If you're a mom like me, my mind is trying to figure out how I will manage to keep any state of balance come the end of this month.
The end of June marks the end of the school year as we know it. This is the time when business moms like me get ready for their kids to take over the home full time for the summer months.
Whether you work from home or have office space elsewhere you probably share similar worries.
"How am I going to make this work? How will I balance work and family time without feeling guilty? What type of childcare will I need to arrange? What extra support will I need? Will the adjustment be smooth or rocky?"
To avoid unwanted stress, we moms need to prepare for this transition. Try these suggestions to help your summer run more smoothly.
1. Have a Plan: The more organized you are before your kids get out of school the more confident and peaceful you will feel about the transition.
Your plan might include getting to know the parents of your kids friends so you can arrange for a few play dates. Exchange numbers and discuss carpooling options.
Do you want to go camping or away for a holiday? Now is the time to make those plans.
2. Create Mom Time: If you don't take care for your needs, no one will be happy.
Look out for the happiness of your kids by tending to your personal needs so you can have the energy and focus you need to be a great mom. How much time for you do you need every week? How much exercise, rest and social interaction do you want to have?
Brainstorm ways to make time for yourself so you can feel great and keep Captain Crazy (aka Mom) at bay.
3. Let Go of the Guilt: No one likes feeling guilty for going to work when you could be enjoying family time. Come to terms with your choice to work by focusing on how your work benefits the family.
4. Find Quality Childcare: Will you put your children into care, summer programs or possibly offer to trade childcare with a friend?
Will you hire a nanny or babysitter? What will suit your needs best? Create a list of criteria that are important to you.
Making these arrangements ahead of time will bring you peace of mind.
5. Schedule Business Time: If you work from home or have work that you bring home from your office you will need to fit this into your new routine.
Schedule in work when you are most productive. Creating a calendar for July and August where you block out your business hours may help you stay on track.
Try taking your work to the beach. This can provide you with an ideal opportunity to get things done while the kids play.
6. Communicate: Gather the family to discuss everyone's expectations for the summer months. Communicating will get you and your family on the same page and decrease confusion or arguments.
7. Keep a Routine: Having somewhat of a regular bed time and family meal time helps both parents and kids.
Don't forget that summer is all about having fun. So don't create such a rigid routine that you don't have fun! You might want to add baking and backyard camping to your summer calendar. Be flexible in your routine.
Amy Englemark is a self-care expert, writer and speaker. She can be reached at 250-792-0360 or www.amyenglemark.com.