Are you a work from home mom? I’m right there with you and although it’s not always easy, it sure is rewarding. You have the absolute GREATEST job of taking care of your baby and you also have a job that allows you to put a roof over your head and put dinner on the table at night. You might have questions such as…
How do you balance it all?
Is it possible to work from home with a baby?
Is it possible to work from home with a toddler?
Can you work from home with a baby?
How to work from home with a baby?
…and let me answer all of those questions for you!
Is it easy to work from home with a baby? No, not always. But, you can do it, mama! I’ve learned a ton of tips and tricks on how to make it possible to stay sane (+ get all your work done) while being a work from home mom. I hope these tips help you!
Ask for help
My biggest tip is to ask for help when you need it. Personally, I struggle with this, and I’ve talked a little bit about it in the past. One thing that has helped me tremendously is hiring a regular nanny for Avery each week. Since I don’t work a traditional full-time job and can schedule my hours around my schedule, I’m flexible with the days/hours she helps me out, but Avery’s nanny has been the worlds biggest blessing and I honestly wouldn’t be able to do what I do without her. So, hire a nanny or babysitter – and keep it as regular as possible (for us it’s 2 times a week on average).
If you have family near you, utilize them, when possible. I know that it’s hard to ask for help, but try to push past that and just do it. For example, I have a dr’s appt set up later this month and Avery’s nanny isn’t available on that day. I tried to find another sitter, but everyone I know is busy/not available in the mornings. SO, I sucked it up, asked Ian’s mom, and what do you know? She was THRILLED to help with Avery and they are even going to a little pumpkin patch/farm while I have my drs appt. It is hard to ask for help, but when you do, your stress load goes way down, which is a win-win for everyone in your family (and your work).
Set aside time each day
I know that toddlers and babies are fickle when it comes to schedules. One week, naps will be perfect and you will get 2-3 hours each day to work. Other weeks, you will go days without a nap (bless you!) or you might be exhausted from a bad night of sleep. So, take this with a grain of salt and be flexible, but when possible, set aside time each day. For me, I’m typically able to set aside 1-3 hours while Avery naps and this is consistent every single day…unless she fights her nap, of course.
One thing to keep in mind: this is hard. When you work during nap time, you have the potential to feel drained VERY quickly. They always say, “nap when the baby naps,” but this is not possible for working moms. Instead, we are playing the caretaker, the cook, the maid, the full-time (or part-time) worker, and so much more. We do it all. Truly. You are doing amazing! Unfortunately, setting aside time each day (even when exhausted or completely burnt out) is a necessity. It’s the only way you’re going to get your work done. Accept the grind and exhaustion… rest will come one of these days! 
Take on only what you can
But, with that being said… only take on what you can. Don’t feel bad about saying “no” to a freelance project, or cutting back on your hours at work. Being a mom with young kid(s) is hard enough as-is. If you have a job on top of that, you are a superwoman. Seriously! Know your limits and stick to them. You are not a bad person for turning something down and you have to do what is best for YOU and your family!
Roll with the punches and forget about that laundry
This time that you have with your babies is so precious and it goes by so quickly. That laundry that has been sitting there for days…or weeks? Forget about it. The floor that is covered with dog hair and the sink that is filled with dishes? You’ll get to it eventually. Soak in this time and put your phone down – your work and all of your house stuff will be there later. Sometimes, you just have to learn to roll with the punches and BREATHE. You will have bad days, where you can’t get anything done. This happens as a mom, and especially as a work from home mom. Roll with it, embrace it, stay positive (as much as possible), and ENJOY it.
I have a tendency to get stressed out when we have those bad days. Of course, the days where Avery fights naps seem to be on the days where I have work deadlines that are not getting done. I can only do what I can and I try my best. With that being said, everyone has improving to do and I can improve on rolling with the punches and not getting so worked up about a dirty house. I’m a work in progress! 
Stay organized
I HAVE to have a written calendar. I’m not sure what it is, but it helps me stay organized. If you are a work from home mom, or a working mom, keep a calendar. Stay organized. This is legit the only way that I’m able to meet 90% of my deadlines on time. This helps immensely!
Don’t forget about self-care
Last but not least, don’t forget about self-care. Sure, you have something to do from the time the sun rises (or before) to the time the sun sets (or after). That’s just a big part of being a parent, in general, and especially a working parent. It’s easier for those who work out of the house to fit in time for self-care, even if it is just listening to a podcast in the car on the way to work, grabbing a cup of coffee in silence, or going out to lunch with a co-worker. For those that work in the house, it’s more of a challenge because you are “on” 100% of the day and night, unless you hire a sitter or have a family member help.
If you are able to, take your work to a coffee shop when you have a sitter. Ask for help for an additional hour so that you can grab lunch by yourself, or with a friend. Take a bath at the end of a long day, without interruptions. Find time to work out! Incorporate yoga into your routine (this helps with body pain AND stress relief). Take 5 minutes (during nap) for yourself to do something that brings you joy. Whatever it takes, give yourself self-care throughout the day, whenever you can.
While you are at it, do these self-care ideas for fall with your family!
Remember that parenthood is important
Keep in mind that parenthood is important work. It is actually the most important job you’ll ever have and although mundane tasks like laundry, cooking dinner, and changing a diaper seem “normal,” in the moment, I can promise you one thing: you are needed. You are meant for this. You are in the midst of some of your greatest days and you are doing a fantastic job. Always remember that! You are working hard to teach your children by SHOWING THEM what it looks like to be a hard-working, educated, kind, and loving human. This is important.
Being a work from home mom or a work from home dad is hard work, but it is also important work. If you have any questions at all, please let me know – I am here to help!
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