How to Manage Running a Business from Home as a Parent During the Summer Holidays

It’s the Summer holidays! And you know what that means, ice lollies, sun hats, days at the beach and trying to answer client emails while your kid is asking for a snack for the billionth time today - trust me I understand because this is how my days also look - and I wouldn’t change it for the world. 

BUT…I know firsthand that it is not easy. Running a business from home, as a parent during the summer holidays feels like a balancing act with no actual strategy that works and your routine is completely thrown out the window. 

So how do you actually keep your business on track without burning out or missing the precious time with your kids you've spent the entire year waiting for? I have some tried and tested tips! 

I REMEMBER MY FIRST SUMMER RUNNING A BUSINESS AS MUM - IT WASN'T PRETTY

I really did believe I could wing it with no plan or schedule and a full to-do list that never seemed to end no matter how hard I tried - throw in disappearing on holiday and the weeks leading up to it were MESSY! 

I had back-to-back client work, deadlines to meet, client to-do lists to clear before they disappeared and two children (luckily only one old enough to need snacks) to take off. 

By the time the holidays were over I was burned out, exhausted and to be perfectly honest I was just done - and I didn’t want to feel like that - and I’m sure you don’t either. That year, I promised myself it definitely wasn’t going to happen again and now, both as a business owner and executive assistant, not only do I manage my time better in the holidays, I can enjoy the time with my kids without worrying about work and without mum guilt. 

And I help others do the same in my day-to-day life. So, I wanted to share some of my favourite parenting hacks to help you survive the Summer. 

TRIED AND TESTED TIPS TO MANAGE THE SUMMER JUGGLE FROM AN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Set working hours and communicate them

Even if they’re reduced, having clear “office hours” helps you and your family know what to expect and sets expectations with your clients. Block the time in your calendar and stay firm in your boundaries to create space to get the job done and done well so you can get back to your family. 

Batch your tasks into manageable chunks

Instead of jumping between emails, admin and client calls all day, group them together and get them done in focus - I guess we could call them ‘sprints’. It’s so much more efficient and leaves you with more time to enjoy your time outside of work. 

Automation and tech that actually helps

Tools like shared calendars, auto-responders, and time-blocking apps can take so much pressure off. Automate as much as you can, set up your away and out of office emails (you don’t have to include an urgent clause - everything can wait until you are online - your time is precious), and make sure your calendar is up to date with times you are available for scheduled calls and meetings. 

Plan your weeks around your personal schedule 

If you have plans with the kids that take up a lot of time, and energy, make sure you plan a softer working week so you don’t overwhelm yourself and end up worrying about your to-do list when you’re supposed to be enjoying Legoland.

Plan and prepare ahead of time

If you know you aren’t going to be able to work as much, always plan ahead of time. Schedule content in advance, plan flexibility around big projects and deadlines, say no to urgent tasks or outsource to a virtual assistant to support you - so you can have a Summer too.

Most importantly - Give yourself grace

You can’t be a full-time parent and full-time business owner at the same time without sacrifice, and that’s okay. It is okay to adapt where needed, change your schedule and pull back if you absolutely need to. There is nothing wrong in that -  flexibility is the goal, not burning yourself to the ground.

REMEMBER, IT'S NOT ABOUT DOING EVERYTHING ALL AT ONCE AND SMILING THROUGH GRITTED TEETH

Nine out of ten times when the holidays are over, it won’t feel good, and you’ll regret the time you lost, so by putting systems in place, having a strategy and making decisions that keep your business running, you won't miss out on making memories with your kids. 

If you’re already feeling the stretch two weeks in - you're okay. It is HARD WORK and it’s a lot for anyone. If you need a hand that’s exactly what I’m here for - so get in touch if you need some adhoc work - or if you’re looking for long-term support, my books are open for retainers for September onwards - book a free consultation just head here to see if we’re a fit or find out more about what I do here. 

You can also connect with me on Instagram and Linked In or sign up for my newsletter to get my blog posts, tips and business updates straight to your inbox - join the community here - it would be AMAZING to have you there.

Until next time 

Katie x

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ABOUT KATIE, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT AND FOUNDER OF KATIE RODWELL REMOTE EXECUTIVE ASSISTANCE

Executive Assistant, Katie Rodwell

Meet Katie! Your executive assistant and behind-the-scenes support for your small business. She’s also your personal cheerleader, because we all need an extra clap to keep things moving.

And she’ll be the first to remind you to celebrate yourself, too.

If you're looking to outsource tasks such as admin, social media, calendar management, email management, and more, book a free consultation below.

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