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My goal has always been to be available and have a flexible schedule for Jackson. I started my own shortly after he was born, and have never looked back. It has been an amazing four years-lots of personal growth, discoveries, and negotiating. The flexibility that comes from owning your own business cannot be matched by any employer. Nothing is more satisfying than peaceful morning snuggles, being home to care for my boy when he’s sick (without getting anyone’s permission), and working when I want to work.

Below you will find 10 Ways to Balance Work and Family. But first and foremost, the easiest way to do so is to own your own business. I highly recommend finding a Direct Selling Business that you are passionate about. It’s the quickest, easiest way to create Work/Family Balance.

Secondly, whether you own your own business or not, it’s hard being a mother! We pile a lot on our plates (and then some) and try and balance later.

Rather than trying to balance everything, learn to blend and leverage tasks. And if you haven’t started your own business yet, take the leap! It’s something you’ll NEVER regret!

So, on to the list…10 Ways to Balance (or blend and leverage) Work and Family

1. Schedule a Weekly Family Meeting

Ours is every Sunday night. This is a time for the entire family to discuss what’s on the books and what is expected of each member of the family for the week. I’ve found it just eases stress when everyone, hubby especially, knows what nights we will be busy and how they can help and contribute. We make it  fun and have deemed it “Sundae Sunday Night”, and yes, ice cream sundaes are served!

2. Create a Family Calendar

We posted a wipe-off calendar in our mudroom so everyone can see it on their way out each morning. Only post info that which pertains to the family. Sports, doctor appointments, daddy nights, even meal planning, but it’s not necessary to put all of your daily tasks on the Family Calendar. That would just stress everyone out, so keep it simple.

3. Exercise Calendar Control

In other words, learn to manage your calendar. The simplest way to keep my life in check is by color coding. I highlight everything on my calendar and put them in the following categories: Work (green), Personal (pink), Jackson’s Activities (blue), Family Activities (yellow), and Husband’s Activities (orange). By highlighting, I can see at a glance whether Jackson can take on another activity, or if I need to blend in more personal time. It may not be perfectly “balanced” within each day, or sometimes even in a week, but when I look back at my month, it’s pretty colorful!

4. Schedule Family First

My calendar always has family commitments scheduled 6 months in advance so I can schedule work around family, not the other way around. This way I never miss anything that’s important to me. This gives me the leverage to turn down requests that might otherwise take away from family time. I also make sure to schedule non-negotiable days off, and “me” time. Imperative for my sanity!

5. Learn to say “No”

Or… “This week isn’t good for me, how about…”. Or, “I really have to much on my plate right now.”. Or just “No”. Don’t worry ladies, being assertive is not the same as being a #%?&*!

6. Dust off the ‘ole Crockpot

Ok, well if it’s that old and dusty, purchase a new one so you know it’s cooking at a safe temperature. But really, make friends with your crockpot. While it does save a little bit of time, the real benefit is that it defers dinner prep to a time other than the “witching hour”. Be sure to check my blog often for some of my favorite quick and easy dinners, including my favorite crockpot recipes. It is possible to have quick, healthy, and nutritious meals that don’t include a drive-thru.

7. Speaking of Nutritious

I found this great, plastic vegetable tray with a lid and chilled liner to keep everything fresh. Here’s why I love it- every Sunday I fill it up with a variety of vegetable and a different dip in the center compartment. Sometimes, I change out the dip with some nuts or other protein snack for more variety. I pull it out while I’m cooking dinner for a healthy option to the pre-dinner munchies. It’s also great for nights I’m not home. Make it easy on hubby and have quick, simple menus prepared. These make great options for nights the kids want to help make dinner also.

8. Find Back-Up Child Care

It never fails… the day I have an important meeting or event is the day my child care arrangements fall through. I usually just need help on occasion so trading days with friends, or scheduling grandma usually does the trick. But, for emergencies, or times I can’t find help, I use a local drop-in day care. This is always a special treat for Jackson. They have tons of activities, crafts, and pizza and applesauce for lunch. No reservations required. It quickly turns a stressful situation in to a delight. It can also open up extra free time. Do you know how many more errands you can run without your kids in tow? It’s worth the hourly rate!

9. Learn to Breathe

It’s amazing to me that most humans are walking around planet Earth not breathing correctly. Take one yoga class and just sit there and learn to breathe. No seriously, there’s a lot more to it that just oxygen in and out. Breathing properly can actually stop your adrenal glands and help you relax immediately. So when the kids are on your last nerve or you’ve got a difficult business decision on your plate, take a moment and just breathe.

10. Set a Daily Morning Ritual

The most important aspect of this is knowing where your life is going.  Get that focus in your life and honor it each morning. Ask yourself, “What actions am I taking today to get me closer to my goals?” Each morning take time to breathe, visualize how your day will look, and honor yourself. Spend the first minutes of your day journaling, taking a bath, or doing something that makes you feel good. Then eliminate unnecessary tasks that don’t move you closer to your goals. It is this focus that will create balance within and help you leverage and navigate each day.