Making the decision to either become a stay-at-home mom or work from home with a child can be a tough choice. It's important to consider both the financial and personal aspects of each option. While being a stay-at-home mom may mean sacrificing a steady income, it can also provide priceless time with your child. Working from home can offer a balance between financial stability and quality time with your child. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what works best for you and your family. With careful planning and dedication, it is possible to create financial success while working from home with a child.
When I was getting ready to return to work from maternity leave, I knew I didn’t want to send my child to daycare. I didn’t have trust in the daycare systems or people here. I also knew that I needed to continue to work and run my business in order to meet our family’s financial goals. You see, my husband and I are trying to create generational wealth and that in itself is a whole different ballgame, so I needed to be strategic with how I was going to tackle the two at the same time.
Coming to the decision to work from home while caring for our child took several conversations and planning. I have A.D.H.D. and the thought of juggling everything gave me great anxiety. I wasn’t sure I could do it at first but knew I had to at least try. We wanted to make sure that our child’s needs and job/business needs were being met. After firing then rehiring a new nanny, creating our daily workflow, we finally found our groove. I will say that having good support helps. In my case, support looked like family and nanny. Sometimes support looks like paid support but it’s still support.
Here are some practical tips for working from home while taking care of your child:
- Create a schedule: Plan your work and your child's activities in advance, and stick to a schedule as much as possible.
- Set up a designated workspace: Create a separate workspace for yourself, and make sure it's an area where your child can play safely nearby.
- Take breaks: Take frequent breaks throughout the day to spend time with your child, and use this time to recharge and refocus.
- Use technology: Take advantage of technology such as video calls and instant messaging to stay connected with coworkers and complete tasks remotely.
- Be flexible: Be prepared to adjust your schedule and expectations as needed to accommodate your child's needs.
- Get help: Don't be afraid to ask for help from a partner, family member, or childcare provider if needed.
- Practice self-care: Take care of your own mental and physical health by getting enough sleep, exercise, and relaxation time.
April Nicole
The Black Conference Call Podcast
