level!

In this article, we will share the following:

• tips for staying organized as a work-from-home mom
• parenting children while working from home
• meal planning for work-from-home moms
• time management tips
• productivity hacks for work-from-moms

Follow these tips, and you’ll have the tools to manage your work and home life successfully!

Home Organization Tips for Work-From-Home Moms

Home organization can be a challenge for any mom, but it can be tough for those who work from home. Below are some tips to help you keep your home organized and productive:

Wake Up Early

This may be the only alone time you have! You can use this time for Bible study, prayer, and getting things done without interruption. Enjoy the silence.❤

Use a Planner to Keep Organized

Include all areas of your life in your planner so you can plan your time wisely. Look over your planner every night to prioritize tasks for the next day.

Set Up a Dedicated Workspace:

Designate a specific area of your home as your office. This will help you focus on work in that space and make it easier to “leave work at the office” when you’re done for the day.

Create a Daily Schedule

• One of the benefits of working from home is the flexibility it offers. However, that flexibility can also make it easy to let your days get away from you.
• To avoid this, create a daily schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Include breaks for meals, exercise, personal errands, and household chores.
• As mentioned above, you can keep track of all of this in your planner.

Get the Family Involved

If you have kids at home, involve them in your work-from-home routine. Explain what you do and why it’s important.

You can also involve them in household tasks such as laundry, cleaning, and cooking.

Getting your kids involved with household tasks will teach them responsibility while freeing time to finish your work. Plus, this will help your children learn essential life skills.

Take Advantage of Technology

Several technological tools can help you stay organized and productive while working from home.

Examples include time-tracking apps, project management software, and online calendars. Utilize these tools to make your work-from-home life easier!

How to Work From Home With Kids

Working from home can be an excellent way to spend more time with your kids. However, balancing work and child-rearing responsibilities can also be challenging.

My kids are in K4 and first grade. So they do go to school. But I am up at the crack of dawn getting everything ready for the day. I have to be in the car line no later than 8 AM.

By the time I get home and settled it is 9 AM. I have until about 1:30 when my youngest has to be picked up. So it doesn’t give me much time at home to devote solely to my job!

Did I mention working at home can be hard?

But also, what other job can give me the flexibility to bring them to and from school? I’m lucky to fit the rest of my work day in the nooks and crannies of my day.

Remember, I’m a single mom, so I don’t have a partner to help me. My parents help me on the weekends, but I put on my supermom hat during the week and do the best I can.

Here are some ideas to help you while working from home with kids:

Remember Your “Why”

• As a work-from-home mom, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We are constantly pulled in different directions, and staying focused on our goals can be difficult.
• However, it is essential to remember why we decided to work from home in the first place.
• Whether it is to spend more time with our children or have greater control over our schedules, remembering our “why” can help us stay motivated and on track.
• When we feel like we are losing sight of our goals, reflecting on why we started down this path can help us refocus and renew our commitment to ourselves and our families.

Communicate With Your Spouse or Partner

If you have a spouse or partner, it’s essential to communicate about your respective workloads and parenting responsibilities.

This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that both parents are equally invested in childcare.

Childcare

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or hire a caregiver if needed. It’s hard to “do it all,” and if it lessens your stress to get someone to help with the kids, do it!

Your “mom guilt” may try to tell you that you aren’t spending enough time with your kids. But if you can get more of your work done, the time left in your day can be devoted to them.

Teach Your Kids to Occupy Themselves

There are many benefits to having children who know how to entertain themselves. It is essential when you work from home for your kids to develop these skills. This can help help you:

• have time to get things done
• develop your child’s imagination
• teach your child how to be independent

I like to set up increments of about an hour for each activity to prevent my kids from getting bored. If they are happy and enjoying themselves, I usually extend that activity.

Give Your Child Chores Around the House

• This will not only help you with getting things done, but it will also give them a sense of responsibility.
• Start with simple tasks such as putting their toys away or setting the table for dinner.
• As they get older, you can give them more complex tasks such as folding laundry or washing dishes.
• Don’t forget about letting them help with meal preparations! As they get older they may become a great cook that can practice making meals for your family. Win win!

