Are you a WAHM?

Being a work-at-home mom (WAHM) is a great way to balance the responsibilities of raising children with earning a living. However, it's not without its challenges. As a WAHM myself, I understand the struggles that come with juggling work and family responsibilities. In this article, I'll share some of the most common struggles that WAHMs face and provide potential solutions to help make life a little easier.

Struggle #1: Balancing work and family responsibilities

One of the biggest challenges of being a WAHM is finding a balance between work and family responsibilities. It can be challenging to switch gears from being a parent to a professional and vice versa.

Set a schedule

To balance work and family responsibilities, it's important to create a schedule that works for both. Set aside specific times for work and family time, and stick to them as much as possible. This can help you stay focused and productive during work hours and present for your family during family time.

Prioritize tasks

Another way to balance work and family responsibilities is to prioritize tasks. Identify the most important tasks that need to be done each day and focus on those first. This can help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed by a long to-do list.

Delegate tasks

Finally, don't be afraid to delegate tasks. If your children are old enough, give them age-appropriate chores to help out around the house. You can also outsource tasks such as cleaning or meal prep to free up more time for work and family time.

Struggle #2: Avoiding distractions

Working from home can be full of distractions. Whether it's social media, household chores, or family members, there are plenty of things that can take your attention away from work. For me, the main struggle is spending time with Khali and working. 

He's currently at the phase where it's all Mommy, Mommy, Mommy.

Create a dedicated workspace

Creating a dedicated workspace can help minimize distractions. Set up a space in your home that is solely for work, and use it consistently. This can help you mentally separate work and home life, making it easier to stay focused.

Use time-blocking techniques

Time-blocking is a technique where you schedule blocks of time for specific tasks. This can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. During each time block, focus solely on the task at hand and avoid checking email or social media.

Use technology to your advantage

There are many apps and tools available that can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. For example, there are apps that can block access to social media during work hours or limit your time spent on certain websites.

Struggle #3: Staying motivated

Working from home can be isolating, and it can be challenging to stay motivated and productive without the support of coworkers or a boss.

Even for someone like me who has been doing it for over 10 years, it can be hard at times. Worst case scenario, I look at my bills to remind me that I need to work. 

Set goals

Setting clear, measurable goals can help you stay motivated and on track. Break larger goals down into smaller, achievable milestones and celebrate your successes along the way.

Connect with other WAHMs

Connecting with other WAHMs can be a great way to stay motivated and get support. Consider joining online groups or attending local meetups to connect with other like-minded individuals.

Take breaks

Finally, don't forget to take breaks. Taking breaks can help you stay refreshed and avoid burnout. Use your breaks to get some exercise, spend time with your family, or do something else that you enjoy.

Being a WAHM comes with its challenges, but there are solutions to help overcome them. By setting a schedule, prioritizing tasks, creating a dedicated workspace, using time-blocking techniques, setting goals, connecting with other WAHMs, and taking breaks, you can find the balance you need to succeed as a work-at-home mom. 

We can do this WAHMs!