Summer is here. And with it, parents breathe a heavy sigh of relief, followed quickly by a hesitant intake of breath. Relief because school is over. Hesitancy because, well, summer is challenging as a parent. Especially for a work-from-home mom.
The first step to a successful summer break — and by successful, we mean where you don’t spend the whole thing screaming at your kid — is to manage expectations. How to ensure there won’t be a summer brain drain for your kid as well as some time to ensure you get your work done.
Fun stuff to do at home
First of all, go for a hunt for stuff where your kid can spend time doing them at home while you are busy typing away at your laptop. Something new for them to explore – some painting gears where they can do creative art and crafts, new board-games or cards. And go for a run to the local public library where they can borrow some interesting books they can read at home.
Then take a break moms from your work and let’s have some fun with your little ones. Build a den out of the sofa cushions, chairs, clothes rack with a blanket draped over or create a fort out of a big cardboard box with packing tape to hold the sides together.
Or you can have a fun treasure hunt adventure in the house. Create a treasure hunt game for your kids. They can play excitedly while you steal some time off working.
What about a home cinema? Make some popcorn and settle them down for some exciting family movies.
Allow distractions
If you’re a work-from-home mom like myself, summers can be so stressful. But if you can learn to work through distractions you will come out on top. And yell less – go outdoor for some fresh air, you can work while your kids are playing in the park. Bring them to the beach where they build sand castles while you work. Or you can work while you sign them up for some summer classes.
To sum it up…
“Expect some chaos, embrace the fun and give yourself a break”