Strategies for Summer Fun Without Getting Behind in Work
With summer here, the kids are home, but you still have work to do. While everyone is different, there are some strategies that will let you enjoy these warm summer days with your kids without getting too far behind in your work.
Strike a Deal
One of the biggest issues when school is out is simply the fact that kids are DISTRACTING! So, why not make a deal with them? Decide together on something they would just love to do for a day, like hit the water park, go to the zoo, etc.
Discuss your schedule with your kids. Let them know that you are going to be working in 30 or 60 minute increments four, six or however many times per day. If they interrupt you more than 3 times during your work times, that day is a writeoff. If they get five days in a row of checks instead of Xs on the calendar, you will do their activity for an entire day, no work involved.
Why it works: Everyone is getting what they need. Your kids get a fun day with you and they will let you work, which means you’ll be more productive and able to take that day off.
Hire Your Kids
If you have older kids, chances are they would jump at the chance to make a little cash for summer spending. Working together can be a great way to spend time with your children, but still get work done. Plus, by hiring them, you’ll get even MORE work completed, meaning you can spend more time doing fun stuff.
The trick here is to make sure you keep things lighthearted. Crank up the music, chat as you work if you are doing something manual and use this time to bond. Even young kids can do things like stick address labels on boxes or separate papers.
Why it works: Your kids want money, you want to get stuff done faster. They can earn and then you’ll take them somewhere to spend that cash!
Make a Work Date
Meet up with another work at home mom and hit the park together with your laptops. The kids can play together (proven fact: kids need less attention when they have friends to hang out with!) and the moms can work. While you would normally feel obligated to chat, meeting another wahm means both of you understand the need to get something done.
You don’t need to go to the park, either. Set up a waterslide in your backyard and invite the other family over, or give the kids a ball to kick around. You can hang out nearby, admire amazing ball kicking feats and still get stuff done.
Why it works: Having another wahm there is actually really motivating, since you feel pressured into working more. Plus, the kids are busy, so you can get more done.
Let the Kids Pick
Another simple way to have fun is to divide your days in half. Four hours in the morning and four hours in the afternoon. Each evening, ask your kids to decide whether they want the afternoon or the morning to do something with you.
The following day, respect their time and stay away from work. BUT, when your time comes around, they have to respect you and your need to get something done.
Why it works: By letting the kids control the schedule, they feel they have some say in how things work. They’ll be happier to let you alone during your time because they KNOW you have to respect their time period.
Take 15
Sometimes, we just have too much work to even consider taking a half day off. That doesn’t mean you have to plop your kids in front of the television set though.
It’s healthy to take breaks throughout the day. Plan to work for 45 min. and then take a 15 min. break. You will come back far more refreshed and ready to work, plus your kids will be thrilled that they get a piece of you every hour.
To really amp things up, plan out activities for your 15 minute breaks and draw them out of a hat at each break (set a timer for both work and breaks so you don’t get too carried away). A game of Twister, a water fight, making cookies, these are all quick and really fun activities that you can enjoy with the kids between bursts of work.
Why it works: Using a timer lets the kids know that you are serious about spending time with them. They might not be pleased when it dings to end the break, but remind them that in 45 min. they get you again. You’ll be more refreshed and they will be happier.
What are your survival tactics for enjoying kids AND getting work done during the summer?
Great tips!! My husband has a laptop that he can bring with him anywhere to work, which appeals to me, but I don’t like using them, I don’t like their keyboards, the screen is too small. But I do with I could bring my computer and work under a tree at the cottage.
the timer is a great idea…better than negotiating…please leave mommy alone for jusst a little while longer…I’ll be there in a minute, etc.
They know the 15 minutes is theirs.
without doubt the best way to engage your children in your work is to have them help. Even if its only to “design” you a new logo.
Kids love to be involved and when Mum or Dad ask for help you often find they can surprise you.
I always found that i made a bargain because thats what worked and its good parenting anyway. I got stuff done, my kids were entertained by something other than the tv or iPod and once we finished we did stuff elsewhere.
Life is for living and there has to be a balance.
excellent advice, and you’re right, this life is to enjoy, thanks.
My oldest son is 14 and he helps me with everything computer related. If I need to do a video that has to go to You Tube, or pictures loaded. He is always ready to jump in! It doesn’t hurt that he makes a little cash!
As soon as my kids get to that point, I’m so hiring them, Kitty!
This blog is exactly what I have been looking for. How to balance working online and having fun with the kids. It is very hard to go from a 9-5 job which I had for 11 years to staying home with the kids and having to have discipline and schedule your time. I can’t wait to read your other posts so thank you for the tips so far.