How to write when the kids are home is something that I’m continually working on, and is getting easier the older they get.
School Holidays
My children’s school is on October mid-term break this week. It feels like only two minutes since they headed back after the summer holidays and here I am again looking for ways to entertain them, while still getting my work done!
Much as I enjoyed my summer with them, having them at home does play havoc with my schedule. The advantage I have at term time becomes a disadvantage at holiday time. Hubby can disappear to the office but I can’t!
What’s the problem?
The problem is that they are still of an age (5, 6 and 8) that they need supervision, refereeing and, if they are not to spend most of the day in front of the television, entertained.
Can’t they entertain themselves?
Yes. In short, unreliable bursts. There are lovely periods of the day when they make my heart melt by playing creatively and with cooperation. Then there is the rest of the time. Squabbling, bickering, deliberately irritating each other and swiping toys from one another. That’s when the refereeing begins or, my preferred option, banishment to their respective bedrooms!
So what’s the solution?
The solution is I have to be better organised and more flexible. I try to arrange a single day when they all have playdates. Preferably at their friend’s house!
This guarantees me at least two hours quiet. Even if their friend comes over to our house, they generally keep themselves occupied and only need me for food.
And when there’s no play dates?
That is when I have to be flexible. I give myself a pep talk that morning, reminding myself that they will be home all day and that I can’t do anything about it. I must accept I’ll get less work done that day.
By realigning my expectations and shifting my mindset, I find the rest of the day much easier.
How can this help you?
If your kids are home for the holidays remind yourself you won’t get a lot of writing done and that is okay. As a stay-at-home mum and a writer flexibility is one of the perks of the jobs.
Anticipate there will be periods of the day your little one will be:
- napping; or
- playing happily, either by themselves or with each other
If you only get twenty minutes done in a day, that is absolutely fine. That is twenty minutes more than you had done yesterday.
If you can take the kids out the playground, listen to a relevant podcast while they’re playing, or take a notepad and pen to jot down a few paragraphs.
If you have very little ones and are still at the exhausted stage, try to take 10 minutes to write in a hardbacks chair, before you join them in a nap.
Just those 10 minutes, once a day, will keep you motivated. It will maintain your sense of achievement and remind you that there is still one thing in your life that is about you, and for you.
I know how hard and all consuming those early days of motherhood are. Retaining this one thing for you will help stave off feelings of invisibility and existing only to feed small people.
What should you do now?
Take 5 minutes or so now to look at the week ahead. You’ll quickly identify days you’ll get nothing done because you have visitors or have planned a day out.
On the other days, work out possible 10 minute time slots to write. You’ll be surprised how many there are. But remember, schedule them in because if they’re not scheduled, they won’t happen!
All you’re looking for is 10 minutes. Anything above that is a bonus.
Folks, just take this bird by bird!
