By : Kim DeYoung
Here we are in the middle of summer and there are moments when I'm really enjoying myself and others when I'm really stressed. If you're like me I swing back and forth between the two. There are moments with my kids where I wish summer would never end and there are those times when school can't start soon enough!
Every mom can appreciate the extra stress of summer vacation but for work at home moms it can be even more challenging. Most of us can't afford to put our businesses on hold for three months. So what can help us manage our business while we still enjoy the summer with our kids?
Here are some summer vacation tips that I've found helpful:
Banish Guilt - Don't waste your summer feeling guilty. You can't do it all (be it every work project and every activity with your children) so for your own sanity stop expecting yourself to. Focus instead on being grateful. The gratitude stems from acknowledging your opportunity to work from home and run a business that brings your joy and income while spending quality time (even if it's not tons of quantity) with your children.
Focus on Your Priorities - Since you can't do it all it's important to have real clarity about which projects you're going to focus on, so your work is streamlined. Personally, I'm using the summer to focus on two key projects - my new Get It Done Coaching program and my Telesummit Blueprint System. With my kids at home much more than during the school year, my focus is either on them or one of those projects. Summer's not a good time to take on other activities that don't matter. Wait until fall, set clear boundaries for yourself, and say NO to what doesn't support you.
Plan Activities -Take a look at classes and camps that are available during the summer. I'll be honest here, I've usually sent my children to camp but this year, with my husband being out of work, the decision to send them to camp had us in a quandary. Can we afford to send them to camp? Can we afford NOT to send them to camp since we got a lot less work done with them at home during the day? (We opted for sending them a little less than previous years).
If you decide to forego a summer camp, there are usually activities in your local area like swim, tennis or art classes. This does require driving time but it will give you and your kids a little break from each other. You may also want to trade play dates with other moms or get grandparents to take the kids on some special outings.
Develop a New Routine - Figure out what work schedule supports you best during the summer. Maybe you'll want to get an earlier start or stay up late so you take advantage of the time your kids are sleeping later (if they do that). I've been bringing my laptop onto my porch so I can watch them outside when they play. Kids are more likely to cooperate if they know what to expect ahead of time. For example, will your kids cooperate if they can count on you working just until noon everyday and taking them swimming afterwards?
Put Them To Work - Get your kids involved in your business. This is a special advantage for work at home moms. Kids think this is fun and they're more likely to be supportive of your business if they're involved! My kids help ship out my monthly membership CDs and absolutely love using my postage meter. It's all just a matter of thinking what tasks are age appropriate and fun for them.
Limit Screen Time - Be strategic about screen time - which includes TV, movies, computer and video games. Sometimes it's okay... but it shouldn't be the only option available to your kids. Instead make a visit to the crafts store for art supplies or go to the library so everyone always has something new to read. For littler kids, find or buy some building toys (like Legos) and make a "dress up box" with some of your old clothes.
Let Them Be Bored - Finally, resist the temptation to rescue the kids when they say they're bored. In our busy on-the-go world we sometimes forget that boredom often leads to creativity. Let them know you have confidence in their ability to figure out how to spend their time.
I hope you find these summer vacation tips helpful. As hectic or frustrated as you might feel, summer usually flies by! Be grateful for the flexibility you have as a work at home mom and enjoy this special time to bond with your kids. Jump in the pool with them, ride bikes or grab a book and read under a tree!
About The Author-- Kim DeYoung is the original Metromom—a driven, evolving woman committed to her family, her career and achieving success on her own terms. Also known as the “Get It Done Girl”, Kim is the dynamic and creative force behind Metromom.com, a comprehensive resource for the busy mom entrepreneur, providing solutions on marketing, money, mindset and motherhood. Order your own FREE CD - "5 Surprising Secrets Every Mom Entrepreneur Must Know" and learn more at www.metromom.com. To see if you’re in fact a Metromom, check out her 3-minute video at http://TheMetroMomMovie.com.
