My Life Archives - Caroline Creates

I had the extreme privilege of going to Hawaii for a week with my family. It was a once in a lifetime trip, although my girls are already asking when we can move there! I had made the decision before leaving that I would set myself up to unplug completely. This was a difficult task especially because I’m a one woman show and yes I did have to take my computer. However, for the majority of my time in Oahu, I kept my phone put away.

The truth is, since switching the focus of my biz, I’ve been more connected than ever. Having clients and being the only one behind the scenes to trouble shoot or meet deadlines has increased the amount that I’m needed and it has been pulling me away from the ones who matter most: my family.

I knew I was too plugged in but didn’t realize how bad it had become till we got to Hawaii. It was like a tick that first day. I SO badly wanted to check all the things even though I knew there was nothing waiting for me because I had put all kinds of things in to place to say “I’m not here!”.

I realized that changes back home were needed. I really needed to stick to my work hours and unplug in the evenings and those in between times with my kiddos. Did I mention how much happier my oldest was in Hawaii? It was like a light switched on in her smile and I know it was because my husband and I were her’s 100%.

I can’t replicate exactly what happened, but I can keep that “Aloha” spirit here at home by remembering that people can wait, Facebook can wait, but my family can’t.

I also deleted several apps from my phone and I don’t miss them at all! It is such a freeing feeling. My encouragement to you is to do the same and remember that our lives are happening in front of us, not in our phones.

I’ve mentioned before that we homeschool if you follow me on Instagram or have heard me chat about it on my podcast. The question I get ALL. THE. TIME. is how on Earth do you do both and get anything done?

Believe me, it took time and figuring out processes and systems that work for our home. Yes systems. Now normally when you hear about systems, you think of business but I’ve actually created some systems for our home that have made life so much easier.

Our typical day starts early in the morning. I usually try to check in on the world before getting started. After breakfast and early morning chores, we start school and work till about 11:00 AM. Then, the girls have playtime and I sneak in a few small tasks for work. After lunch, we play for a little while and then my kids have quiet or nap time. This is when most of my work gets done. At 4:30 we have tea time and I stop working. If I still have things to do, I might work in the evening after the kids are in bed and I’ve done my yoga for the day.

So what are my biggest tips for working and homeschooling?

Plan! Plan everything. I plan my work day and I have a time schedule for homeschool to help keep me on track. Now, there is definitely flexibility because anything can happen and some days we just want to create puppet shows and do art, but having the structure helps maintain some expectation and helps me plan how much I can get done.
Create systems for household chores. I know it is not romantic but I have to do the dishes and laundry. We don’t hire this out so I have a weekly schedule on the refrigerator with all the chores that need to be done. Each day, I look and see what has to get done and check it off. Best part? The family sees it too and helps me get it all done.
Sunday is plan-day. I spend part of my Sunday doing an overview of the week, meal planning and prioritizing tasks. If I didn’t do this, I would be a mess on Tuesday.
Do one thing at a time. Don’t work while helping your kids with math or write blog posts while they are reading. If you are doing two things at once, something is suffering.
Keep activities within reach so kids can entertain themselves. I have a basket of just activities: stickers, painting, coloring, etc. If the kids are bored and I’m busy trying to edit a podcast, I tell them to find something in the basket. They love this. Some of our favorites are from Usborne here.
Make sure you are taking care of you. Get some rest and do yoga. Make the time for those things and don’t skip. This has been so key to keeping my daily stamina up. Guys, it’s exhausting doing all of this in one day but if I take time for me, I feel refreshed.
SYSTEMS. I know I said it before but I’m serious. Get a planner. Use trello. Fall in love with Dubsado. I would be lost without these things and they all make my life so much easier.

Look. I know homeschooling is not for everyone but it was for us. I knew I had to make it work to do everything I wanted to do and I did and it has been great! Sure there are days when I’m exhausted or I feel like my plate is too full, but then there are days when I totally rock it. Give yourself grace and figure out what works best for you, your business and your family.