Olivia Dreizen Howell, a dedicated entrepreneur and mother, has devoted her summer to managing her thriving online business, Fresh Starts Registry, from the comfort of her Long Island home.
Balancing the demands of running a business with the responsibilities of caring for her two energetic sons, aged 9 and 7, has proven to be quite the juggling act for Howell.
She recalls with a hint of amusement the countless occasions where she found herself in the midst of a live radio interview, only to be interrupted by her children’s persistent pleas for string cheese.
While she cherishes the precious moments spent with her boys during the summer break, Howell eagerly looks forward to the imminent start of classes, when her children will be engaged in educational pursuits and she can establish a more predictable and structured routine.
The summer season poses a unique set of challenges for the ever-expanding group of parents who find themselves working remotely, either partially or entirely, from the comfort of their own homes.
As the days grow longer and the temperature rises, the juggling act of balancing work responsibilities with the demands of childcare becomes increasingly complex.
However, experts assert that, much like their children, adults can derive immense advantages from the renewed vigor and fresh opportunities that the commencement of the school year brings.
While the summer months may present obstacles in terms of maintaining a productive work environment amidst the distractions of family life, the transition back to the structured routine of the academic calendar can offer a welcome respite and a chance for professional growth.
Especially if they do some planning, parents can make the most of the fall season. Desiree Martinez, a marketing consultant for small businesses and a mother of two young kids in Ann Arbor, Michigan, emphasizes the importance of harnessing the momentum of the back-to-school season.
As working parents juggle their responsibilities, including shuttling kids to practices and events, time can quickly slip away.
Martinez, who has been assisting clients in preparing for the first day of school, warns of the mental whirlwind that ensues, with Labor Day swiftly followed by back-to-school, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and suddenly, Christmas break.
Without a well-thought-out plan in place, the lack of breathing room can prove detrimental.
In considering the question of how parents can utilize the remaining weeks of summer effectively, it is important to formulate a comprehensive plan that takes into account various aspects.
One possible approach could involve a balance between leisure activities and educational pursuits. Encouraging children to engage in activities that promote learning, such as reading, writing, or even enrolling them in summer courses, can help them maintain their academic progress and prevent any potential learning loss during the break.
Additionally, parents can explore opportunities for their children to participate in community service projects or volunteer work, fostering a sense of empathy and social responsibility.
Moreover, planning family outings or vacations can provide a valuable opportunity for bonding and creating lasting memories.
By striking a balance between educational activities and recreational pursuits, parents can ensure that their children make the most of the final weeks of summer in a productive and enriching manner.
GET CLEAR ON PRIORITIES – INCLUDING YOUR OWN
In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, finding a healthy work-life balance can often feel like an elusive goal.
However, Rachel Brenke, a successful lawyer who not only manages her own law practice but also coaches other entrepreneurs on achieving this delicate equilibrium, believes that taking the time to sit down and create a comprehensive list can be a game-changer.
This list should include all family members, their individual commitments, and their top priorities for the upcoming fall season.
By doing so, Brenke suggests that it becomes easier to visualize and understand the various puzzle pieces that make up our lives.
Once this list is complete, the next step is to draw up a schedule that seamlessly integrates all these different aspects, ensuring that no one is left behind.
While it may seem counterintuitive, Brenke advises mothers to prioritize themselves first, as societal pressures often dictate that they should always put themselves last.
By prioritizing self-care and personal needs, mothers can better fulfill their roles within their families and communities.
Ultimately, Brenke’s approach offers a practical and empowering solution to the age-old challenge of balancing work and personal life.
The insidious presence of guilt and the overwhelming feeling of obligation can stealthily infiltrate one’s life, causing personal projects, work commitments, and individual aspirations to be repeatedly postponed.
This phenomenon is all too familiar to Aileen Weintraub, who frequently witnesses such struggles among the writers she mentors through her esteemed enterprise, Witches of Pitches.
It is worth noting that a significant portion of these aspiring authors are working mothers, grappling with the delicate balance between their maternal responsibilities and their professional ambitions.
Weintraub, no stranger to this delicate tightrope act, finds herself in a similar predicament when her teenage son returns home for the summer.
