If you’re a mom like me, my mind is already trying to figure out how I will manage to keep any state of balance come the end of this month. The end of June marks the end of the school year as we know it. This is the time when business moms like me get ready for their kids to take over the home full time for the summer months.
Whether you work from home or have office space elsewhere you probably share similar worries. “How am I going to make this work? How will I balance work and family time without feeling guilty? What type of childcare will I need to arrange? What extra support will I need? Will the adjustment be smooth or rocky?”
To avoid un-wanted stress, we moms need to prepare for this transition. Try some of these suggestions to help your summer run more smoothly.
- Have a Plan: The more organized you become before your kids get out of school the more confident and peaceful you will feel about the transition. Your plan might include getting to know the parents of your kids friends so you can arrange for a few play dates. Exchange numbers and discuss carpooling options. Will you be taking off for any camping trips or overnight holidays? Now is the time to make those plans.
- Create Mom Time: If you don’t take care of your needs, no one will be happy. Look out for the happiness of your kids by tending to your personal needs so you can have the energy and focus you need to be a great mom. How much time for you do you need every week? How much exercise, rest and social interaction do you want to have? Brainstorm ways to make time for yourself so you can keep “Captain Crazy” (aka Mom) at bay.
- Let Go of the Guilt: No one likes feeling guilty for going to work when you could be enjoying family time. Come to terms with your choice to work by focusing on how your work benefits the family.
- Find Quality Childcare: Will you put your children into care, summer programs or possibly offer to trade childcare with a friend? Will you hire a nanny or babysitter? What will suit your needs best? Create a list of criteria that are important to you. Making these arrangements ahead of time will bring you peace of mind.
- Communicate: Get the family together to discuss everyone’s expectations for the summer months. Communicating will get you and your family on the same page and decrease confusion or arguments.
- Keep a Routine: Having somewhat of a regular bed time and family meal time helps both parents and kids. Summer is all about having fun though, so don’t make your routine so rigid that you don’t have fun! Change it up when necessary.
Let me know other ways that have already helped you or that you plan on using to make the transition into summer easier. I’d love to hear your suggestions!
Amy
I struggle with all of this now. My life is so hectic it’s unreal. I feel like I’m going a million miles an hour sitting still. I teach my class in the morning and come home only to be made to feel bad for having other work that needs to be done and not “paying attention” to my son. Literally, my work time is when he’s sleeping. It’s getting to where I’m working into the night and missing time with my husband. :/ I need to sit down and map things out but it’s hard when what needs to be done is so random sometimes.
Hi Brianna,
Sounds like it would be helpful if you took the time (even if it means shutting yourself in the bathroom and slowly feeding your child cheerios under the door) to sort out some of your thoughts.
You said even when you’re sitting still you feel like you’re going “a million miles an hour.”
Sounds like prioritizing and having a back up plan will help you create more balance between work and family time. I’m here to help!
Amy