Communicate your expectations to your employer and your family. Be on the same page and clearly define what their expectations are of you and what you have for yourself. Be clear on what you can handle and what you can do, and confirm that your ‘Buffer hours’ are in line with your employer's expectations, and ensure at the end of the day your job will get done.
You need to have a candid conversation with you significant other regarding what you feel is expected in order to do your job successfully. This is important! You need to make sure that your significant other agrees to those expectations and/or can compromise on particular expectations. For example, if my husband and I are both in meetings, who is going to watch the kids? Each family is different, but clear expectations needs to be made.
3. Have an Updated Schedule
This point ties back to the first two points. Have a schedule and stick to it. Make sure your schedule is updated with all of your meetings so you can tell your family in advance when you will be busy. Also, make sure your schedule is updated for work to let your coworkers know when you may be away from your desk due to appointments or picking up your kids from school.
4. Create a Support System
Create a support system so you’re not the only person having to take care of your kids. My husband will work from home 2 days a week to help. I also have other family members that will come over to help watch the kids in the event either of us have meetings. It’s perfectly okay to ask for help! We can all use it once in a while!
5. Make Sure You Take Care of You!
Even though this is the last tip, this is the most important tip! If you aren’t taken care of, then no one is. Yes, that means be selfish and take a 20-minute shower! Self-care also includes enjoying time with your family. Spend 2-3 hours with the family by having dinner together, playing together, and you can’t forget the kid’s bath time. Once the kids are in bed, even though you’re exhausted, you need to spend a few hours with your significant other. Relationships and support are key to a positive mind, body, and soul!
P.S. After being Super Mom for the day, don’t forget to get plenty of sleep so you can tackle the next crazy day. You got this!
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If your organization needs assistance with supporting remote workers, please reach out to C3 Technology Advisors and learn how technologies such as UCaaS, SDWAN, and DaaS can make enhance the remote worker's experience! For more information about working from home, check out our Work From Home page.