Encourage Your Child to Use Their Imaginations

• Set up an art area in your home with crayons, paints, and paper.
• Provide them with small toys such as action figures or dolls. Encourage them to use their imaginations to create stories and adventures for these characters.
• Have a playdough activity time.
• Keep a rotating collection of toys that you bring out periodically. Keep them in covered boxes up high on a shelf so it will be a special surprise for your kids.

Include Reading in Your Day

Reading is an excellent way for children to entertain themselves while learning new things. Encourage your children to read by having a variety of books available for them to read and by taking them to the library regularly.

Set Aside Time For Yourself

It’s important to schedule some time each day or week just for you. This can be used for hobbies, exercise, or simply relaxing. There is a saying I learned long ago:

You need to come apart before you fall apart.

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Having this time to yourself will help you recharge and be a better parent when you’re with your kids.

Take Advantage of Nap Times

• If your kids take naps, use this time to catch up on work or get ahead on projects.
• Working around nap time can significantly increase your productivity while still spending quality time with your kids when they’re awake.
• Working from home with kids can be daunting, but it can also be rewarding. Following these tips can strike the perfect balance between work and family life.

Meal Planning Ideas For Work-From-Home Moms

• Working from home has its perks. You can take a break to do laundry between conference calls or work in your PJs.
• But as any work-from-home mom knows, it can also be challenging to juggle everything on your plate. Meal planning can make things a lot easier.
• Meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated – even simple solutions can save you time and hassle.
• For example, you can cook double batches of food and freeze the leftovers for later. Or, you can use slow cooker recipes that can simmer away while tending to other things.

Here are some ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner:

Easy Breakfast Ideas

Overnight oats 

Overnight oats are an excellent option for busy mornings as they can be made ahead of time and grabbed from the fridge when you’re ready to eat. To make overnight oats, simply combine rolled oats with milk, yogurt, and any desired toppings in a jar or container and refrigerate overnight. Your oats will be soft, creamy, and ready to eat in the morning!

Avocado toast 

Avocado toast is a simple but delicious breakfast option that can be made in just a few minutes. Start by spreading avocado on top of toast, then add any desired toppings such as tomato, egg, or cheese. Salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy!

Breakfast burrito 

A breakfast burrito is a yummy option for busy mornings. Simply wrap eggs, cheese, and fillings such as bacon, sausage, or veggies in a warm tortilla. Try prepping breakfast burritos ahead of time. Simply reheat them in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast on the go!

Fruit and yogurt parfait 

A fruit and yogurt parfait is a healthy and refreshing breakfast option that can be made quickly. Layer yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola in a jar or glass, and enjoy!

Smoothie 

Smoothies make a great breakfast option for busy mornings as they can be made quickly and easily in a blender. Combine your favorite fruits, vegetables, milk, yogurt, and protein powder in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Pancakes 

Pancakes are always a hit with kids and adults alike! To make easy pancakes from scratch:

Waffles 

Waffles are another breakfast favorite that can be easily made at home. To make waffles from scratch:

French Toast 

French toast is another quick and easy breakfast option you can make ahead of time or on the spot. Here is how to make the best and easiest French toast:

Easy Lunch Ideas

Leftovers

One of the easiest lunch ideas is to eat leftovers from the night before. This is excellent if you have a dish easily reheated, such as pasta or soup.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are another easy option for lunch, and there are endless possibilities for fillings. You can use leftover meat, vegetables, peanut butter, and jelly.

Salads

Salads are great if you want something healthy and easy to make. You can use any combination of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Just be sure to include a dressing of your choice.

Soup

Soup is another easy and healthy option for lunch. You can make a big batch on the weekend and then have it for lunch all week. Just be sure to pack some crackers or bread to go with it.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a wonderful source of protein and calcium, and it’s easy to pack for lunch. You can top it with fruit, granola, or nuts for extra flavor and nutrition.

