Comments on: Is Multi-Tasking Effective for Mom Entrepreneurs? http://startupprincess.com/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/ Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:09:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: startupprincess http://startupprincess.com/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/comment-page-1/#comment-1438 startupprincess Sun, 03 Jun 2007 00:48:27 +0000 http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/#comment-1438 Thanks Laura for taking time out to comment and share! :) Great thoughts and inspiration...time to do more movie watching wiht laundry...like that. Sometimes I like to listen to Start Up Studio's http://www.startupstudio.com recent podcast while I do that, but just giving myself permission to enjoy a chick flick sounds great! :) Thanks for reminding us to be moms first, too. Thanks Laura for taking time out to comment and share! :) Great thoughts and inspiration…time to do more movie watching wiht laundry…like that. Sometimes I like to listen to Start Up Studio’s http://www.startupstudio.com recent podcast while I do that, but just giving myself permission to enjoy a chick flick sounds great! :) Thanks for reminding us to be moms first, too.

]]> By: Laura West http://startupprincess.com/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/comment-page-1/#comment-1437 Laura West Sun, 03 Jun 2007 00:29:54 +0000 http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/#comment-1437 Hmm, multi-tasking, yes. I think I'm a natural at it and yet it's not always a good thing. I have realized that when I'm my most stressed is when I'm half doing several things....trying to pay attention to my boys, cook dinner and answer emails...guaranteed way to have a burnt dinner! (at least for me!) I have become more aware of my multi-tasking tendancies and then it's practicing at single tasking on things I really care about. I find I am more relaxed when I focus on one thing and then change to something else. And, boy does it take a high level of awareness! I've learned that when I'm feeling stressed and pulled in multiple directions and feel overwhelmed -I observe myself and realize..there I go again...trying to do too much at once. It's not about judgment...just a desire to be more relaxed and patient...so I learn to let go. I'm gotten good at being free for the bus arriving and that brief flash of the boys running in the house afterschool for a quick snack and out to play. (those fleeting "mom" moments as they get older) I realize that when I'm sitting at my computer and feeling stressed it's usually because I think I need to do several things "right now". Just being conscious and choosing to do one helps me focus and feel calmer. My best multi-tasking moments are when I'm watching favorite movies late at night..ones I've seen before, Pride & Prejudice, The Last Holiday...and folding laundry. I feel good that I'm getting something done around the house and yet taking in some relaxation that doesn't require concentration...except when Mr Darcy says, "You have bewitched me body and soul..." the house could burn down and I probably wouldn't notice! ;) Hmm, multi-tasking, yes. I think I’m a natural at it and yet it’s not always a good thing. I have realized that when I’m my most stressed is when I’m half doing several things….trying to pay attention to my boys, cook dinner and answer emails…guaranteed way to have a burnt dinner! (at least for me!)

I have become more aware of my multi-tasking tendancies and then it’s practicing at single tasking on things I really care about. I find I am more relaxed when I focus on one thing and then change to something else. And, boy does it take a high level of awareness!

I’ve learned that when I’m feeling stressed and pulled in multiple directions and feel overwhelmed -I observe myself and realize..there I go again…trying to do too much at once. It’s not about judgment…just a desire to be more relaxed and patient…so I learn to let go.

I’m gotten good at being free for the bus arriving and that brief flash of the boys running in the house afterschool for a quick snack and out to play. (those fleeting “mom” moments as they get older)

I realize that when I’m sitting at my computer and feeling stressed it’s usually because I think I need to do several things “right now”. Just being conscious and choosing to do one helps me focus and feel calmer.

My best multi-tasking moments are when I’m watching favorite movies late at night..ones I’ve seen before, Pride & Prejudice, The Last Holiday…and folding laundry. I feel good that I’m getting something done around the house and yet taking in some relaxation that doesn’t require concentration…except when Mr Darcy says, “You have bewitched me body and soul…” the house could burn down and I probably wouldn’t notice! ;)

]]> By: Doing the Right Thing at the Right Time at StartUpPrincess.com http://startupprincess.com/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/comment-page-1/#comment-1387 Doing the Right Thing at the Right Time at StartUpPrincess.com Tue, 29 May 2007 14:45:26 +0000 http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/#comment-1387 [...] true…isn’t it? Timing is everything. Like our recent discussion on multi-tasking, “timing” is another topic I’ve been pondering. Timing is partners with [...] [...] true…isn’t it? Timing is everything. Like our recent discussion on multi-tasking, “timing” is another topic I’ve been pondering. Timing is partners with [...]

