Working from home with a 2 year old is the best and sometimes worst of both worlds...
Don’t get me wrong, I am beyond thankful at the opportunity to stay home with our daughter while still being able to financially contribute to our family. If you are considering this option as well here is a little bit about my experience and some tips that help me. Keep in mind, I’m still learning ways to make it work myself!
The Work...
The good thing is that 80% of the time I can get my work done when I choose to. The other 20% I’m at the mercy of others scheduling ability and may have to take a call during a not so ideal time. In the world of video conferencing this can be a bit of a nightmare. Imagine a disheveled me trying to look presentable from the shoulders up at the very least while trying to make sure my daughter is entertained (are 2 year olds ever entertained?) and my dogs are not freaking out.
Focusing on one task can also be challenging, I get settled in I’m finding my groove then boom my daughter is up from her nap and I’m officially in Mommy mode! This is a good time for a tip!
Tip #1: Work while everyone is sleeping! Naps, getting up early or working late are great ways to get some work done! Also, getting this work done while the world is sleeping can be more productive as you are not side tracked by phone calls and emails coming in.
The good thing about the work I do is that I really enjoy it and not to toot my own horn but I’m also darn good at it!
Tip #2: Make sure you don’t dread the work you do!
To sum up the work portion, all I have to say is set expectations on your schedule availability, and use technology to your advantage!
Tip#3: Use free services like Calendly to let your availability be known easily. Get your work email on your phone so that you can answer those easy emails quickly, one less thing to do later!
When my daughter got into an ink pen while I was working
The Mom Part...
I say that title with a joking tone, let’s face it Moms are Moms 24/7 whether you're working from home or not. We are always thinking of our babies, and if you are a worrier like me then you’re always thinking, ’Am I doing enough?’ ‘Am I spending enough quality time?’ ‘Am I being the best Mom I can be?’ I realize some of these self-questions seem like I’m Donna Doubter but if you’re a Mom or Dad you know all too well how these questions and worries enter your mind.
Making quality time, to me, is one of the most important things I do all day. I don’t want to be the Mom that spends all her time looking at her phone and not her children. I want to be able to take my daughter to the park, outside on nice days, to the museum, or read a book together. Don't be so hard on yourself that you can't say you know what, let the dishes sit there, tonight we'll eat pizza, because today it's me and you kiddo! You need those moments mixed in with the daily hustle!
Tip #4: Be flexible! Know when you have an extra hour or two that you can be gone and use that time to the fullest! Get out of the house when you can, you and your little one need it!
Routines with a 2 year are somewhat feasible, but you definitely aren’t setting your watch to them! Some days our daughter doesn’t nap, some days she’s super hungry, some days she is connected to my hip while other days she is Miss Independent. But, for the most part I can typically bank on when she wakes up, breakfast time, nap time, and lunch time. I use these times very strategically, when she is eating breakfast I’m usually cleaning the kitchen, when she is napping I’m working, when she is having lunch I’m catching up on work or laundry or whatever is pressing for that day.
Tip #5: Seize the moment! If you have a moment to get something done while your little one is content and focused on something else make it happen!
Another thing I try to do is make the most of my time. So when we are working on potty training I do flash cards with her. Or, if I’m getting work done in the office I give her some paper and crayons and pray she is okay with that and I don’t turn around and see artwork on the door, wall, herself... this has happened. Seizing that moment when you can is usually critical!
The Housework...
Yeah, so basically just resign yourself to the fact that your house will never be the same after you have children lol! In reality, laundry WILL pile up, toys will be in ALL the rooms, and dusting is most definitely a weekend monthly thing! I keep the dishes done, laundry fairly in progress, trash out and the house is not dirty just isn’t always company ready haha! My poor husband has been a trooper about this and thankfully he is loving and supportive so he helps out to make it work!
Your Spouse/Partner...
This was a good time to talk about your spouse/significant other. With a 2 year old, work, and maintaining your basic hygiene, you HAVE to make sure you're not neglecting your love! This is sometimes hard, because at the end of the day you are usually exhausted, childcare for you might not be easy to coordinate, and again you’re just tired. But, please make time for each other when you can! I'll stop there, more on that in a later post haha!
As it relates to this post it is imperative that you have a supportive partner when making the decision to work from home with your little one(s). It can feel like a lot to juggle and it is. So, some nights when my husband gets home I need to go get work done that I wasn’t able to get to during the day, and sometimes when I come downstairs he’s asleep already. It’s hard but I’m thankful that he is understanding and I hope he knows how much I miss him on those days! ❤️
I'll conclude by saying that I feel beyond blessed to work from home with our daughter; I would be a fool to complain. I love seeing her little face when she wakes up from naps and I love that I have a purpose and am appreciated in the work I do with in my professional life, and I love that I am able to contribute to our family and be flexible to our needs. It's hard work don't get me wrong but with support from your partner and your family it can be a beautiful beautiful blessing!
I hope this helps any of you work from parents. If you have tips, thoughts, or just an encouraging word (haha) please leave below in the comments!
As always, thank you for stopping by to check out my post! Have the best day!
-Nicole