Working from home is already very challenging—add the chaos of trying to concentrate while little kids are running around at your feet, and you’ll feel like you’re going crazy. Here are some tips from real work-at-home moms and dads to help you stay calm, productive and in control. Additionally, learn how getting a title loan online can help with emergencies.

Plan ahead

Planning can help you manage your time and prevent a lot of the stress of having to cram everything at the last minute. You will need:

• A Work Plan. Aside from plotting out your deadlines for the week, set aside time each morning to clear your head and think about what you have to do for the day. You can adjust your schedule based on your energy levels (maybe you didn’t have sleep the night before, because your toddler had a fever), or think of a craft activity to keep your kids busy during an important Zoom call.
• A Meal Plan. Think about the next week’s meals so you don’t have to worry about what to serve for dinner. You can also cook and freeze some dishes ahead, so you just need to thaw them.
• Schedule of chores. Set specific days for laundry, cleaning, etc. Divide the chores with your partner and your older kids. Even preschoolers can help out with simple tasks like sorting clothes or setting the table.

Know your body clock

Some people are more active in the morning, while others feel they work faster at night. Use these “golden hours” to tackle more mentally challenging work, like reports or writing. Schedule the less stressful or more repetitive tasks like answering emails afterwards.

“Done is better than perfect”

While you should still submit quality work, don’t over-obsess over details—especially if they’re not that critical to the project. It’s more important to meet deadlines consistently, and be able to meet your KPIs (key performance indicators) than write a report that’s worthy of a Pulitzer Prize.

Set priorities

When you work from home and raise kids at the same time, it’s impossible to get everything done. There will be days when even accomplishing one thing on your to-do list will be a challenge! However, if you know your priorities—what’s most important to your kids, and to your boss—you can choose which tasks are critical and which can be rescheduled for another day.

Get the right tools

Fast internet, productivity and time management apps, a comfortable work chair—these investments definitely pay for themselves if they help you work more efficiently. The same can be said for anything that can simplify your housework or childcare routine. If that smart robotic vacuum cleaner can help you save hours of sweeping the floor, or that Instant Pot means you can prepare meals in half the time, then by all means go for it. Your time is money.

Give yourself Me Time

Self-care is very important. Allot an hour a day just to relax, unwind and do something you enjoy. It will recharge you, and help you center yourself. Some moms suggest waking up an hour earlier each day, so you have that moment in a quiet house before the rest of the family wakes up. Others like to sleep in on weekends, and then arrange for a babysitter for half a day so they can meet up with friends or curl up with a good book.

Communicate

So many problems happen because you try to do everything on your own, and don’t tell others what you need. If you’re swamped with work, then tell your partner to take over more of the household and childcare responsibilities. If you’re struggling with the workload, talk to your boss about spreading out the deadlines. Don’t say everything is okay when it’s not. Proactive communication is more professional and productive than pretending you can do it, and panicking when you can’t.

Create a financial safety net

In these uncertain times, you really need to plan ahead for possible financial emergencies. Set aside part of your income for savings. Follow a budget, and look for ways to save on childcare and household expenses. Since you’re working from home, you don’t need to spend too much on transportation, clothing, or dining out. But, you do have to invest in Internet and productivity tools.

But sometimes unexpected emergencies can throw you into a financial tailspin. Unexpected house repairs or medical bills can burden your budget. Sometimes, you will find yourself in a situation where you need to raise money to tide you over until your next paycheck. That’s when you can benefit from getting a title loan.

Title Loans 101

Title loans are short-term loans where you use your vehicle as collateral. This can be your family car, a truck or motorcycle, or even your SUV or RV. As long as you are the registered owner, you can use it to help get a loan even if you don’t have good credit history.

Title loans are one of the most convenient ways to raise emergency cash. It requires less documents than traditional loans, and online lenders will even allow you to submit your application from the comfort of your home. As a working parent, you don’t have the time to wait in line at banks or visit different offices. But through a title lender like CarolinaTitleLoansInc.com, finding a loan near you is as fast and easy as going to your computer.

Here’s how to get a title loan online.

1. Fill out the short and simple questionnaire on CarolinaTitleLoansInc.com.
2. Wait for a customer service representative (CSR) to contact you—they usually respond within the day.
3. Raise all your questions and concerns. Your CSR will be happy to answer them, and walk you through the rest of the loan process.
4. Submit your application.
5. If the application is approved, submit the documents.
6. Collect the money through cash, check or online money transfer

For a working parent who is strapped for cash and time, online title loans can be a lifesaver. Visit CarolinaTitleLoansInc.com to apply for your title loan online.

 

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.