]]> By: startupprincess http://startupprincess.com/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/comment-page-1/#comment-1328 startupprincess Sat, 26 May 2007 03:26:12 +0000 http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/#comment-1328 Absolutely it's not easy..but it sure makes life adventurous and fun. Just now I was checking my email and my girls got into some gift wrapping shredded mylar...why I have that stuff in my house is a mystery! It's everywhere...but for a minute they're having fun and just like Jamie's story about the kids playing in the bathroom...well, it's being a kid to make messes, so I guess they enjoyed themselves. Absolutely it’s not easy..but it sure makes life adventurous and fun. Just now I was checking my email and my girls got into some gift wrapping shredded mylar…why I have that stuff in my house is a mystery! It’s everywhere…but for a minute they’re having fun and just like Jamie’s story about the kids playing in the bathroom…well, it’s being a kid to make messes, so I guess they enjoyed themselves.

]]> By: Jamie Dadant http://startupprincess.com/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/comment-page-1/#comment-1324 Jamie Dadant Fri, 25 May 2007 22:36:29 +0000 http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/#comment-1324 Most of the time, my balance between work and family works pretty well. But, I do get stressed and overwhelmed just like everyone else. I applaud all the moms who try to run a business while at home with their kids. It's not always easy! Jamie www.craftybabies.com Most of the time, my balance between work and family works pretty well. But, I do get stressed and overwhelmed just like everyone else. I applaud all the moms who try to run a business while at home with their kids. It’s not always easy!

Jamie
http://www.craftybabies.com

]]> By: Teresa Morrow http://startupprincess.com/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/comment-page-1/#comment-1323 Teresa Morrow Fri, 25 May 2007 21:31:47 +0000 http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/#comment-1323 I would like to offer something that may be helpful in the quest to effectively multi-task and increase productivity...the utilization of a great time management system made for solo entrepreneurs and work at home moms. Please read my post http://keybusinesspartners.wordpress.com/2007/05/25/the-ultimate-time-management-system-for-the-solo-entrepreneur-including-virtual-assistants/ I would like to offer something that may be helpful in the quest to effectively multi-task and increase productivity…the utilization of a great time management system made for solo entrepreneurs and work at home moms.
Please read my post http://keybusinesspartners.wordpress.com/2007/05/25/the-ultimate-time-management-system-for-the-solo-entrepreneur-including-virtual-assistants/

]]> By: startupprincess http://startupprincess.com/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/comment-page-1/#comment-1310 startupprincess Fri, 25 May 2007 03:38:53 +0000 http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/#comment-1310 Merri--Good for you to do the babysitting trades, those are great if you find the right friend or neighbor to do it with! Jamie--sounds like you've found the right mix of mom and work time, good job Deborah--good job that you sit down with your kids during mealtimes, I need to do a better job of that. That also demonstrates that meals are family time and more positive for them to want to eat their veggies! Glad you're doing the "get 3 things done" honestly when I do it, it really is great, because I can do to bed and know I finished my 3 things. ;) Any other tips Start Up Princesses? Merri–Good for you to do the babysitting trades, those are great if you find the right friend or neighbor to do it with!

Jamie–sounds like you’ve found the right mix of mom and work time, good job

Deborah–good job that you sit down with your kids during mealtimes, I need to do a better job of that. That also demonstrates that meals are family time and more positive for them to want to eat their veggies! Glad you’re doing the “get 3 things done” honestly when I do it, it really is great, because I can do to bed and know I finished my 3 things. ;)

Any other tips Start Up Princesses?

]]> By: Deborah Gardner One Heart Bulgaria http://startupprincess.com/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/comment-page-1/#comment-1309 Deborah Gardner One Heart Bulgaria Fri, 25 May 2007 03:10:16 +0000 http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/#comment-1309 As a mother of four and one on the way, I don't know how to NOT multi-task. When I am at home, I don't think it is even an option for me to do one thing at a time, unless my kids are asleep or zoning out in front of a video. Typically, I am on the phone while changing a diaper, folding clothes, breaking up a screaming fight between the kids, or carpooling. It's nuts to do things that way, but sometimes that is just how it is. In order to create QUALITY TIME with my kids, without the phone ringing in the background and perpetual messes being created, I have had to leave the house. This means park dates, walks, story time at the library, and play time in the backyard. I do try to sit down with my kids for every meal which means 3 times a day they will for sure have my undivided attention and good conversation with mom. To create quiet, undisturbed quality time for my non-profit, I have to schedule actual blocks of time for my kids to be at their grandparents, a friends, or in bed asleep. But I agree with Kelly, don't try to get more than 3 things done a day. It is usually do-able and at the end of the day, you are glad you accomplished the things on your short, yet worthwhile list. As a mother of four and one on the way, I don’t know how to NOT multi-task. When I am at home, I don’t think it is even an option for me to do one thing at a time, unless my kids are asleep or zoning out in front of a video. Typically, I am on the phone while changing a diaper, folding clothes, breaking up a screaming fight between the kids, or carpooling. It’s nuts to do things that way, but sometimes that is just how it is.

In order to create QUALITY TIME with my kids, without the phone ringing in the background and perpetual messes being created, I have had to leave the house. This means park dates, walks, story time at the library, and play time in the backyard. I do try to sit down with my kids for every meal which means 3 times a day they will for sure have my undivided attention and good conversation with mom.

