By Jennifer Goldberg, mom, writer & editor of The Cultured Bohemian
Now that your baby is not a newborn anymore and you have most probably gotten your schedules down, you are ready to move your business forward. You may be already back to work in an office and have gotten used to getting both of you out the door on time. Or, you may have started your new home-based business and are ready to plan meetings and meet with clients. Whatever the circumstances, you now need to juggle your work life with your new baby.
I want to share with you just a few tips that help me with balancing my new business and my schedule with my kids. My youngest has just turned 18 months, but the things I do helped me even more so when he was a baby. Now that he is a very active toddler, if I don’t hold fast to my tips (and my blackberry!) my life will go totally awry! Also, if you have an older sibling, they can also help you out with the younger one. My daughter always liked to help give my son a bottle. That was helpful, but she got a bit tired after the first few minutes! Every little bit helps….
Since I’ve had my children, my memory is not what it used to be. I always have places and times for key items and tasks. For example, I still misplace my keys sometimes, but there is a key rack right by my front door. I also have places for mail that needs to go out and mail I need to open. That may seem a bit silly to some, but it keeps my day on track! I also try to write everything down and make lists upon lists. As for tasks, I set certain days aside to do grocery shopping, trips to the post office and other errands.
In addition, I try to do as much as possible the night before. I set out clothes for the next day — both for myself and for my kids. I pack lunches, and make sure diaper bags, backpacks and my work bag are completely packed and ready to go. I also try and wake up before my kids-although it doesn’t always work out that way. If I do, however, I have some alone time to get myself-and my thoughts- together for the day ahead.