Wake Forest Newborn Family Lifestyle Photographer – Working from Home

I know I have a lot of other work form home Mamas that read my blog so I thought I’d share some things that help me organize my day hoping that I can send some encouragement your way.Working from home, as in, my little ones are with me most of the day. (At least one is here while the other is at kindergarten) I thought I’d share some of the things that have helped me with balancing running a business and being a Mama. I totally admit I’m not perfect at these all of the time, but when I stick to them, it makes my life a lot easier.

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1. Doing one of the hardest or most important things first. This kind of goes with having an organized schedule, but I have found this to be really important when working from home. Depending on the week, I might also have different priorities. If I am going to squeeze in exercise, I try to go ahead and get it done. If I need to get a session edited that day, it’s important for me to finish that first. Also, if I am dreading something, it’s better if I go ahead and get it out of the way first thing. (Dentist appt – 8:30 A.M. always!)

2.An organized schedule is super helpful. If you read this post, then you will know that I spent 5 1/2 years teaching and planning out every second of every day. Yes, I had planning burnout. It also taught me the importance of having a plan for the day, and organizing blocks of time with what I had to get done. Every night, when I write out my to do list in my planner, I love that it has a section each day for Morning, Afternoon, and Evening so that I can write out my schedule and what needs to get done. And what’s most important or something I’m dreading, always early in the day.

3.This goes along with 1 and 2 but having set working hours is super helpful. This actually used to be easier for me before kindergarten. (Doesn’t make sense, right? You would think kindergarten would give me more time to work!) Before kindergarten, the afternoons were strictly for working because everyone was napping, and it was time I had dedicated to working. Afternoon carpool kind of breaks that up a little bit, but I’ve learned how to adjust my hours, and get help on some days during the week.

4.Limit caffeine and take care of yourself. It’s easy to drink a lot of caffeine when you are always on the go with the kids, or trying to answer emails, edit, sessions, get packages in the mail, etc. I use to drink a lot more caffeine and now I only have one in the morning. It really makes a difference in how I feel during the day. Also, during the fall, things get so busy around here that I don’t get to workout much, but it’s important to me, and something I strive to squeeze in even when things get busy.

5.Make time for your kids and try to schedule special days with them. When you work from home, you spend a lot of time doing the daily routines with your kids, focusing on your office hours, etc. I often work weekends so I am not taking a big chunk of time to go to museums, etc on the weekend. (And it’s so super crowded.) I try to plan trips to life and science or go get ice cream, just something special on a weekday afternoon. I have to plan and work so that I can take the time, but it’s important for me to plan that time with my little ones. I also try to plan out vacations ahead of time and edit, edit, edit, so we can take the time off. During Harrison’s first year, there were also days that I got a babysitter for him, and spent some time with just Owen while he was getting used to the adjustment. I also try to squeeze in a library trip with Harrison when I get a minute so the whole week isn’t focused on just our routines, and we also have a little fun. I try to plan one day dedicated to my little ones + resting.

6.Secure flexible childcare according to your budget. It doesn’t make sense for me to work really if my childcare eats up all my profits. I have several different options I use, depending on the session time/day.

7.Things that can make your life easier – online grocery shopping. A lot of days, I’ll order early in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon right after carpool on our way home so that I save time. I try to read or answer emails during carpool. Try to look for those little pockets of time that you can get a little bit of work done.

8.Try to plan all scheduled events on one day. Volunteering at Owen’s school, swim lessons, etc. It’s all on one day, which makes it easier for me to schedule sessions. (It doesn’t always work out this way, but I try to keep it to one day!)

9.Get up early. Several of my clients told me they wondered if I was pregnant (when pregnant with Harrison) because I stopped posting on facebook after 6 PM. Ever since his pregnancy, I have gone to bed a lot earlier. I was staying up until 11-12 or later most nights. I really love waking up early, and again this does not always happen. It helps me get focused, read and have my quiet time, and plan out my day. There are a lot of websites and books and so many suggestions to get up early, and I really recommend it. I also love and need quiet time every day. If I don’t get a little bit of quiet, I get cranky – ha! It recharges me, and I love the time just to think.

Any other work at home Mamas want to chime in on what helps them schedule their days? I hope these tips help someone who is struggling with balancing working and taking care of your little ones. Some days are really hectic and some have some breathing room – everyday is really different!

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Rebecca Keller is a Wake Forest Newborn Family Lifestyle Photographer. As Seen in People Magazine and The Bump. Contact Rebecca Keller Photography for more information about family photography and travel sessions.