School holidays fills me with dread but also means I don’t have to wake up to the alarm (yay). Nothing prepares you for the 6 weeks of Xmas break, the fact that it is Xmas, New Years too there is the added stress of making sure that those days go off without a hitch. Family squabbles, kids playing, stress about anything and everything.
We all think that this time is about celebration but in reality it could be so exhausting and changes life around sometimes for the better other times not so much. Being prepared for the holidays sounds like a bit of a furphy but in reality we plan for other things in business and in personal.
I think it goes back to what we see as priorities and what isn’t. I realised that I needed to work, look after the kids but still wanted to take time out for myself. This all doesn’t just happen it takes skill (ok not the right word), it takes planning, action and more. The more is the persistence to keep at it even when the kids are screaming blue murder in the background, still going when the power goes out on a hot day, or like me interviewing guests for my podcast and the kids still their heads in the Zoom call (yep video bombed again).
Just the thought of having to spend 6 weeks at home with the kids may send shivers down the spine of all parents out there (sometimes it does for me). Others will be in heaven because there is no tantrums, lateness and uniforms to worry about.
Me on the other hand doesn’t like them home this much because I have to stop and start when working. The kids need to be fed (damn it) and want to go out. I get stuck into writing an article or ready to do a live on FB and the boys come out from the bedroom (yep addicted to play station and their phones). I know a lot of other business owner (mumpreneurs) reading this will understand the joys and the frustrations of working from home while the kids are here too.
Us mum’s get the raw deal well it seems that way sometimes doesn’t it, but to me it is about the little things like the cuddles on the couch or the tickles on the bed, to hear them laughing brings a smile to my face and a bit of a teary eye. It is really the little things that make the life we all want, u know the quick kiss on the cheek or the “I love you, mum”.
What little things are happening for you that put a smile on your face?
Some things that get me through are:
- Speaking to friends (mum’s) who can relate to the same thing
- Scheduling the work not around breakfast or lunchtime
- Going out in the morning to wear them out
- Doing your to-do list the night before and space it out
Let’s explore these things in depth so you can see what I mean. My friends who are mum’s that are also business owners also get the struggles and venting with them helps. It is like having your own little community online as well as offline of like-minded peeps who get where you are at. They have got your back, listen to you and know the answers. Many years ago social media was the thing that saved my life, I was suicidal and without my online Facebook community being there as a sounding board I would not be here.
Don’t take for granted those around you who care and want to be there for the ups and down of your life. You don’t know what their life is like at all, as you can never walk in their shoes at all. Be there for them in dark times as well as the light, knowing you are on the other end of the phone or messenger means so much to me and I am sure it means that to others.
I look at what time it will be approximately when the kids get up and work around that for my calls, interviews and to do things like write articles like this one. It is harder to schedule things with kids around but not impossible. Do you have little kids that need a nap? That is the time to make the calls etc or the tasks that you need more concentration to accomplish.
Working out when is the best time to go out for play dates, shopping, business appointments etc. It really depends on how old your children are, when my kids were younger it was better to take them out in the morning and come home in the arvo for them to have a nap or just have some rest time.
Another trick I have used is be super organised the night before with a to-do list for the next day, get my clothes out and the kids out the night before. I know it sounds really boring and off putting but you want to have the best day with you and your family. I am one of those that have to have lists, I know ‘old school’ putting pen and paper enters my brain quicker than just using a digital to-do list. I have been told by many of the people who are specialists in time management that don’t have a long list or else nothing will get done, only have about 4 things on it that take priority for that day and if you don’t finish them add them to the top of the list for the next day.
Sanity is waning as the last few days of the holidays are coming to an end. Have I gotten all the snacks they need? All the books, uniform etc that the new high school student (yes I am in tears) needs. I am losing the plot with the arguments, the answering back and the naughtiness comes with the end of this long break.
It is time for the kids to get to bed earlier (I know a joke really) it is very hot here with summer and that isn’t helping as it is still very hot at night. Now I can schedule all the meetings that I couldn’t whilst they were home.
Oh to have the freedom between 8 and 3 again, I know like I said it is the little things. Being able to go to the shops and not having them complaining after being there for two minutes, getting my nails done, doing work and not being interrupted to mum I need a drink or food or the boys fighting and I have to break them up. The life of the mum and business owner, the joys!
If you’d like to share any tips or thoughts please leave us a comment below…
Let’s get creative together 🙂
Loved your take on being a business owner and a mom…right with you!!
Thank you, I like to keep it real