**Why Does My Mom Think She’s at Work When She’s at Home?**
Being a single mom working from home can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. It’s not just about managing your career; it’s also about taking care of your kids, running a household, and finding time for yourself. Many single moms find themselves in a situation where they feel like they’re always at work, even when they’re at home.
### Finding Balance
One of the main reasons single moms might feel like they’re always at work is the constant juggling of tasks. They need to manage their careers, take care of their children, and handle household chores. This can lead to a feeling of being on the clock 24/7. However, finding balance is crucial for maintaining mental and physical well-being.
### Setting Boundaries
Creating clear boundaries between work and personal time is essential. This can be achieved by setting a “start-up” and “shut-down” ritual. For example, establishing a specific time to start and end your workday can help separate your work and personal life. This ritual can include activities like making a cup of coffee or doing a quick exercise routine to signal the start of your workday[1].
### The Magic Hour
Identifying your “magic hour” is another strategy to help you stay focused. This is a single hour in your day when your energy and focus are at their peak. It could be early morning before the kids wake up or late at night after they’ve gone to bed. Use this time for your most demanding tasks, like writing reports or joining key meetings. Treating this hour as sacred and uninterrupted can significantly boost your productivity[1].
### Batching Tasks
Batching tasks involves grouping similar activities together and tackling them in one dedicated block of time. Instead of responding to emails throughout the day, set aside 30 minutes to go through your inbox in one go. This approach helps you stay in the zone, reduces distractions, and makes your day feel more organized[1].
### Embracing Imperfection
Striving for perfection can be exhausting and unsustainable. Adopting the “good enough” mindset can help you prioritize what truly matters. Recognize when something is satisfactory and let go of the guilt. If you finish a work presentation but leave a pile of laundry untouched, that’s okay. This mindset frees up mental space, giving you more energy to be present with your kids[1].
### Functional Space
Maintaining a functional space is not about achieving perfection; it’s about making your home work for you. KC Davis, a licensed professional counselor and mom, emphasizes that care tasks like laundry and cleaning are morally neutral. They are necessary for taking care of yourself and your space, not for showing off[2].
### Tuning Out Negative Opinions
As a single mom working from home, you might face criticism from others about your parenting or work habits. However, it’s essential to tune out these negative opinions and focus on what’s best for you and your family. Remember, every parent is doing the best they can, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Parenting is a learn-as-you-go process, and it’s crucial to put your energy into being the best parent you can be, regardless of what others think[4].
### Conclusion
Being a single mom working from home is a challenging but rewarding experience. By setting clear boundaries, identifying your magic hour, batching tasks, embracing imperfection, maintaining a functional space, and tuning out negative opinions, you can find a balance that works for you and your family. Remember, you are not alone, and with the right strategies, you can thrive in this role.
