We’ve been talking time management around here a lot these days. I have been trying to restart a business in a new town and it has been a bit challenging.
Kevin had a speaker at work come in and give them TM Tips. One tenet that he reintroduced me to was the idea that you need daily structure for all your important “to-dos” so that you don’t spend your day Reacting instead of Acting. You know the old-spending your day putting out fires-syndrome.
The problem with that tenet is that motherhood is pretty much all about putting out fires.
I tried to structure. I got out my highlighters and planned out my week to a T. We had every minute accounted for with plenty of kid friendly activities wound into the work schedule so that the kids would allow me time to work. I was pretty sure I was about to take over the world. (At least sell a few lipsticks.)
Here’s the rub-a two year old.
Two years olds don’t know the meaning of “quality not quantity. There is no such thing as too much attention from mom. Two year olds start fires that need reaction all day long.
Pick up a phone for a customer service call and the two year old screams. Set the two year old up with Lego’s so you can pack a few orders for shipment and suddenly there is marker on the office wall (where the hell did he find that marker?!?).
The best was; on the phone with a mentor getting a few lessons about running a business around your family and the two year old runs upstairs, unlocks door and runs outside!
I guess I need to start investigating child care if I really want to be a work from home mom.
In the meantime I have another use for my highlighters:wall art anyone?
P.S. Looking for more parenting guidance and tips for self-care? Check out From Chaos to Calm a guided training to help you feel better in this tough season.
