Working from home sounds like the dream.
No commute.
More flexibility.
Extra time with the kids.
The reality?
You’re often trying to answer emails while someone wants a snack, the washing machine is beeping, the dog needs to go out and you’ve remembered there’s a school trip tomorrow.
I’ve learned that being productive isn’t about working longer hours—it’s about making the hours you do have count.
These are the five habits that genuinely help me get more done without feeling like I’m constantly chasing my tail.
1. Start Every Day Knowing What Needs Doing
One of the quickest ways to waste time is sitting down at your desk wondering where to begin.
Instead, I write tomorrow’s to-do list before I finish work each day.
I usually split it into three sections:
- Business
- Home
- Family
That way I know exactly what needs my attention first thing in the morning.
Even better, I choose my three biggest priorities before I log off.
No decision fatigue.
No procrastination.
Just straight into work.
Related: Time Management Tips for Working Mums
2. Focus on One Task at a Time
I used to think multitasking made me productive.
It didn’t.
It just meant I had five half-finished jobs.
Now I try to finish one task before starting another.
Whether that’s writing a blog post, replying to emails or creating social media content, giving one thing my full attention helps me work much faster—and usually to a higher standard too.
3. Build a Workspace That Helps You Focus
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect office.
My workspace has changed plenty of times over the years.
What’s important is having somewhere that tells your brain it’s time to work.
Keep it tidy.
Reduce distractions.
Have everything you need within reach.
Even if it’s just a small desk in the corner of a room, creating a dedicated workspace can make a huge difference to your productivity.
4. Let Technology Do Some of the Work
There are so many tools available now that can save you hours every week.
Some of my favourites include:
- Google Calendar for planning
- Trello or ClickUp for organising projects
- Canva for creating graphics
- ChatGPT for brainstorming ideas and speeding up writing
- Email templates for common replies
- Social media scheduling tools
The goal isn’t to replace your work.
It’s to spend less time on repetitive tasks so you can focus on what really matters.
5. Remember to Take Breaks
This one sounds backwards.
Surely taking breaks means getting less done?
Actually, I’ve found the opposite.
When I try to power through for hours without stopping, I lose concentration, make mistakes and end up taking twice as long.
Now I try to step away every hour or so.
Even making a cup of tea, stretching my legs or spending five minutes outside helps me come back feeling more focused.
Productivity isn’t about working non-stop.
It’s about working well.
Final Thoughts
Working from home with children isn’t always easy.
Some days you’ll feel like you’ve conquered the world.
Other days you’ll barely get through your to-do list.
That’s completely normal.
Don’t aim for perfect.
Aim for progress.
Even making one small improvement to the way you work can save you hours over the course of a month.
If you’re looking for more ways to stay organised, you might also enjoy Time Management Tips for Working Mums and How to Create a Morning Routine That Sets You Up for the Day
And if you’re hoping to build extra income around family life, my e-book 5 Ways to Make Passive Income for Female Entrepreneurs is packed with realistic ideas you can start exploring today.
FAQs
How can I be more productive working from home with children?
Plan your day in advance, focus on one task at a time, reduce distractions and use technology to automate repetitive jobs where possible.
Is multitasking good for productivity?
Not usually. Research shows that constantly switching between tasks can reduce focus and increase mistakes. Completing one task before moving on is often much more effective.
What are the best productivity tools for working mums?
Popular options include Google Calendar, Trello, ClickUp, Canva, ChatGPT and social media scheduling tools. The best tool is the one that fits naturally into your workflow.
How often should I take breaks while working?
A short break every 60–90 minutes can help maintain concentration, reduce fatigue and improve overall productivity.
