Balancing Work-From-Home and Hybrid-Learning Schedules

 Hi Mommies!

Welcome back to The Mommy At Home

Today was a totally chaotic day. As they say, I just for up from the wrong side of the bed; and nothing went as per my regular schedule. It all started with the early morning dairy delivery. My milk packets were torn to bits by a cat, so the entrance to my house was full of milk; no less than 5 kilos of it. After I mopped that up, I came into the kitchen to start the day. While I was filling up the sugar jar, my daughter decided to spook me first thing upon waking. I was not expecting her to wake up that early and thus the sugar packet slipped from my hand and I ended up with a 'Frozen' inspired, sparkly white kitchen floor. I couldn't get angry at my daughter, she looked spooked herself, looking at my expression. So, after cleaning that, I calmed down and told myself to just take a breather and start afresh. Once breakfast was done with smoothly, it was time for my daughter's online classes. Between the whacky internet and my whacky mood, my work day had got delayed and I was anxious. That anxiety travelled with me throughout the day and, in some form or the other, got transferred to others at home. Everyone was cranky and irritable. I was impatient while teaching my daughter. She, in turn, was less receptive to learning. It was a situation that had quickly spiraled out of control.    

At night when I usually sit down with my diary to just jot down things, I started reflecting, how this chaotic day had affected my life in general? The answer that I got - overall, it was just another day. All of us were still lovingly sitting  together! It is OK to have a bad day! Sure, it wasn't a bright day, but life was continuing pretty much the same way like the day before. The lesson to be learnt here is that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! In other words, if you're having a bad day, turn it around by writing down what went bad and plan accordingly so that it doesn't happen again. Take it in your stride and look forward to a brand new day. 

My Method

Well, this post is for me to share my experiences and lessons from all the good and bad days. What I have decided is to have a simple daily schedule that I can manage comfortably. I realized there was no point is sectioning my day into time slots because rarely the assigned work finishes in that much time. Instead, I have a general idea how long a task may take and work the schedule in a 'to-do' fashion. I'm will be sharing with my scheduling template with all of you, and I hope that will help you out too. Unless you're a Type A personality who has a mental list updated all the time, the basic idea is to have your day written down on paper. It allows our brain to automatically work in sequence rather than randomly. But, don't overdo it! Here's a sample of my day's list:

Mornings

1. Mommy's quiet time/devotion/exercise
2. Mommy checks email/respond to quick items
3. Chores for all
4. Breakfast time/get kiddo ready for the day...bathed & combed (school and NON-school days)
5. Hybrid learning time (online classes or study with mommy)
6. Snack time with mommy

Since mornings are quite busy for everyone at home, I usually plan the afternoons and evening depending upon how the morning has gone. So don't fret about getting it all together in one go.

Afternoons and Evenings

1. Continue hybrid learning (independent study/activity/reading time) / some work time for mommy
2. Lunch and nap time
3. Snack / tea / milk with some cuddles and snuggles
4. Activity / Extra classes online / Mommy work time
5. Play activities (indoor/outdoor) / Mommy work time
6. Dinner Prep / Kido screen time (only TV)
7. Evening worksheets (mostly independent)
8. Dinner
9. Clean up work and study area / prep for next day kiddo study
10.  Bedtime for kiddo
11. Mommy plans for next day / reflection / quiet time
12. Goodnight !

Again, scheduling will depend on the time of year, age of your children, number of people at home. Everyone needs time and their needs met. The idea is to keep it simple! Broadly, I'm only making my daughter study and play through the day with some TV in the middle somewhere. This schedule is also limited to this stay-at-home period. Once things get better, I'm sure my schedule will change again. So, don't be afraid of change. Just remember to keep it simple and don't try to overachieve everyday.

My templates are free to use! Follow and message me in Instagram and I'll share the templates with you.

Overall tips for successful scheduling

No matter what your work at home mom life looks like, there are some overall tips for success to keep in mind. After doing this for so many years, I have learned some things that really help.

• All sleep is equal. If you work better in the early mornings, set that alarm! If your kids and husband’s schedules allow, and you work better late at night, do that!
• Don’t expect to do it all yourself. Hire help. Whether you need a babysitter a few afternoons a week, or you need a house cleaner, make your life work in the ways that your budget allows.
• Include screen time in your day when needed. As Moms, sometimes we start to feel guilty if our kids have too much screen time. But guess what? If you’re worrying about that, you are probably doing just fine as a Mom.
• Don’t strive for perfection. There will be days when school work won’t get done. There will be days when the laundry is stacked high. And that’s ok. Of course.
• Feel proud of your work. Remember that you are contributing to your family with your work. Sometimes, as Moms, we feel guilty for working. For me, it’s taken years to get over that. But my husband supports me, he’s proud of me, and my child has plenty of time with me.
• Find support both online and in real life. I love my community on Instagram, and have found real friends through that platform. I’m also blessed with amazing friends in real life who are my constant cheerleaders. I am abundantly blessed with these relationships. They help restore my sanity daily.
• Don’t neglect yourself. In all ways, spiritually, physically, with hobbies, with your relationships, you need to make sure you are taking care of your own needs, as well as those of others.

Take a deep breath and hang in there!

Your little ones are little for a very short period of time. Soon they'll be away from home for longer periods of time. Cherish these years with them and take care of yourself. These years will define them as teens and adults. Soon you'll have more time to work and relax at your own pace. Right now, run with them and help them fly. There'll be a day when you'll long for someone to say, 'Mumma!' from the other room.