Working parents know it can be hard to find enough time in the day for all they have to do, and this can be especially true if they work from home. There are some simple ways to balance writing with the daily household grind, and they can be implemented by almost anyone.
Keep your family in the loop
If you plan on writing from home, before you get started, it’s a wise move to sit down with everyone and discuss your intentions. Let them know what you need from them and how it may impact their daily routine, and that when you’re working, it’s “do not disturb”. Including all family members will help to make everyone feel invested in making your career a success.
Be realistic
Parents may already find their days packed with things they have to do, and adding another to the list may seem really daunting. It is possible to do so, but be realistic about what you can and can’t do. Setting goals can be important, and breaking them down into small steps may help make them more achievable.
Review your current schedule
Take a look at your current schedule and find blocks of time you can carve out for writing. If possible, establish a routine, but be kind to yourself if you can’t always stick to it.
Set up your space
Having a dedicated and comfortable workspace in your home that is stocked with the supplies you need can help to save time, and try to keep it as distraction free as possible. Include comfortable seating, and so long as another adult is at home, a pair of headphones and background music can be your new best friends.
Develop a routine that works for you
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to establishing a writing routine. Some parents write after the kids go to bed, while others take advantage of nap or homework time.
Search for any snippets of free of time
While your daily agenda may already be full of tasks you have to do, check to see if there’s a few free minutes. You can use these to prepare an outline for an ice to work on, jot down ideas or simply brush up on what’s new in the field you focus on.
Planning ahead can pay off
Review your typical daily routine and see if there are ways you can work smarter instead of harder. For instance, if meal preparation is one of the tasks you take on, it can be a good life hack to prepare and freeze them in advance. That way, you will find it much easier to put a meal on the table when you’re busy with writing, and you can enlist the kids to warm up the food, set the table and do the dishes.
Seek sources of support
Parents may find working at home to be a tough road to travel if they try and go it alone. Enlist the support of your partner, family members and friends if you’re struggling. If they ask what they can do, don’t be afraid to mention something specific such as helping make a meal or watching the kids for a few minutes. If you need more assistance, check out local respite programs.
Don’t forget to take time for yourself
When it comes to care, parents often put themselves at the bottom of the list, but that’s not always a good idea. Parenting is already a stressful job, and taking time to treat yourself to some relaxation can recharge your batteries and help keep you in creative mode. If possible, go out with a friend, take the dog for a walk or just relax in a hot bath for a few minutes.
Some writers find writing itself to be very relaxing. If that sounds like you, give yourself some time to write just for fun with no rules. This can also be helpful if you’re finding it tough to come up with new ideas.
If you’re a mom or dad who writes, finding a way to balance your writing and parenting roles can really pay off. All it takes is a little bit of planning and preparation.