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Survive the Work-from-Home Struggle as a Parent of Small Children With These Methods

Working from home can be quite a challenge, especially when you’re a parent of young children. Whether you’re trying to stay productive while your little one is running around or you’re trying to juggle parenting duties with work, it can be overwhelming. There are some simple things you can do to make your day easier, though. Here are a few of the best, courtesy of Professional Mom.

Give Yourself a Great Workspace

Creating a distraction-free workspace is essential when working from home with kids. This means having all necessary supplies within reach, setting boundaries between your workspace and living space, and making sure that the area is free from distractions such as toys or clutter. If your schedule requires you to be in the same room with your children while you work, set up an area for them to safely play in that includes plenty of activities. These might include age-appropriate video games, board games, coloring books, puzzles, or educational stations.

Upgrade Your Education

If you’d like to improve your career (or maybe even start your own business), going back to school and studying from home could be a real game-changer. For instance, if you’re interested in giving yourself an edge over the competition with a degree in business, studying online gives you huge time savings and all the flexibility you need to make it work.

Keep Things Neat

When working from home, it’s crucial to stay organized and keep things as neat as possible. This is often easier said than done when you have small children, but providing storage solutions can go a long way toward helping you reduce clutter, which can be detrimental to your mental health.

Taking a few minutes at the end of each workday to clean up and return items to their places can make a big difference, and you can have your toddler help out by making the task a game. Look online for cleanup songs you can teach your little one that will help them learn how to pick up after themselves.

Practice Self-Care

Working from home while also taking care of children can be incredibly stressful, so it’s important to take time for yourself during the day. Consider activities such as yoga, reading, listening to music, or taking walks outdoors to help manage stress levels and provide some “me time” throughout the day. Taking care of yourself will help ensure that you can take care of others effectively during this challenging time.

Invest In Comfortable Clothing

Having comfortable yet stylish clothes is essential when working from home with a new baby, as it allows for easy access when nursing while still looking presentable if need be (e.g., video calls). Investing in superior nursing bras will make life easier and more comfortable. Not only do these garments offer the needed support to eliminate strain on your back and shoulders due to carrying your baby, but they also provide a higher level of comfort.

Build a Support System

Having support from friends and family members as you learn to balance parenthood with remote work can be incredibly helpful. Reach out to those who understand what you’re going through and ask for advice if needed. Having someone who understands how difficult it can be to juggle both parenting duties and work responsibilities can make all the difference.

Work Out a Schedule That Fits Your Needs

If possible, try scheduling some of your most important tasks during nap time so that you have some peace while also being able to keep an eye on your little one if needed. It’s not always easy, but taking advantage of naps whenever possible will give you more time throughout the day for both work tasks and parenting responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed by either one. Establishing a routine will also help your little ones stick to your schedule.

Working from home with little ones can be stressful, of course, but it can also be extremely rewarding to be able to spend more time with them. By working out a schedule that fits both your needs, you can ensure that you’re able to find work/life balance and keep stress at bay. Look for comfy clothing that will help you feel good throughout the day, as this can boost your mood.

Professional Mom is proud to share stories and tips from plenty of hard-working super-moms out there. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

*Leslie Campos is a welcomed contributor to Professional Mom. Her own site, wellparents.com offers good advice for parents also. She is a mom of 3 from Iowa and loves to provide insight and tips for other moms. Give us some feedback and add your tips as well in the comments.

My husband, Joe, is on the ball, already delivering the September Newsletter. I hope you will keep up with our Ministry news and put us on your prayer list as we travel and share the Good News of Jesus Christ, wherever God sends us!

Here’s the link:

The Evangelism Trail-September 2023

And be on the lookout for the Amazon presale of my book, Hell is Forever: The Way of Escape, An In-Depth Look at Death and Hell, Providing Hope for the Hopeless.

Be sure to read click the link for the September News!

I have an important announcement! My book is in production as we speak, with Trilogy Publishing! I am looking forward to introducing it before the end of the year!

Hell is Forever: The Way of Escape,

An In-Depth Look at Death and Hell, Providing Hope for the Hopeless

To keep up with news of my book and also Joe’s ministry, click the link below!

The Evangelism Trail” for August 2023\

Blessings from Professional Mom!

I love fireworks! The bang, the boom, the sparkles, the excitement! I love them! We are close to the 4^th right now and I find myself looking for venues that will have spectacular fireworks next week. I love fireworks.

