As far as I am concerned, moms are multi-taking superheroes. We can complete laundry, work obligations, appointments, and diaper changes at the speed of light, and actually seem happy about it. It may seem as if we can do it all, but, alas, we cannot, and this I have learned.
I entered the blogging world last summer with so much excitement and drive that I felt nothing could stop me, but something immediately did-my family. I quickly learned that you cannot manage everything, especially things YOU want to do, and most days you just try to survive. If you are anything like me, with 100 ideas and dreams going through your head at all times, you quickly feel overwhelmed and incompetent because you can never complete as much as you want to. You (and I) must get over this dreaded feeling or we will go nuts. Family is first, plain and simple.
**just got up to administer a snack**
On top of staying home with two children, I run three sites, and it can be completely overwhelming, if I let it. I have learned to relax over the past few months, by trying not to worry about posting new posts everyday, or replying to an email the second I receive it. It is in my nature to accommodate, so it is very difficult for me to do this. I try to focus on my family’s needs, first and foremost, and this mind-set actually helps me justify putting a client second.
It may be impossible to manage it ALL, but it is possible to still make your clients, readers, and family happy. I have a lot to learn regarding time management and prioritizing, but here are a few tools I use to get through each day.
iPhone – I could not live without this great invention. Well, okay, obviously I could, but it wouldn’t make my day as easy. I can check my emails anywhere (grocery store, bathroom, traffic light), which is roughly 90% of my workload. It is also fabulous while traveling.
**just fished an Oreo out of the Blu-Ray player**
Gmail – I know Gmail probably isn’t the most professional of email services, but I love the chat/video chat options it provides (for free) and the fact that all of my emails (I have different ones for each biz) goes to one inbox. Gmail also saves all of my contacts and emails automatically and offers great filtering and filing tools. Love. It.
Twitter – Not only is Twitter excellent for getting the word out about a giveaway, recent post, or news, but it’s a great tool for connecting. Have a question about a recipe? Post a tweet, you’ll get several responses. Having a bad day? Post a tweet, and get the support you need. I have a Twitter app on my iPhone, which keeps me connected anywhere. Follow me on Twitter. Be careful of Twitter, though, some moms get a little addicted. 
Nap Time – You must utilize nap time. In my household, it is easier to clean when my youngest is awake, so I don’t clean when he naps. Nap time is used for any task that involves deep thinking or concentrating, like spreadsheets, lengthy emails, or blog posts. Of course, this time is sometimes best used for just relaxing and doing nothing, which is totally ALLOWED.
Outside Time – I try to go outside at least once a day. Letting the kids play outside not only benefits them, you it also benefits you. I have noticed that just talking a walk and breathing the fresh air helps clear my mind. I highly recommend this.
**just got toddler out of the trashcan**
Of course, there are many other tools you can use to execute a productive day, as these are just a few. What tools do you use to get through your day? Do you often feel overwhelmed by all your obligations? I would love to hear from your comments on the issue.
About Mom Spark
I'm the same! I have 2 young kids at home, run a design business and 2 web sites. It's very hard to keep up and have balance.
I am going to simplify everything this summer with work. I'm cutting back hours, even though I will make less money with my business… it's worth it to spend time and play with my kids. I'm finding new things to do on my blog, simpler versions of what I usually do. Plus, I probably won't post everyday or find old posts from the past to re-post.
Also I found some good time saver tools which I posted about here:
http://www.livinglocurto.com/index.php/2009/06/time-saver-tools-for-blogging-social-media/
Good luck!
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Thank you, Amy.
I have recycled old blog posts, too, I see nothing wrong with that, especially if they are quality posts!
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I can relate! I have 3 kids, a full time job, and a website that I am just getting started, and am a college student.. the website alone is a lot of work, much less having everything else to do.
I try to get my kids and hubby to help me out whenever possible… kids do their chores, and if I do bathtime, hubby gets dishes or vice versa.. and having a very strict bedtime helps too. That way I have at least 2 hours of me time before I have to go to bed.
I love your site!
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I don't know how moms with little ones do it. My kids are teens now, so I do remember how it was.
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Your right, we are super heroes! hehe
I have a little award for you at my place:) Swing by when you have some time and pick it up!
Hugs!
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Great post. I'm in the same boat…2 small awesome boys and running a business! It's refreshing to hear I'm not the only one
Enjoy your weekend and your family. They're only small for such a short period of time!!
