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Balance can be so difficult to find for busy parents! As a blogger who has been trying to both maintain and build my site while also leaving plenty of time for family and family commitments, it has become an especially difficult balance lately.
This is especially ironic because everyone kept asking me what I was going to do with all of my spare time once we moved from homeschooling our kids to them going to school. I’m still wondering where that supposed spare time went. I’m going to share some of the things that I’ve been doing to try to strike that balance and enjoy both time to work and time for my family.
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Before I start, however, I wanted to be sure you make your way to the bottom of this post to have a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!
Tips for Meeting Goals While Balancing Work and Family Life
Make a Plan for Your Days/Weeks
If you don’t have a plan, you won’t really know where you’re going or what you’re doing. Whether you have an elaborate planner filled with hourly tasks or a quickly written sticky note featuring your tops tasks to do for the day, a plan will help keep you moving forward.
On weeks where I don’t take the time to write out tasks that I need to get done, I am not nearly as productive. However, when I take time on Sunday night to write out a list of things to tackle for the week, I have a plan and I know what to do.
This Sunday night planning time makes the largest difference in my level of productivity for the week. Try to adopt a time to plan each night or each week as well! For the record, my plan is (hopefully) written each week in a simple Bullet Journal. I don’t go for fancy. I just want efficiency and a plan.
Plan for Downtime
I know that this probably sounds crazy as a starting point. However, I try to start almost every day after school drop offs for some downtime. This helps me get in a mindset to work later, as well as a chance to relax for a while. Maybe that’s not the best way for you to start your day, but I urge you to find downtime each day or at least every few days. If you’re worn down and too stressed, you’ll be useless to your family and your work.
Set Specific Times for Work
If you find that you have difficulty getting to work, set specific hours where you will get work tasks done. Even if your kids are home all day, you might be able to hire help to come in for a few hours a week or arrange for your spouse to take care of all kid-related responsibilities at specific times each day or week.
For me, I have a general time each day when I know that it’s time to be done playing around on the computer, listening to music, or whatever other downtime activity I’m doing. Once that time rolls around, I know it’s time to get to work. In the past, when my kids were home all day, I often had those kinds of dedicated times after the kids all went to bed or in the afternoon once school was done.
Find Work Areas that Work for You
I have found that there are places that encourage me to work more efficiently than others. For example, while I love to pop my feet up on my couch and sit with my computer on my lap, my productivity goes down. However, when I do something like walk on the treadmill while I’m working or sit in my screened in porch to work, I stay more focused.
Find your areas that are more conducive to productivity and make sure that you spend some time in those, whether it’s a special spot in your house or the neighborhood coffee shop.
Make Family Time a Priority
While finding time for work is important, finding time for family is even more important. Once my kids went back to school, I decided that I wanted to keep as much of my working time as possible for times when they were at school or asleep. This shift in focus really changed our family life.
Sure, I’m still guilty of reading emails in between helping with homework, but it also meant that I didn’t feel so stressed about driving them to extra-curriculars, attending games and performances, or just having time for fun with them. I realized that success wasn’t always about making more money or having more readers. Sometimes success is following my plan to make family a priority during evenings and weekend when everyone is home.
Make Meal Time Filling but Easy
If you are having a solo meal (or more than one) each day, you might be tempted to skip meals or just grab something through a drive thru. Or, perhaps you don’t feel like making yourself lunch and then try to convince yourself that a couple of handfuls of jellybeans makes a perfectly balanced meal. Oh, that’s just me?
When my kids started going to school, it meant that I was having lunch on my own each day. This was definitely a hard transition after homeschooling for seven years. Even before we were homeschooling, our youngest was still at home. So, I hadn’t had to worry about making lunch for only myself since before I became a mom 17 years ago!
While I had plenty of drive thru and jellybean lunches toward the beginning of the school year, I realized that if I actually wanted to get work done, I was going to need to be smarter about what I was eating for lunch. I needed meals that were quick to pull together, easy to eat while I worked, and generally meals that were warm, though nutrient-rich superfood smoothies will always have a special place in my lunch routine.
When I started making balanced lunches, I found that I worked better in the afternoon, didn’t have such a desire to take a nap, and had an easier time not snacking.
A Quick and Easy Lunch Option
A new-to-me option that fits that quick to prepare, warm option are the pretzel bread crust varieties of Lean Pockets, which includes White Meat Chicken Jalapeno & Cheese and Roasted Turkey Bacon & Cheese. Both of these options contain no artificial flavors. They are good sources of protein and contain 100% real cheese, which makes Lean Pockets warm and gooey (but not so gooey that I couldn’t work while I was eating – score!).
