The school Christmas holidays are perfect for creating cherished memories with your family and it’s always a real blessing to be fortunate enough to give that to our children. However, for working mums, it can be challenging to switch off from work and fully engage with the kids during family time when there are deadlines, work pressures and money to make. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to have the best of both worlds. Here are some unconventional tips to help you set boundaries and make the most of the festive period with your loved ones.
1. Establish Clear Work Hours
Define specific work hours and communicate them clearly to your family and colleagues. Don’t just fake scream when you’re on the other end of a phone call with your colleagues – take affirmative action.
Use tools like Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook’s calendar to block out your work and family time. Don’t label it ‘family time’; just set your status to ‘busy’ during that time so you can stop meeting requests, Teams calls, and all the other little irritating, boundary-crossing liberties your colleagues take in the workplace. This ensures that everyone knows when you are available for work and when you are dedicating time to your family.
2. Create a Physical Boundary
Set up a dedicated workspace in your home that is separate from family areas. This physical boundary helps you mentally switch between work and home life. If you don’t have a separate room available, consider using a folding screen or room divider to section off your workspace.
3. Digital Detox Hours
Implement a “digital detox” period each evening where all devices are turned off. Use this time for family activities such as board games, outdoor play, or simply talking about your day. Tools like Forest App can help encourage you to stay off your devices and be present with your family.
4. Use the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique involves working in focused bursts of 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. Use these breaks to connect with your family. This boosts productivity and ensures regular intervals to check in with your loved ones. Apps like Pomodone can help you manage this technique effectively.
5. Plan Mini Family Adventures
Add mini adventures into your schedule, such as afternoon picnics, visits to local attractions, or just a walk in the park. Websites like National Trust offer great suggestions for local day trips that can be easily planned around your work commitments.
6. Delegate and Share Responsibilities
Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks, both at work and at home. Involve your children in age-appropriate chores and share household responsibilities with your partner. This not only eases your workload but also fosters a sense of teamwork and responsibility within the family.
7. Automate Where Possible
Use technology to automate repetitive tasks. Tools like IFTTT and Zapier can automate various aspects of your work and personal life, from managing emails to setting reminders for family activities. This frees up more time for you to enjoy with your family.
8. Practice Mindfulness
Incorporate mindfulness practices to help you stay present in the moment. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations that can be done with your children, making it a family activity that promotes relaxation and bonding.
9. Schedule Regular Family Meetings
Hold weekly family meetings to discuss plans, activities, and any concerns. This keeps everyone on the same page and allows you to effectively plan work around family commitments. Use tools like Trello or Asana to organise family schedules and tasks.
10. Celebrate Achievements
Take time to celebrate both work and family achievements, no matter how small. Whether it’s completing a big project at work or your child learning a new skill, recognising these moments can foster a positive atmosphere and strengthen family bonds.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a clear boundary between work and family life, allowing you to fully enjoy the Christmas holidays with your loved ones while continuing to thrive in your career.
