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You are here: Home / Motherhood / Time-Savers / 10 Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents

10 Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents

April 29, 2021 By Kari Leave a Comment

Passing along my latest tips when it comes to working from home and parenting. 10 Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents!

Be sure to share yours in the comment section below so we can all continue to learn from one another. 

Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents-1Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents

Finding a flow to your days while working from home and parenting is an ongoing journey. It seems as soon as we get settled in a routine, something changes that causes us to find a new way of doing things. The only thing that has been consistent throughout the years of running KariSkelton.com and being a stay-at-home mom is change! My business has grown and focus changed, our little guy is constantly evolving and growing and his needs are different. The point is – be ready to flip the switch on the plan! It’s just part of it whether we like it or not.

I wanted to pass along what’s working for us right now. Here are my 10 productivity hacks for work-from-home parents!

Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents-2#1: Be Intentional With Work Time

If you’ve ever felt so busy but really completed nothing – this one is for you. Make a schedule for your work time and stick to it! If you go in with no plan, chances are you’re going to be all over the map and get nothing accomplished.

For example, if I have three hours to work, I look at what the priority is and slot it in. Let’s say it’s a blog post. So for that three hours, I’m doing nothing but writing the post -not checking Instagram or email, or starting supper – I’m writing the blog post. Stay focused and you’ll get more accomplished. 

Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents-3

#2: Plan Ahead

You’ve likely heard me preach this one before but I cannot stress enough how much planning ahead and devoting time into scheduling will save you so much time and help avoid so much stress. Whether it’s an hour at the start of your workday or on a Friday night with a glass of wine after the kids have gone to bed, devote some time to planning ahead and scheduling. Map out what’s happening that next week, what you’re going to need to make it all work, what commitments are coming up, etc. Having a clear picture of your week ahead is a total game-changer.

Example: I use Google calendar – one for work stuff and one for family stuff. My husband sends me his commitments and I slot those in. Every family member has their own colour code (yes, even the dogs) to make sure everyone’s cups are filled. I then break down each day in a list in Google Keep. If you’re like me, multiple visuals of your schedule help to stay on track. I check things off as we go along and things that don’t get done get moved to a different day. 

Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents-4Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents-5

#3: Maximize Drive Time

Aim to schedule all calls when you’re going to be in your vehicle (hands-free, of course). Whether it’s a meeting, booking appointments, catching up with family – whatever – make sure to have the number you need stored in your phone and use time on the road to have these calls.

If no calls are needed this is when I typically listen to podcasts (or when I’m doing the dishes). 🙂

#4: Make Adjustments

Be ready to change the plan. Sometimes a schedule looks great on paper but you don’t really know how it’s going to work until you live it.

Example: I used to walk the dogs with our little guy Wyatt. I quickly realized that it takes twice as long to do this with a kid. LOL! I could get the walks done in an hour instead of two. I also know that walking the dogs is my self-care time so doing it alone is ideal. Of course, there are days when Wyatt has to join but I aim for most big walks to be done while he’s at school or hanging with my husband.

Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents-6

#5: Set timers

This is such a game-changer! If you have trouble staying on track and can get easily distracted (like me), set timers.

Example: you need to respond to emails, set a timer for 30-45 minutes (or however long you need) and during that time there’s no doing anything else but responding to emails (unless you need to pee). It takes twice as long to do the task if you’re checking your phone or getting distracted by another task.

#6: Stick To Boundaries

This goes for everything. Having boundaries with work time and family time is key.

Example: I schedule time in the day to play with Wyatt and I treat it like an appointment that cannot be changed. So, no meetings, no work, no housework during that time. Only time for him and me. I like to do this right before dinner so his little cup is filled before I go into the kitchen.

#7: Include Your Kids

I know this won’t work every time but if there’s a way to occasionally include your kids in what you’re doing without it causing stress – do it!

Example: if I’m taking photos for a partnership I often have Wyatt there with me helping! It’s such a cool teachable moment to show him my work and get his input. I’ve used his ideas often! He holds the backdrops or even presses the button on my phone to take the picture. It’s a great way for them to feel included in your creative journey!

If your work won’t allow for these moments, just explain to them what you’re doing. “Mommy is writing this report for….”. “In 30 minutes we’re going to (insert fun activity)”. Giving them a time marker to when your time with them is coming.

Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents-7#8: Quiet Time

When naps disappear but you’re still longing for that time to get stuff done – insert quiet time. Maybe it’s screen time or time alone in their room quietly doing an activity. There’s a whole bunch of research to back up quiet time being essential for your kids and it gives you that time to complete a few things.

Example: We do ours right after lunch and I usually spend about 15 minutes reading with Wyatt at the beginning just to help him settle and to fill his cup before I’m focused on work for a couple of hours.