Working on my porch, while enjoying a Roasted Turkey Bacon & Cheese with Pretzel Crust Lean Pocket, a side of fresh fruit, and some water makes for a perfect lunchtime work time.
Lean Pockets are a budget-friendly, quick meal option to help you get back to work in no time. Lean Pockets offers many varieties and they’re available in the freezer section at Target, Walmart, and most local grocery stores, with a suggested price of $2.29 – $2.49 per box (which includes two servings).
About that $100 Visa gift card that I mentioned earlier in the post
I would love to hear some of the things that you do to help balance work and family time! Even if you’re not a blogger, I’m always looking for more great ideas. So, please share in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card: What are strategies or tools that you use that help you make family a priority while also getting done work or other tasks that you need to do?
Don’t forget to Click here for a $1 coupon from Coupons.com
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
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Elena says
I have a daily schedule and stick to it
Elena says
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/765227219832582144
Julie Wood says
I make meals ahead of time and pair Lean Hot pockets with veges, and fruit for a healthy lunch for my daughter and son. We love having Lean Hot Pockets because they are so easy to make and I love easy meals that are healthy and quick to make.
Julie Wood says
tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/765244044876222464
Jessica To says
We try to have a meal plan for the week so that we aren’t wasting time trying to decide what’s for dinner.
Will G says
I try to stick to my daily schedule that way I have plenty of time for family.
Will G says
https://twitter.com/willgriesmer/status/765291138169376769
Mami2jcn says
I do a lot of planning ahead. I use Fridays to write my schedule for the following week.
Mami2jcn says
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/765304106479124480
Natalie says
I try to finish my work while at work so when I come home I can concentrate on my family. I also get my whole family involved in doing household chores so that it gets done faster and we can work together as a family to get it done!
Natalie says
https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/765338838424248321
Cheryl B says
I prep some of our weekly meals on the weekend to help save time.
Cheryl B says
https://mobile.twitter.com/arress83/status/765370250804224000
mita says
Plan ahead andI have a daily schedule and stick to it.
mita says
https://twitter.com/mitadav/status/765993720932106240
Jessie C. says
I plan ahead and use checklist to keep things on track.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C. says
tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/766006574972276736
Kelly D says
I wake up earlier than my kids so I can complete a lot of tasks before they want me to spend time with them.
Kelly D says
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/766025685970202624
Amy Tong says
Plan ahead and stay organized help me achieve life balance while getting things done. 🙂 Thanks for your tips too.
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/766915970191331328
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
Madeline says
One thing I do is exercise when it’s TV time, so you get 2 things done at once. There are some shows our family just really likes to watch together!
Madeline says
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/766977914977914881
heather says
The thing that helps me balance work and family time is sticking to a schedule and staying organized.
Margaret Smith says
I like to cook a bunch of meals during the weekend and freeze a number of them. They make things much easier for my family and I during the week.
Margaret Smith says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/767456676811276292
Thanks.
Erika says
Since I’m home with my kids and we homeschool, it is pretty typical for me to focus on them. 🙂
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
Barbara Montag says
I find that making a list and using a planner keeps everything organized for me.
thank you
Barbara Montag says
Tweeted https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/767979407478620160
Robin says
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
OFG says
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/773961559215407104
OFG says
I make the kids have a little quiet time so I can get things done.
katherine says
My motto is family always comes first but they are understanding if I have to give some time elsewhere. They are old enough I can do that now
katherine says
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/774013848185692160
natasha lamoreux says
https://twitter.com/Natashalamoreu1/status/774735355862024192
natasha lamoreux says
I like to clean certain areas of my house everyday that way I am not spending the entire weekend cleaning and can enjoy time with my fam.
rachel says
I try to avoid my phone when I’m with my kids. Then I can play attention to them and get stuff done later without feeling guilt.
Shannon says
I think the key is planning ahead of time and making menus ahead of time. Don’t sweat it if things don’t go exactly as planned!
Shannon says
https://twitter.com/shiebs24b/status/775773436006191104
Allison Swain says
I stick to a schedule to keep my time more organized. Thank you for the chance to win this!
allisonrsdswain(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Allison Swain says
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/allisonrswain/status/775925223031922688
Jeffrey says
Balancing work and family can be difficult sometimes. I make sure to have a good schedule planned out of for the upcoming week complete with the kids’ sporting activities and meals.
Jeffrey says
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/776804595507036160.
Lisa Brown says
I keep lists and schedules to keep the family and myself on track daily
Lisa Brown says
twet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/777128743059857408
Cynthia C says
When I cook meals, I often make extra to store in the freezer for those days when time is short. That way I can serve a nice meal and have less stress about it.
