By Amy Moyer
With summer in full swing, many parents wonder “how am I going to juggle my kids and working?”
I have been impressed with how many different summer programs are offered to kids these days, from nature classes to building robots. These programs are great options for working parents, but…the cost adds up, especially having more than one child, and most are for only a few hours of the day. As I want to keep my kids busy while learning and having fun, it is not feasible to have them in a program all day, and every day.
So how do we stay productive while still engaging with our kids and enjoying the summer? There are some basic tips for being productive that we can apply to juggling kids and work.
Do Not Multitask
This first tip almost seems like an oxymoron, but to be productive we should NOT multitask. Let me say that again…DO NOT multitask. This one surprises me, as I am the queen of multitasking, but I will explain why this is not always the best way to be productive. It would seem if we multitasked, working on multiple things at once, we could get more done. Think if we were reading a book and at the end of the page, instead of simply flipping to the next page we had to jump to page 34, then to page 96, page 24…you get the picture.
When we flip back and forth between multiple tasks, it takes more energy, we can lose focus, and it takes more time to get back into the flow of our task. Changing our focus multiple times a day makes it takes longer to get a single task done and usually not as well. Our focus is divided and we struggle trying to juggle what we have up in the air. Trying to answer an email while cooking the kids breakfast can lead to burnt toast. Try to stick to one task at a time. Then it will be done quickly and correctly. This leads into the next tip.
Create a System/Schedule
Dedicate certain times in a day for different tasks. We should schedule the hours of the day we will look at and answer emails, call customers, or take our kids on an outing or simply make breakfast. Then we can work the tasks into time slots where we know we can be the most productive. This could be the first thing in the morning, when our kids will be at a summer program, when they nap, or when we know they have a little downtime.
A key to this strategy is communication. Letting co-workers and customers know when we will be getting back to them or are available will set boundaries and expectations. And don’t forget, talk to the kids! If I am working on a task and my kids are needing me (for non emergency things), I give them a time when I will handle their needs, for example at 11:30 I will make them their lunch. I will often find my children checking the clock to see if it is time yet. For younger children, you could set a timer. This sets the boundaries but also the security and knowledge of when they will have my full attention.
Designated Workspace
Lastly, have a designated space for work. I was always the type of person who needed to be in a library to successfully study, or a gym to workout. When we are immersed in a space designated for work, we stay more focused and stay productive. We have fewer distractions like a sink full of dishes or a pile of laundry we need to get to. We can find a special place that keeps us inspired and motivated. By taking out the outside distractions that plague our minds throughout the day we are able to answer emails more efficiently, have fewer errors in our work, and think with a clear mind.
There are many ways to stay productive, but adding kids to the mix adds another layer of stress. Stay organized and focus on one task at a time, stop multitasking. Schedule the day so both children and co-workers can know when they will have our full undivided attention. Lastly, have a space just for work. This will allow us to be home with the kids without being reminded of the emails that need to be answered or be working without looking at the pile of laundry that needs to be folded.
We can balance life and work and be successful in both. We just need to start with a plan and be intentional.
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