My love for fireworks started out a little rocky. I remember that as a very small girl, I was under my daddy’s legs, listening and peeking at my first fireworks show at a beach in Virginia. I don’t remember being particularly scared or excited, mostly curious, but fast forward to my adult life and my passion grew and grew.

I must ask myself, is it the thrill of the fireworks or is it that I am so proud of my country that I want to celebrate in this fashion? Altruistically I will say the latter, so, let’s dive into that thought.

“My Country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.” I am so proud of our country! The United States has been a beacon of freedom for its relatively short history. Think of it, a group of patriots launched an all-out revolution against tyranny and injustice. A small group of brave businessmen formed a governing body and penned what is a miracle document, The Bill of Rights, closely followed by the by Constitution.

When you study some of the founding documents or even take a class in Civics, you find that some of the concepts and arguments are downright brilliant, as in “God Ordained,” for example, the three branches of Government, Congress, Executive and the Supreme Court. Two with the powers “from the people”, and one that gets its power from following the Law. When you stop and think of how many different situations these men thought about, and how they managed to address things that had not happened, like civil rights and abortion (implied), it makes me know that God wanted this country to happen and wanted it to flourish.

My grandmother came to America on a boat from Italy in the early 1900’s, she was 12 years old and didn’t speak English, however, when her children were born (my dad included) she said to them “we are Americans, and we will speak English!” She knew what she had left, and she loved America. Personally, I’m not against people teaching their children their native language, but I was impressed with my grandmother’s resolve when I heard this story.

You may say, is there some point to your story? Well, there is! There are forces that would have us forget or become complacent about this awesome country we have and these freedoms we enjoy. It makes me want to wave an American flag around wherever I go!

Here’s the deal, teach your children about this country, they may not be getting any good history in school. Teach them to love America and all the progress we have made in the years of existence, all the way down to that cellphone that is in their hands (and yours!)

God has given us a great country and only He can bless it, now more than ever. I commend you if you are already training them in all things American, but if not, let’s start this Fourth of July and remember, it’s not about the barbeque, it’s not even about the fireworks, it’s about a country that loves God and was founded on His principles.

PM

Editor’s note: Our Teach Sunday School friends have done it again! A perfect Summer activity to share with your children! It’s not free, but for a small price, your children can learn the books of the Bible in a fun and engaging way! This is so helpful for studying the Bible at home or referencing verses at church. Get yours today!

Hi-

We’ve posted a bunch of Bible quizzes/worksheets
on the website:

👉 Grab them here.

There’s a quiz for each and every
Book in the Bible.

They’re the perfect addition to any Bible lesson!

Enjoy!
Mary-Kate

Calling All Dads

As a mom, a Professional Mom, by the way, I don’t always understand the male point of view on some things. But I do understand that it is important, both to God and to the family.

God made man, then God made woman out of man, then He made the family. He never intended for women to raise the children by themselves. I do know some really strong ladies that have raised beautiful and productive children by themselves, however, the hole in that child’s heart that was not filled by a father will only heal with the love of our Heavenly Father. Fathers are important.

If you are blessed to have a loving wife and one or several children, I am so happy for you. You are one special person! As hard as it is to juggle all of the balls of life, i.e., work, work, work and home life, if you already take time to visit with your family at night or in the morning, take much needed vacations and help with school projects, you are a super dad and you can stop reading now. But if you come home after the children are asleep, leave before they get up and work all weekend, we need to talk.

There are many statistics and graphs on how much time we spend with our children daily, I like to think of “quality time.” For example, one of my favorite times with my family were our nightly dinners. This was a 2-year tradition when I lived in Florida from 12-14 years old. This was the only time in my life that I felt like we interacted as a family, and I got to know my father better than ever during those years. Usually, he was busy working and other places we lived, we didn’t sit around the table and eat as a family. Now, I loved my dad, but to say that we spent quality time together would be a stretch.

Please make time for your children. My brother used to read his baby, to toddler, to small child, daughter, the same book every night. That, I’m sure is a favorite memory for her. She is now a grown woman and though she lives away, when in town, she is his faithful sidekick. They nurtured a sweet relationship over the years. Your “tradition” may be different, but just a small amount of time, breakfast before school, supper time or bedtime, make the most special memories of time with Dad!

Here’s a conversation tip I learned as a trainer, Tell, Explain, Describe, yes, it spells TED. When conversing with your child, you usually say, “What did you do in school today?” And they say, “Nothing.” So now you can practice this great technique! You say, “Tell me what you did in art today?” (Or science, etc.) Or, Explain, or Describe. It is really hard for them to answer “nothing” with these specific questions. Practice this and it will transform your conversations!