#9: Plan Activities Ahead of Time

Create a Pinterest board, make a list – however you want to do it but having activities prepped and in your back pocket is so worth it. If you’re stuck in a moment where you need to work another hour and screen time has been maxed for the day – whip out some pre-planned activities!

Example: Wyatt will sit across the table from me working on a Dig Kit or making a birthday card for a friend while I wrap up whatever I need to. I’m mentally prepared for there to be the odd interruption.

Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents-8

#10: Screen Time

Use it but don’t abuse it. There have been days where I need to throw on a movie to get some work done. That’s going to happen and in my mind – it’s okay! As long as your kid isn’t clocking several hours a day in front of a TV or iPad and they’re getting lots of time outside and doing other activities, I believe it’s all good! At the same time, try not to use devices as a crutch. Empower your kids to find other things to do while you work.

Example: I usually provide a few options – you can do a puzzle, colour, or colour sort and line up all of your Hot Wheels. Instead of “go play”. Being specific helps them decide.

Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents-9

Any productivity hacks to add to the list? Share them in the comment section below!

 

Pin this to your Parenting Hacks boards and follow me on Pinterest here!

Productivity Hacks For Work-From-Home Parents-10

Other Posts You’ll Like:

Meal Planning + Grocery Shopping Time Management

Create Your Work-From-Home Haven

Old Farmhouse Honey Cookies

xx

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Lifestylist + Blogger: KariSkelton.com
Mom to Wyatt, Moses🐾 + Monroe🐾
Babe on the way! (06/22)
❤ @ryanjespersen
motherhood | style | recipes 👇

Kari Skelton | Motherhood
when you feel like you've hit your max bump but th when you feel like you've hit your max bump but there's still nine weeks to go. 😳

It's truly amazing what our bodies can do. 💛

#31weeks #sunsoutbumpsout #beachball
Life update. ❤ I’ll be keeping this piece of Life update. ❤

I’ll be keeping this piece of art forever. Wyatt painted this for me back in January, when I was isolated with Covid. I taped it up on the wall beside the bed during my stay in our guest room. If you zoom in, you’ll see me in the front with the big baby belly. (Wyatt calls me ‘big belly’ these days!)

Rainbows represent promise, hope, and new beginnings. 

It's been a rough past few weeks for our family, hence my absence online. Thank you so much for your messages of love, concern, and support. They mean so much to us. I know I share a lot with you on here, but I’m not going to get into details this time. Just know we're doing alright. Junebug is great (and kicking and rolling around non-stop!), Wyatt is awesome per usual, and Ryan and I are rock solid.

I had to take a break from work. My main focus has always been (and will
always be) protecting the peace, health, and well-being of our family unit. 

Social media can be a beautiful place where connection and inspiration happens. Unfortunately, it can also foster hurtful and harmful attacks. I’ve learned so much over these past few weeks, and have deeply reflected on my presence and future plans online. I’ll share more soon, but for now, I just wanted to check in, say a sincere thanks, and let you know we’re all good. ❤️
The moment I found out. September 22, 2021. I’ll The moment I found out. September 22, 2021. I’ll be honest - the first trimester wasn’t great. There were moments of joy (like this one) but it was filled with anxiety, scary moments, and a few hurdles. 

🤰I’m playing catchup on some pregnancy blog posts but I wanted to make sure this was up, especially for those who have been following our journey. 

👉 Head on over to KariSkelton.com for ‘Pregnancy Q&A: The First Trimester’ where I get into all of it. Link is in my bio.

❔️Please ask any questions. That’s the whole reason why I share about this. I believe sharing our experiences and personal stories helps all of us feel less alone and often validates what we’re going through. 

(If you can believe it, I took a video of the exact moment I found out but it disappeared from my files. Poof! Gone.💨 Of all the videos to lose…. 🙈 But very happy to have this photo).

#pregnancystories #motherhoodrising #motherhoodunites #Canadianblogger #Canadianmom
Contest Closed. Congrats to our winner @michelle_q Contest Closed. Congrats to our winner @michelle_quay! Thanks to all of you for entering! ❤

➡️ Giveaway! To celebrate @fresonbros first birthday tomorrow (Saturday, March 5), we’re giving away a $250 Freson Bros. GC! 🥳

You’re invited to pop down to the party between 11-5 to celebrate with us! 🎉There’s birthday torte, a whole bunch of perks, specialty tastings, and additional in-store giveaways, including a beautiful Camp Chef XT Wood Pellet Grill! 🙆‍♀️

To enter our $250 GC Giveaway:

👉 Make sure you follow me @kariskelton and @fresonbros.

👉 Like this post.

👉 tag some friends who would love this!

