Are you a mom? Do you keep searching for time management tips for stay at home moms? Are you failing at finding time with a newborn?
Well, your search is over! This post will give you everything you need to know about finding time with a newborn or a toddler.
I get you! Being a mom is damn difficult.
But, time management tips for stay at home moms can be learned. Just make a few tweaks, adopt new habits and unlock 2-3 hours each day.
Did you just go WOW? I am not fooling you or giving you false hopes.
In this post, we will talk about time management tips for stay at home moms who want to start a new business or take up an easy side hustle.
Are you ready to find time for your side hustles as a new mom?
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#1 Easiest way to find time with a newborn for your side hustle is to utilize early morning hours (or late!) – whichever suits you
Some mothers can easily get time in late night hours, some moms get it in the early morning hours (like, 4 AM onwards)
Decide which of them suits you.
Early morning and late night hours are quiet and you can be super productive at your work. Even if you cannot focus on your work, try to write (for example, if you are a writer or a blogger) at least 500 words each day.
You can also utilize your this time in scheduling emails, tweets, pins or prospecting clients (especially when you are not at your creative best).
This is one of the easiest ways of finding time with a newborn
#2 Use a smartphone to work smartly
If you have a toddler, you are busy full-time. Your best friend is a smartphone, so make use of it.
Use apps like these to make lists, jot down ideas, schedule content, research and write content.
- Buffer
- Social Media apps. You can use Tailwind app, for example, to schedule your pins.
- Evernote
- Notes
- GoogleDocs
- Canva
- Photos editing apps
- Research on Google and make notes
#3 Finding time with a newborn when they nap or play
Did you really think I won’t include this?
If your newborn or toddler is sleeping (or playing on his/her own), it is the best time to finish your work.
#4 In the bathroom
I am not a big fan of multi-tasking but THIS WORKS
When you are taking a shower, try to ideate your new blog posts or write it down in your mind. You can think of designs, emails sequences and anything else you want to finish.
Somehow, pooping and bathing time are the most creative times for me in a day.
#5 Think ahead of time
As a new mom, this is very important.
Let’s say we take cooking. You know that you have to do it everyday so make preparations beforehand. For example, make the dough for chapatis or cut veggies in advance.
Now, there are times when you don’t feel like working. I have told you here, and I repeat it – there is ABSOLUTELY no point in trying to do something creative when you are not in a mood.
Instead of forcing yourself to work, try to finish your chores. You can finish laundry, cooking, setting tables, cleaning house, paying bills, etc.
Remember to utilize the time available in the best possible manner.
But, in this chaos, do not forget to rest, sleep and exercise.
#6 Organize your days
Organize and prioritize your day. Use Google calendar to manage your time and tasks.
If you have a to-do list for a day and it is prioritized, you will almost always accomplish the tasks.
- Start by penning down all the activities that are repetitive in your day. For example, making breakfast, laundry, grocery shopping etc.
- Determine how much time you need for each
- Make a plan and allocate time
- Prioritize the list and highlight everything that NEEDS to get done
Sounds great? It is NOT!
Do not ever forget to include interruptions, distractions, and time that you might just while away
Also, do not feel guilty if you are unable to make everything on the list. It will allow you to understand your capabilities and limitations.
#7 Batch your tasks
Batching your tasks can unlock a few more hours (surprisingly!)
When I talked about increasing productivity as a freelancer, I told you batching is awesome!
Let’s say, you are a freelance writer. So, my day usually includes researching, writing, editing, responding to emails and marketing on social media
So, I batch one type of tasks together.
It looks like this
9-10 AM – Research on the deliverables. I make an outline of all the articles I want to finish writing in that day
11-1 AM – Finishing writing two articles of 700 words each
7-8 PM – Edit the articles and send
Note: If you are looking to start a freelance writing career, I highly recommend you to check this, and this.
I have also dedicated two 15 minute time slots in a day to respond to my emails. This saves me a hell lot of time!
I don’t keep checking emails and fall in the rut of responding quickly.
#8 Delegate
This is one of the most stated but ignore time management tips for stay at home moms looking to start a side hustle.
First off, just accept the fact that you cannot work everything by yourself. Relinquishing control may be maddening but it is necessary to allow others to pitch in
So, ask for help (whenever you can) and delegate tasks to your family members.
On the professional front, you can consider hiring a VA. If you hire someone from Fiverr, it will cost you as less as $5 (if you are on a budget constraint). Be sure to interview them because they are most likely to be new with no experience. Just hire freelancers online here
Delegate the tasks of creating calendars, checking emails, responding to a few, scheduling the posts etc and free up yourself to focus on more important tasks.
If you are looking for side hustle ideas or other ideas on how to make extra money, I recommend you to read
- 4 stay at home jobs for moms with NO investment: Be location independent!
- 19 work from home jobs for stay at home moms
- 8 SCAM-free ways to make extra money in 2018
- The ultimate guide to renting a room in your house for extra cash
- What I did to earn $900 as a freelance writer and a non-native English speaker?
- How to become a virtual assistant with NO experience – earn $100 an hour!
- How to make extra money before Christmas 2018
#9 Join these facebook groups
Finally, you need to join these 13 facebook groups. They will help you find the time, motivate you, share ideas and suggestion and celebrate wins.
If you have a specific situation, you can always ask for help and trust me – all of these groups have people who readily help. You will be surprised!
There you go.
and, oh, do not forget to let me know if you found it useful by leaving a comment below.