In addition to making time to bond, please take your children to church. There is nothing that will make a difference in a child’s life more than worshipping and even serving with their dad. (Mom too!) It was Joshua who said, “Choose you this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” Joshua 24:15. My favorite memories as a child were Vacation Bible Schools, which are now Bible Camps or Jesus Jam! If you can plan your vacation and volunteer, that’s all the better. Dad, you are the spiritual leader of your family and it’s time to step up!

So, these things I have mentioned that transform families, taking time, even a small amount, to communicate, making memories and traditions, and finally, taking your children to church, are up to you. Mom will fill in the gaps as she always does, but ultimately it is your responsibility to train your children in the Lord. You would not like to stand before the Lord one day and be embarrassed. “Did you raise your children in me?” “No, but my wife did!”

Calling all dads to step out and step up! Be the dad God wants you to be and your children will thank you with their love and respect!

Glory, Glory, Here’s the Story

What better time than Memorial Day to talk about Jesus. The sacrifice of our men and women in uniform speaks best to the love one man has for his country. Jesus’ sacrifice speaks of the love God has for mankind.

When I ponder the sacrifice of our soldiers and sailors, I am overwhelmed at the horrors many endured in their quest to “redeem” us from enemies, foreign and domestic. It makes me grateful for the freedom their actions have afforded me and my family.

My dad served in WWII and although he survived and lived a full life, his enthusiasm to serve his country was admirable. The son of immigrants, one of six children, his patriotism and love for America was very genuine. I’ll never forget how proud he was to represent our state on the Honor Flight that brought veterans to Washington D.C. He even wore a flag in his cap.

He and his 4 brothers all represented the US in all the branches of the military (except the Coast Guard.) I want this Memorial Day to be a “shout out” to all 4 (one still with us,) for their contribution to this country and their sacrifice in service!

Let me go a step further and “shout out” my appreciation and praise to all of our fallen military and their families. Those that are retired or currently serving have my full appreciation and thanks as well (we can revisit this on Veteran’s Day!)

My son retired from the Navy 3 years ago, he’s another one of my “heroes” of service, we are thankful that he’s just a coffee cup away now.

But getting back to my sacrifice theme, these men have carried out the true love of their “brothers” and we should remember them and honor them with waving flags and parades. Thank you for your service dear Daddy and Uncles, and men and women that I hope to meet in Heaven. And because the sacrifice of Jesus, we can go there.

When I think of sacrifice, I think of Salvation. God did not spare his only Son to redeem us from Death and Hell. As we honor our fallen, let’s not forget how important it is to share this message with all we meet.

I wrote a Gospel tract, “Why Do You Want To Go To Hell,” that can help you share the Plan of Salvation. I will attach it to this post for you to read. Please leave a comment. If you would like one (or up to 5) my husband’s ministry, Joe McDonald Ministry, has agreed to send them to you free of charge, just email me on my contact page with your address.

Joe McDonald Ministry Gospel Tract:

This is my second Mother’s Day post. I wanted to share this encouragement in loss because I want to tell you to be aware of some of these sad events when offering your Mother’s Day greeting.

Some who have lost their moms could “adopt” a mom at church, help a lonely neighbor or aunt who is childless.

You can help bring “the Joy back” by being a friend, sending a card or bringing food or flowers.

Don’t forget Mom on Mother’s Day and remember to think outside the box for ways to make this Mother’s Day great, for mom or bring Joy to someone who is alone. And by the way, it doesn’t have to be Mother’s Day to be a help and encouragement to someone.

PM

Sadness and Joy: Sharing A Mother’s Heart

Psalms 73: 26 says, “My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.”

Have you experienced something in your life that caused your “heart to fail”? Whether it was a sickness, your own or a loved one, death of a friend, spouse, parent, or most tragically, your child, there is a gripping hold on your life and heart that you think will never end. I am here to tell you, that sometimes it will not end the way you think. But there is “Hope in God” that the pain will ease, you will come out of that tunnel on the other side, and you will experience Joy again.

Give yourself time to heal. Time. To. Heal.

I was reminded recently of a young man that lost his wife to cancer. I would see him around the church on occasion. He looked really bad. He was in such a bad place for a long time. We were patient with him, not pressing him to “put on a happy face” and join us, but prayed diligently for his healing and that he would find himself again.

Fast-forward 4 years later and I just saw his wedding pictures on Facebook. God sent him a precious woman, not to replace his first wife, but to step in and be mom to his children and love him. He looked so happy! It took time. Time to heal. Trust God. Joy will come.

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