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5 Simple Time Management Tips for Work-At-Home Parents

By Liane Caruso from The Riley Group

 "Where did the time go?" How many times do you say that in a week?

  If you're like me, you say it pretty much every day. As a work-at-home Mom, I am challenged daily by spending quality time with my son and somehow "fitting in" a full-time business with focus and dedicated attention. Time management skills are essential to any parent, let alone one that works from home. But the payoff is completely worth it.

  When I decided to leave my corporate job to start my own home-based business, I wasn't prepared for what was in store. My goal was to be at home with my baby and work my business "in between" being a full-time Mom.

  Well, that was a lofty goal for a first-time Mom who needed a full-time job with a full-time income.

  I have certainly faced my share of hurdles, but we, as a family, are making it work. And, since I'm in the business of giving others ‘the gift of time', I knew that I had to get my act together. Every day I advise clients about "time management" and "delegation" and "to do lists". But, I wasn't practicing what I was preaching...until now.

  I felt like I had too many things competing for my attention and I wasn't giving each the attention they deserved or required.  Now, I have incorporated my own ‘tools of the trade' into my personal life and work-at-home career and find them to be invaluable for balance in my daily routine.

  Plan your work and work your plan. This basic theory applies in your day-to-day activities and business goals.  Set a weekly plan but learn to be flexible.  Your kids need a routine, and so do you!  Work during nap time, homework time or after they go to bed.  Just know that things won't always go as planned.  Just when you're finalizing that proposal... the baby wakes up.  Follow your schedule to the best of your ability and stay on track!  Now, let's take it one step further...plan your life and live your plan. Put your short and long-term business and personal goals on paper and live them!

  To Do Lists. On Sunday or Monday, create an ultimate "to do" list for the week. Make one for personal and one for your business. Then, each day, list your top 6 - 10 activities that must get accomplished for the day. This keeps your list manageable and far less overwhelming.

  Just Do It. If you have a daunting pile of things "to do" on your desk, just start tackling each one, starting on top. Don't pick and choose based on what's easiest or less dreadful...just do it! Even if the first thing on that pile takes you two hours, do it and get it out of your way. If you don't, your entire pile will seem unmanageable and nothing will get done.

  Know when to turn your job "off". Your family is the fundamental reason you have made the decision to work from home. They deserve your focus and attention more than any client or proposal you will ever have. But, they also need to understand and respect your work, time and space.  When you plan your family and work time, make sure your entire family is in on the conversation and understands the weekly plan.

  Be reasonable, flexible and creative. The house may not be spotless or the dishes done; your schedule might have gone awry because you got a phone call from your long lost Aunt Tina; and, you may have had to excuse yourself from a teleconference because the baby woke up early from her nap...but as long as you are prepared that these things will happen, there is no sense in crying over spilt milk, literally. You have a plan, remember? It will get done with some flexibility and shuffling around.

  Working at home can be a win-win for everyone, but sometimes friends and family don't always get that working at home means, actually, "working" from home.  It's a tough balance for many, but the rewards are great.

  I wouldn't change it for the world...even if I'm up at 5 am making the most of my allotted and very rare "quiet time" or going to bed at midnight to catch up on the last of my "to dos". I always have the bigger picture in mind, even with its daily challenges.

  For more simple time management tips for work-at-home parents, contact Liane Caruso at the Riley Group, a personal assistant and errand running business focusing on life and time management. Giving you the gift of time so you can focus on what's most important.

  About Liane Caruso:  Liane recently partnered with Valerie Riley and franchised The Riley Group in Tampa Bay. With a degree in Communications, she worked in the corporate world for 14 years before making the decision to open her own business. After her 3-week maternity leave, the decision wasn't difficult to make. She works at home operating and managing The Riley Group serving busy individuals, parents, CEOs, brides, small business owners, athletes, elderly...just to name a few...from Pasco to Pinellas. Liane also enjoys speaking at events about organization and time management for all lifestyles.  For more information about The Riley Group, visit www.therileygroup.info or contact Liane at liane@therileygroup.info or (813) 428-6921.

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