Cynthia C says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/777588563202469889
Tina M says
I make weekly menu plan and plan ahead. My husband also help me a lot with kids.
Tina M says
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/779024236279107585
Erica Best says
planing a head as much as i can
Erica Best says
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/780489119248121858
latanya says
I use a daily planner to help
latanya says
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/781870928301096960
shelly peterson says
I try and keep a schedule and stay on task. If things get super busy then sometimes housework is put on hold to have time for the family.
cshell090869 at aol dot com
shelly peterson says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/cshell202/status/782005047395659776
cshell090869 at aol dot com
Susan Smith says
I plan ahead and make some meals on the weekend, freeze them and warm them up on busy weekday nights.
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/784109845662142465
Rebecca Graham says
I stick to a schedule.
Elizabeth p says
I stick to a schedule
Elizabeth p says
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/784508862179213312
Anne says
For me, it’s all about the calendar. I keep a calendar on my laptop and use it to set notifications and reminders of tasks, deadlines, bills, trips, medications, and everything else. I also hang a monthly calendar on the kitchen wall, where everyone can see it and write down important dates, etc.
Anne says
I shared your helpful blog post and the Lean Pockets giveaway on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/NotherAnneOther/status/784833658070982656
Thanks!
Kerry says
I try not to over schedule us all so that we have some time left in the week to spend time together.
Stephanie Phelps says
I try to balance mine by getting things done when they are napping or after they have gone to bed and schedule at least one day a week that it is all about family!
Stephanie Phelps says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/785855845213073408
Kristen says
We keep a family calendar so we’re sure not to schedule things (if possible) when somebody else has something important.
Kristen says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/786255340069199872
Linda says
I do freezer meals on Sunday for the whole week, such a time saver!
Linda says
Tweet https://twitter.com/Lindiac/status/786290387396677632
Denise L says
If I have to bring work home, I wait until everyone else is in bed before I get to work.
Denise L says
Tweeted – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/786640637764395012
heather says
https://twitter.com/myway070/status/786668693526876160
Tarissa says
We still keep family meals every night, no matter how busy life is. It keeps us all grounded and together.
pixelberrypie at yahoo dot com
Tarissa says
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/786732602795458560
maria cantu says
I make lists for everything.
Betty C says
It isn’t something I have to worry about any more as I no longer have anyone else in my household. My schedule is my own.
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/786801399476596736
angie says
Luckily, I am a homemaker, so balancing work and life are really the same thing. I try to get as much of my home/office stuff done during the hours my partner is at his job, so that, when he is off work or home for the evening, we are both able to enjoy our downtime together and focus on each other rather than on a to-do list.
angie says
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/786956211786842112
kjasus says
we stick to a routine
kjasus says
https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/787078956872859649
Ellie Wright says
i like routine. So I make schedules and stick to them. I function better and so does my family.
Ellie Wright says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/787109969841655808
Thomas Murphy says
I stick to a daily schedule and plan ahead.
Thomas Murphy says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/787157067106807808
Jerry Marquardt says
My tips for meeting goals while balancing work and family life is proper planning, exercise, and taking vitamins. I make sure I eat right too, it is necessary.
Jerry Marquardt says
I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/787196294175547392
Tabathia B says
I try to get some things done while the kids are in school and while they are doing homework and after they are in bed for the night
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/787363590122635268
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Sarah L says
No family, just myself. I have a little program that helps me keep track of what I need to do.
Thanks for the contest.
Debbie B says
i keep a regular routine and usually don’t stray from it
Debbie B says
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/purplepanda1966/status/787387748294459392
Sarah L says
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/787388170622992384
Annette says
I’m still trying to figure this out, but a good start is to turn off the electronics!
Annette says
https://twitter.com/ThatTuxedoCat/status/787400895202004992
Kathryn C says
#SweepstakesEntry- comment
a big help is knowing what the meals will be ahead of time…one or two days a week we enjoy takeout- usually a rotisserie chicken and then add veggies or rice with that at home – so keeping it healthy is important
Kathryn C says
my #SweepstakesEntry tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/787427401336840192
Terry Stevens says
I have a list of things to get done weekly and try to knock out 1-3 daily in order to have time for my family. I also make freezer meals 1 Saturday a month to alleviate spending a lot of time in the kitchen when I can spend it with the family.
Terry Stevens says
Tweeted-https://twitter.com/birdiebee52/status/787429333304348672?lang=en
Rebecca says
I love to make lists of things that I want to get done. It is so nice to cross items off as I get them finished!
Rebecca says
Tweet
https://mobile.twitter.com/Michael64263870/status/787480364524695552