Fruit

Fruit is a healthy and easy option for lunch, and it’s portable so that you can take it on the go. Just be sure to wash it before you eat it so you don’t end up with unwanted pesticides on your food.

Vegetables

Vegetables are another healthy and easy option for lunch. You can eat them raw, roasted, or in a salad.

Just be sure to pack some dip or dressing if you’re eating them raw, so you don’t get bored of the taste.

Grain Bowls

Grain bowls are a filling and satisfying option for lunch, and they’re very versatile so that you can customize them to your liking.

Just cook up grains like rice or quinoa, add some vegetables and protein, and top with a sauce or dressing of your choice.

Planning can help you make the most of your time and ensure that you and your family eat healthy, delicious meals – even on busy days.

Easy Dinner Ideas

Slow Cooker Recipes 

One of the easiest ways to get dinner on the table is to use a slow cooker.

There are endless recipes available online for slow cooker meals, so you can find one that fits your family’s taste. Our favorites include slow-cooker chili, pulled pork, and chicken soup.

This easy crockpot chicken and rice dish are perfect for a busy weeknight. Add chicken breasts, rice, vegetables, and seasonings to the crockpot, and let it cook while you’re working.

One-Pot Meals 

Another easy option for dinner is a one-pot meal. These meals are typically quick and easy to make, and they only dirty one pot or pan.

One-pot meals are also great for leftovers, as you can reheat the entire dish the next day. Our favorite one-pot meals include pasta dishes, stir-fries, and soup.

Sheet Pan Dinners 

Dinners using a sheet pan are another excellent option for busy moms, as they only dirty one pan and can typically be made in under an hour.

These types of dinners are also great for meal prep, as you can cook multiple servings at once and then store them in the fridge or freezer for future meals.

Our favorite sheet pan dinners include roasted chicken, roasted vegetables, and salmon.

Air Fryer Recipes 

Air fryers have become popular recently and for a good reason! They allow you to make healthy versions of fried foods with little to no oil.

There are tons of air fryer recipes online, so it’s easy to find one that your family will love. Our favorites include air-fried chicken, french fries, and onion rings.

Instant Pot Recipes 

Instant pots are a quick and easy way to make dinner or any meal for that manner! I love cooking a big pot of steel-cut oats in mine with raisins and chopped walnuts.

You can also cook soups, stews, rice, and beans, to name a few. Many Instant Pot recipes are available online.

Grilled Recipes 

Grilling is a great way to cook a quick and healthy meal. You can grill virtually anything –

• meats
• vegetables
• fruits
• bread

There’s sure to be something that your family will enjoy. Plus, grilling gives food a delicious smoky flavor that everyone will love!

Skillet Recipes 

Skillet meals are another great option for busy moms as they can be made quickly and easily in one pan. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with just one pan to wash!

There are endless possibilities for skillet meals – you can make anything from breakfast dishes to desserts in a skillet! Some of our favorites include pancakes, eggs Benedict, and brownies.

Quinoa or Rice Burrito Bowls

These quinoa or rice burrito bowls are healthy and easy to make. Simply cook quinoa and black beans in advance, then assemble the bowls with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, and your favorite salsa or sauce.

Time Management Tips

Any working mom will tell you that managing a career and a home can be a juggling act. But the challenges can be even greater for moms who work from home.

In addition to managing deadlines and clients, work-from-home moms also have to contend with distractions like laundry, dishes, and grocery shopping.

So how do they get it all done? Here are some time management tips for work-from-home moms:

Start Your Day With a Plan

Make a list of what needs to be done and stick to it as best you can. Of course, there will be days when things don’t go as planned, but a plan will help you stay on track.

Create Boundaries Between Work and Home

This can be difficult when your office is in your living room or kitchen, but it’s important to set aside time for work and time for family.

Let your family know when you’re working and ask them to respect your space during those times.

Take Advantage of Technology

Several apps and online tools can help you stay organized and on track.

Consider using a project management app to keep track of deadlines or a virtual assistant to handle some of your administrative tasks.