She yearns to dedicate as much time as possible to her beloved child, cherishing their precious moments together.
However, she also harbors an ardent desire to maintain the momentum of her flourishing career and preserve the foundation she has diligently built.
Consequently, she finds herself navigating the complexities of this intricate juggling act, constantly seeking equilibrium amidst the competing demands of her personal and professional life.
START MAKING THE SHIFT
In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, parents often find themselves struggling to balance their responsibilities at home with their professional obligations.
The presence of children in the house can make it even more challenging to find the necessary time and space to focus on important tasks that require quiet and concentration.
However, Howell, a resident of Long Island, offers a valuable piece of advice for parents facing this dilemma: give yourself patience.
It is crucial to acknowledge that with children around, certain things may not be accomplished as quickly or efficiently as desired.
Nevertheless, it is equally important to plan ahead and make a conscious effort to schedule meetings or tasks that demand uninterrupted focus during the initial days of the school year.
By doing so, parents can ensure that they have the necessary time and environment to tackle these crucial responsibilities, while also providing themselves with the flexibility and understanding needed to navigate the challenges that come with parenting.
Lakesha Cole, a resident of Florida, efficiently manages her own public relations firm while also taking on the primary role of caring for her three children, one of whom has special needs.
As the fall season approaches, Cole has already begun implementing a back-to-school routine for her family, ensuring that her personal goals are not compromised.
Recognizing the significance of systems in maintaining a smooth-running household, she meticulously sets up various stations and establishes a month-long preparation period.
In an effort to foster independence and minimize morning disruptions, Cole has organized closets, created a breakfast station, and encouraged her children to choose and prepare their own meals.
Her ultimate objective is to empower her children to handle routine tasks without constantly seeking her guidance.
Similarly, branding consultant Ginny Olson has also taken proactive steps to prepare her two sons, aged 10 and 8, for the upcoming school year.
By implementing a homemade “no-fuss bedtime chart,” Olson has successfully established a consistent sleep schedule for her children.
Lakesha Cole, a resident of Florida, adeptly manages her own public relations firm while also shouldering the primary responsibility of caring for her three children, one of whom requires special attention due to their special needs.
As the autumn season approaches, Cole has already taken proactive measures to establish a back-to-school routine for her family, ensuring that her personal aspirations are not compromised.
Recognizing the paramount importance of well-structured systems in maintaining a smoothly functioning household, she meticulously arranges various stations and implements a month-long preparation period.
With the aim of fostering independence and minimizing disruptions in the morning, Cole has diligently organized closets, devised a breakfast station, and encouraged her children to select and prepare their own meals.
Her ultimate objective is to empower her children to handle routine tasks without constantly relying on her guidance. Similarly, Ginny Olson, a branding consultant, has also taken proactive steps to prepare her two sons, aged 10 and 8, for the upcoming school year.
By implementing a homemade “no-fuss bedtime chart,” Olson has successfully established a consistent sleep schedule for her children.
SET BOUNDARIES, GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK
Martinez, although lacking the use of charts, adopts a proactive approach in establishing clear boundaries around her work hours.
Commencing her work early in the morning, even before her children awaken, Martinez ensures that her kids understand that this period is dedicated to her professional endeavors.
She emphasizes the importance of her closed door, signifying that during this time, interruptions are not permitted. However, she assures her children that once she completes her work, she will devote herself entirely to spending quality time together.
This practice of setting boundaries resonates with Cole, who acknowledges its effectiveness, especially after a summer filled with childcare responsibilities and the juggling of multiple tasks.
As a means of rejuvenation and celebration before immersing herself in her career and personal goals with the commencement of the school year, Martinez designates the first day of school as her official “Hooky Mom Day.” On this special occasion, she indulges in a day of leisure, temporarily escaping the responsibilities of adulthood.
Martinez treats herself to a luxurious experience by purchasing a pass at a prestigious hotel, such as the Don CeSar Hotel in St. Pete, where she luxuriates on their private beach from the moment she drops off her children until pickup time. She extends an open invitation to anyone interested in joining her on this day of relaxation and bliss.