✨️ Bonus entry: Head to KariSkelton.com and leave a comment on my ‘Freson Bros. Turns One’ blog post (make sure to add your IG handle in that comment so we know who you are). 

*This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and is in no way endorsed or supported by Instagram. The winner must be able to pick up the $250 gift card prize at Freson Bros. Edmonton 5139 Mullen Rd. Contest closes Friday, March 4 at 11:59 pm MST. The winner will be announced on this post before 9 a.m MST Saturday, March 5. 

🚨*PLEASE watch out for impersonation accounts that unfortunately sometimes pop up during giveaways. I will only reach out to you via DM from my account (@kariskelton) to confirm your win and then we’ll coordinate details via email only.
Load More… Follow on Instagram

kariskelton

Lifestylist + Blogger: KariSkelton.com
Mom to Wyatt, Moses🐾 + Monroe🐾
Babe on the way! (06/22)
❤ @ryanjespersen
motherhood | style | recipes 👇

Kari Skelton | Motherhood
when you feel like you've hit your max bump but th when you feel like you've hit your max bump but there's still nine weeks to go. 😳

It's truly amazing what our bodies can do. 💛

#31weeks #sunsoutbumpsout #beachball
Life update. ❤ I’ll be keeping this piece of Life update. ❤

I’ll be keeping this piece of art forever. Wyatt painted this for me back in January, when I was isolated with Covid. I taped it up on the wall beside the bed during my stay in our guest room. If you zoom in, you’ll see me in the front with the big baby belly. (Wyatt calls me ‘big belly’ these days!)

Rainbows represent promise, hope, and new beginnings. 

It's been a rough past few weeks for our family, hence my absence online. Thank you so much for your messages of love, concern, and support. They mean so much to us. I know I share a lot with you on here, but I’m not going to get into details this time. Just know we're doing alright. Junebug is great (and kicking and rolling around non-stop!), Wyatt is awesome per usual, and Ryan and I are rock solid.

I had to take a break from work. My main focus has always been (and will
always be) protecting the peace, health, and well-being of our family unit. 

Social media can be a beautiful place where connection and inspiration happens. Unfortunately, it can also foster hurtful and harmful attacks. I’ve learned so much over these past few weeks, and have deeply reflected on my presence and future plans online. I’ll share more soon, but for now, I just wanted to check in, say a sincere thanks, and let you know we’re all good. ❤️
The moment I found out. September 22, 2021. I’ll The moment I found out. September 22, 2021. I’ll be honest - the first trimester wasn’t great. There were moments of joy (like this one) but it was filled with anxiety, scary moments, and a few hurdles. 

🤰I’m playing catchup on some pregnancy blog posts but I wanted to make sure this was up, especially for those who have been following our journey. 

👉 Head on over to KariSkelton.com for ‘Pregnancy Q&A: The First Trimester’ where I get into all of it. Link is in my bio.

❔️Please ask any questions. That’s the whole reason why I share about this. I believe sharing our experiences and personal stories helps all of us feel less alone and often validates what we’re going through. 

(If you can believe it, I took a video of the exact moment I found out but it disappeared from my files. Poof! Gone.💨 Of all the videos to lose…. 🙈 But very happy to have this photo).

#pregnancystories #motherhoodrising #motherhoodunites #Canadianblogger #Canadianmom
Contest Closed. Congrats to our winner @michelle_q Contest Closed. Congrats to our winner @michelle_quay! Thanks to all of you for entering! ❤

➡️ Giveaway! To celebrate @fresonbros first birthday tomorrow (Saturday, March 5), we’re giving away a $250 Freson Bros. GC! 🥳

You’re invited to pop down to the party between 11-5 to celebrate with us! 🎉There’s birthday torte, a whole bunch of perks, specialty tastings, and additional in-store giveaways, including a beautiful Camp Chef XT Wood Pellet Grill! 🙆‍♀️

To enter our $250 GC Giveaway:

👉 Make sure you follow me @kariskelton and @fresonbros.

👉 Like this post.

👉 tag some friends who would love this!

✨️ Bonus entry: Head to KariSkelton.com and leave a comment on my ‘Freson Bros. Turns One’ blog post (make sure to add your IG handle in that comment so we know who you are). 

*This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and is in no way endorsed or supported by Instagram. The winner must be able to pick up the $250 gift card prize at Freson Bros. Edmonton 5139 Mullen Rd. Contest closes Friday, March 4 at 11:59 pm MST. The winner will be announced on this post before 9 a.m MST Saturday, March 5. 

🚨*PLEASE watch out for impersonation accounts that unfortunately sometimes pop up during giveaways. I will only reach out to you via DM from my account (@kariskelton) to confirm your win and then we’ll coordinate details via email only.
Load More… Follow on Instagram

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