Don’t Be Afraid to Outsource

If there are tasks that you don’t have time for, consider hiring someone to help you out.

This could be a babysitter for afternoons when you need to make calls or meet with clients or a cleaning service to come in once a week so you can focus on work.

By following these tips, work-from-home moms can find the balance they need to manage their careers and families.

Productivity Hacks For Work at Home Moms

• There is a slight difference between productivity and time management. Productivity deals with how many tasks you deal within a certain amount of time.
• Time management is about managing productivity, setting priorities, and organizing workflow. So you can see how you might be good at one of these but need work on the other.
• Being a work-from-home mom is no easy feat.
• Not only do you have to juggle the demands of parenting with the demands of your job, but you also have to find ways to stay productive in the midst of it all.

Here are a few ideas to help you stay on top of things:

Set a Schedule and Stick to it

A set routine can help you avoid getting sidetracked by household tasks or childcare duties.

Get Organized

Take some time to create a realistic work schedule and ensure you have what you need to complete your work.

Set Aside Dedicated Work Time

If possible, try to set aside a few hours each day that is just for work. This will ensure that you stay focused and avoid getting interrupted by family members or other distractions.

Take Breaks

Don’t push yourself too hard, or you’ll quickly burn out.

Make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and return refreshed and ready to work. Taking a little walk is perfect for this.

Find a support system. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a professional organization, having someone to lean on when things get tough can make all the difference.

Home Office Organization for Work-From-Home Moms

As a work-from-home mom, it is essential to have a well-organized home office.

Organizing your home office will not only help you be more productive, but it will also give you a designated space to focus on work. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose a Dedicated Space For Your Office

If possible, choose a room with a door that can be closed when you need to focus. This will help to minimize distractions from family members and pets.

Of course, this won’t work with small children if you are the only adult at home. In that case, choose an area where your young children can play so you can watch over them.

Make Sure Your Desk and Chair Are Comfortable

You will be spending many hours sitting at your desk, so it is important to have ergonomic and supportive furniture.

Invest in Storage Solutions

A cluttered desk will only add to your stress levels. Store extra supplies in filing cabinets, shelves, or bins so they are out of sight but still within reach.

Keep Your Space Clean and Tidy

A messy office will only make it harder to concentrate on work. Take some time each day to straighten up your desk and surfaces.

Working from home as a mom is definitely a multi-tasking venture!

Check out this article to learn how to clean your house in 2 hours. This will help you save time as a busy, work-from-home mom!

Establish a Daily Routine

Having set office hours will help you to stay on track and avoid burnout. Let family members know when you are working so they can respect your time and space.

Ideas for Finding a Work-From-Home Job

Search for Remote Jobs

One option is to search for remote jobs on job boards like Indeed or FlexJobs. You can also contact companies directly and inquire about remote work options.

Freelance

Or, if you have a specific skill set, you can start freelancing and work with clients worldwide.

Personal Network

Tap into your personal network. Let your friends and family know you’re looking for a work-from-home job, and they may be able to connect you with potential opportunities.

Start a Blog

Start your own blog and sell advertising space or write sponsored posts. This can be a great way to share your passions with the world and make some extra money at the same time.

Start an Online Store

Another option is to launch an online store and sell products you make or source from other businesses.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is another excellent idea. It promotes other businesses’ products on your website or blog, which you a commission on every sale you generate.

Find Online Job Boards

One great way to find work-from-home jobs is to search online job boards. FlexJobs, Fiverr, and Upwork are all great places to look.

Search Websites For Work-From-Home Positions

You can also search specific websites that list only work-from-home positions, such as We Work Remotely and Virtual Vocations.

Provide Professional Services

Finally, you could provide professional services such as tutoring, web design, or virtual assistant services.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a work-from-home mom, congratulations! You’ve decided to have more control over your time and your life. But being a work-from-home mom can also be tricky – it’s easy to feel like you’re always working and not getting anything done. These tips should help you stay sane and productive while working from home. We wish you the very best in your work-from-home journey. Do you have work-from-home tips that are helping you?

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