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I can completely understand your situation. I have two kids, our house is on the market, we are about to start building our new home and move in with my mother in the process (yuck), work part time, have to blogs, also 1 website and take care of my husband which on somedays is like having another kid. What is it with us moms and thinking that we have to do it all? I personally think its guilt. We are afraid to mess up and screw up our kids. We get into that habit and then spread it around to taking care of everything else. Plus, look good while doing it!
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I can totally relate! I work from home doing freelance communications work, and also write a blog. With my toddler napping less and less, and a new baby on the way, "work time" becomes much harder to squeeze in. Thank goodness for nights and weekends, and for pre-school mornings! Thanks for the tips…much appreciated. I love your site!
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I too love gmail! I just graduated from college and I have 2 babies, a 3 year-old and a 23 month-old. It was very hard to manage everything and get my schoolwork done (especially student teaching). I owe a lot to support from my husband and other family members; I could not have done it without their help. I love being outside but it is a chore trying not to get overheated down here in GA! LOL
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Flylady.net When I follow her easy system everything falls into place.
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Even when my kids were very young, one of my times savers was group cleaning. Yupp, kids can clean. The secret that worked for me to get them to do it is music, loud music. The all over the house kind of music. Dancing of course was involved, but cleaning also got done to.
I loved my little helpers, and the house was done in half the time.
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Love your blog! I can totally relate. As moms we take on sooo much. I have two boys, a new business which I am learning on the fly, parenting also learning on the fly, and trying to keep up with my marriage (ends up sometimes last on the list), and running a household is no small task. I SURRENDER! Finally! I have finally gotten the message too that I can’t do all PERFECTLY which drives me nuts. I want to be GREAT at everything I do but alas something’s got to give. So I surrender Dorothy and since then I feel a whole lot better. Things aren’t as “perfect” in my household but I’m happier and I will have to color less gray hairs!
The support and world of mom bloggers is an amazing new world! So many awesome women! That’s got to make everyone feel better too!
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I say to myself (a LOT) “You CAN have it all, you just can’t have it all at ONCE.” It always gets me focused again about what’s really important.
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Mom Spark Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 2:30 am
That’s a good point. Never thought of it like that. I always feel like I HAVE to do it all at once.
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yup. that about covers it. luckily, my kids are older than yours. and when i started blogging…my kids were still older than yours. they could get their own snacks and stuff.
i’m always on twitter. in-between twitter, i do laundry, dishes, dinner, make lunches, blog and work a little at my dads office.
but my hair is always in a ponytail. my legs are hairy…well, stubbly, my make up is smeared. except when i leave the house. i don’t neglect my family. i neglect me.
but that’s ok. i’m passionate about this whole blogging thing.
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Mom Spark Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 2:32 am
That last paragraph is me, too. Hair always in a ponytail or pigtails.(yes, I’m juvenile) I wish I had that “wash & go” hair, but unfortunately, it’s VERY wavy and take a lot of effort to “fix.”
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Notepads. Notepads and pens everywhere. If I don’t write something down immediately it doesn’t get done. If I don’t write a list of what is needed at the store, it doesn’t get bought. I even keep a little notebook on my bed stand so I can write down blog ideas (I always get the best ideas right before I go to sleep.)
So to answer your question, how do I juggle everything…notebooks and a good pen.
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Mom Spark Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 2:33 am
Oooo, I agree! I totally left that out. I have my little notepad & tons of pens, because I always loose them! I also take notes on my iPhone, but still use my notepads more.
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I have SIX homeschooled kids (OK, only 4 are school age) and 14 websites, plus my personal blog. I just came to the conclusion that one day I can hire a maid. Some days, i hire my kids to clean. Some days, we turn up the radio really loud & see how much we can clean before I get a headache. i work about 8 hours a day from home, and it takes probably all day to get that much work done, between all of the interruptions. download a virtual eggtimer, it helps me keep focused- and set goals each night for the next day. I have business plans for each of my sites, with schedules for what work will be done on them, in what order so I never have to wonder “Hmmm, what should I do next?” because the answer, of course, is always to check my email, which doesn’t really result in any work getting done, does it? I try to work first- play second. and i second the notion to play outside every day- thank heaven for my bicycle, veggie garden, and 4 acres in the country:)
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Mom Spark Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 2:35 am
What, 14 sites, 6 homeschooled kids? My head is exploding. Bless you.
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