To create quiet, undisturbed quality time for my non-profit, I have to schedule actual blocks of time for my kids to be at their grandparents, a friends, or in bed asleep. But I agree with Kelly, don’t try to get more than 3 things done a day. It is usually do-able and at the end of the day, you are glad you accomplished the things on your short, yet worthwhile list.

]]> By: Jamie Dadant http://startupprincess.com/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/comment-page-1/#comment-1305 Jamie Dadant Thu, 24 May 2007 21:38:26 +0000 http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/#comment-1305 Ever since I could remember, I've always had a to-do list. I'm one of those people who gets great satisfaction out of checking off completed tasks. So, it's been very difficult for me to have my work wait while I spend time with my kids. I try to remember that my role of staying at home with my kids is my priority. Work comes second. Therefore, my work gets done when my boys are napping and when they go to bed at night. And, If I get really behind, I ask for my husband to watch the kids when he gets home from work so that I can catch up. Here's a funny example of what can happen if you try to balance kids and a business at the same time... About a month ago I was on the phone with a customer. Since I was distracted, my 2 year old twins took the opportunity to go into the bathroom and play in the toilet. I put my customer on hold and got them out of the bathroom. As soon as I went back to the phone, they went back into the bathroom. Trying to maintain some professionalism, I choose to let the boys stay in the bathroom until I could get off the phone. During my conversation with my customer, I let her know that I was at home with my kids. Luckily, she was very understanding and was willing to be patient with me. I think that when you do have to cross work and kids, be up front with your customers. Most people are very understanding! Jamie www.craftybabies.com Ever since I could remember, I’ve always had a to-do list. I’m one of those people who gets great satisfaction out of checking off completed tasks. So, it’s been very difficult for me to have my work wait while I spend time with my kids. I try to remember that my role of staying at home with my kids is my priority. Work comes second. Therefore, my work gets done when my boys are napping and when they go to bed at night. And, If I get really behind, I ask for my husband to watch the kids when he gets home from work so that I can catch up.

Here’s a funny example of what can happen if you try to balance kids and a business at the same time… About a month ago I was on the phone with a customer. Since I was distracted, my 2 year old twins took the opportunity to go into the bathroom and play in the toilet. I put my customer on hold and got them out of the bathroom. As soon as I went back to the phone, they went back into the bathroom. Trying to maintain some professionalism, I choose to let the boys stay in the bathroom until I could get off the phone.

During my conversation with my customer, I let her know that I was at home with my kids. Luckily, she was very understanding and was willing to be patient with me. I think that when you do have to cross work and kids, be up front with your customers. Most people are very understanding!

Jamie
http://www.craftybabies.com

]]> By: Merri http://startupprincess.com/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/comment-page-1/#comment-1300 Merri Thu, 24 May 2007 16:23:15 +0000 http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/is-multi-tasking-effective-for-mom-entrepreneurs/#comment-1300 I am the first to admit I am not a great multi-tasker! But when I do need time to work I will do it while my new baby is napping, and I’ll pop in a movie in for my 2 year old. Most of the housework, laundry and dishes get done late at night when the kids are in bed…or when my husband is kind enough to do it! My neighbor and I will swap kids a couple times a week also. My 2 year old will play at her house for a couple hours, then the next day her daughter plays at my house. It’s an awesome system for startups that are bootstrapping it and don’t have the money for daycare or babysitters. I also do the same thing on weekends. I am in a play group that has 4 sets of parents with children about the same ages. One Saturday a month I watch all of the kids (for 3 hours), but the other three Saturdays I take my kids to their houses. It’s great for date night, cleaning up the house, or working on the business! And luckily for me (and maybe unluckily too) our business is not super huge or so successful yet that it doesn’t require much time at all. I have an occasional phone call to deal with, but for the most part everything is done though email, and that I can do when ever I have a free moment. I am the first to admit I am not a great multi-tasker! But when I do need time to work I will do it while my new baby is napping, and I’ll pop in a movie in for my 2 year old. Most of the housework, laundry and dishes get done late at night when the kids are in bed…or when my husband is kind enough to do it!

My neighbor and I will swap kids a couple times a week also. My 2 year old will play at her house for a couple hours, then the next day her daughter plays at my house. It’s an awesome system for startups that are bootstrapping it and don’t have the money for daycare or babysitters. I also do the same thing on weekends. I am in a play group that has 4 sets of parents with children about the same ages. One Saturday a month I watch all of the kids (for 3 hours), but the other three Saturdays I take my kids to their houses. It’s great for date night, cleaning up the house, or working on the business!

And luckily for me (and maybe unluckily too) our business is not super huge or so successful yet that it doesn’t require much time at all. I have an occasional phone call to deal with, but for the most part everything is done though email, and that I can do when ever I have a free moment.

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