How to Stay Productive in Your Business When the Kids are Home for the Summer

As a business coach in San Diego and running my own business, if you’re like me and have your kids out of school during the summer, you’re probably familiar with the challenge of balancing work responsibilities with childcare. Whether you work fully from home or have the ability to flex your schedule and take work home with you during this season, it’s important to maintain that harmony of work and play that allows you to be productive with your business while accommodating and cherishing that extra time with your kiddos.

Here are some strategies I've incorporated that may also help you navigate when your kids are home for the summer season:

Establish a Routine.

Structure is key to maintaining productivity. Create a daily schedule that includes dedicated work blocks and breaks. Involve your children in this routine by setting expectations for when you need uninterrupted time and when you'll be available to spend time with them.

When creating this schedule, take advantage of nap times or quiet play sessions to tackle your most demanding tasks. This allows you to concentrate without interruptions and makes the most of the times when your children are naturally more settled.

Designate a Workspace.

Create a designated workspace where you can focus without distractions. This could be a home office, a quiet corner, or even a local cafe if feasible. Let your children know that when you're in this space, you're working and shouldn't be disturbed unless it's important.

Be flexible and realistic.

While routines are essential, you need to be prepared for unexpected interruptions or changes to your schedule. Flexibility is key when balancing work and childcare during the summer. Have a backup plan for childcare emergencies or times when you absolutely need uninterrupted focus.

If something needs your attention during your normal working hours, utilize late evenings or early mornings to fit that extra work in.

Be realistic about what you can accomplish each day. Set clear, achievable goals for your work and prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines. This helps you stay focused and motivated without feeling overwhelmed while your kids are home for the summer.

Communication is key.

Open communication with your spouse, partner, or other family members is crucial. Discuss how you can support each other in balancing work and childcare responsibilities. Share your schedule so everyone knows when you need focused work time.

Be open with your work colleagues about any changes to your summer schedule and normal working times so they know what to expect. Use a project management tool like Monday.com to streamline team communication and calendars.

Plan Engaging Activities.

Prepare activities that can keep your children occupied and entertained independently for short periods. This could include puzzles, arts and crafts, educational apps, or outdoor play. Rotate these activities to keep things fresh and interesting.

Make sure to take breaks throughout your day to engage with your children, which could include outings to the park or running errands. 

Outsource Tasks.

Consider outsourcing tasks that don't require your direct input. This could include hiring a babysitter for a few hours a week, arranging playdates or childcare sharing. Use meal delivery services, cleaning services, or delegate household chores to other family members. Outsourcing allows you to free up time for growing the business and family!

With these strategies in place, you can enjoy a productive and fulfilling summer both at work and at home with your children. As a business coach, I support my clients with what works for them so business doesn't stop growing when kids are home for the summer. If you'd like help in integrating these strategies into your current routine to best set you up for success—contact me to get started!