Finding Balance - Family, Work, Home

Working a "9-5" job when you have kids, a husband, and a house to take care of isn't easy. When I went back to work after having my first son I often found myself overly tired, stressed, and completely run down. When I knew my path was leading towards being a stay-at-home mom once we had our second, I knew my main goal would be taking care of our kids and keeping our house together, but I also set out to grow my side business. No, I didn't NEED to, but the idea of having my own means to do extra activities with my kids was something to chase after. My business isn't huge, but it does well and fits our current lifestyle, though I have found that my biggest weekly battle is balancing my work, house, and kids. I have compiled a list of some tips that I find help me navigate the weekly craze that is our life.

1. Do light housework while the kids eat breakfast

Housework is no joke with a three and one year old hanging around. If I had a penny for every Cheerio I picked up throughout the week, well, I wouldn't need my side business and we would all be retired on a mountain somewhere. But since no one pays me to pick up Cheerios, I guess I'll keep cleaning and working.

I don't usually eat breakfast, as I will work out and have a shake later into the morning, so while my babes are quietly sitting at the kitchen table or outside enjoying a bowl of cereal home-cooked meal, I will put away clean dishes and wash any leftover ones, clear any counters of junk, and will usually run the vacuum through the downstairs to take care of those never ending Cheerio trails.

2. Pick one day per week for the deep cleaning

Don't pick one day to clean 1 bathroom and the next day for the others, get them all done in one day...and stick to that day weekly so you don't get behind. Monday is a good day to do this- that way you are using a freshly cleaned bathroom all week, unless you have boys, then good luck keeping it clean EVER. Maybe on Tuesdays you dust and vacuum, Wednesdays wash the windows..create a schedule that works for you, it is much easier to do a little each day than attempting to clean the house top to bottom in a single day when you find out the in-laws are coming.


3. Start a load of laundry when you wake up in the morningDoes anyone enjoy doing laundry? I dislike it almost as much as I dislike doing the dishes. I TRY to get one load going each morning. This way I am not rushing to fold one load because another one needs the dryer, and it's totally okay if you don't wash and fold on the same day, you don't have to be THAT on top of things! I usually don't fold it right away because kids, but it does get done eventually.

4. Nap time is serious business

Both of my kids still take naps--or at least have a rest time. I make sure this happens at the same time every day. This is when the bulk of my business is done. I sit in a quiet spot, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and work to get as much done as I possibly can while they are upstairs leaving me be. If I don't get every little thing done, I will sometimes log on after bedtime and finish up a few orders so I can get them out in a timely manner but I do try to have everything wrapped up by the time they start stirring.

5. Don't work during play time

Honestly, if I try to get work done while my kids were playing, they may or may not destroy each other. This doesn't mean that I don't shoot a quick email out here and there while they play independently, but I do try to keep my work out of play time. My kids enjoy that time with me so I like to make sure they get plenty of mommy time. Try to leave your work out of play time, you and your babies will appreciate it.


6. Don't stress when you don't get EVERYTHING done

There are times when I email a customer to let them know that there is a delay (usually only by one day) because my day didn't go as planned, and I have yet to run into someone who is not understanding. Kids are unpredictable no matter how planned out the day is, and sometimes it can't be avoided. If one of my kids needs extra snuggles, work can wait. If we get home late from a play date and nap time is lost, work can wait. Sometimes crumbs sit on my rug for days before I actually find the time to vacuum..is it gross? Probably, but some days running a vacuum isn't in the cards for us and I don't stress, I know I will get to it eventually. Right now, there is a laundry basket full of kids clothes (CLEAN!!!) sitting upstairs waiting to be folded, and it will most likely still be there tomorrow but it's ok! It's all about finding your balance.


What are some tips that help you balance the work/wife/mom life? Do you stick to a schedule or just wing it? Also, please tell me that I'm not the only one with this Cheerio issue?!