Mom's Balancing Work and Home

I was completely at home for nearly 14 years.  When we got married I worked for an organization that did day programs for the disabled.  Specifically, they worked with brain damaged adults, many who were born normal but injured in their late teens when the brain is very susceptible to permanent damage.  My first job ever was actually in this field as well.  I was sixteen when I became a supervisor on an assembly line of piece work jobs for the disabled.  I grew up with a disabled brother so I was able to get the job by experience and connections.  I was also homeschooled at the time so I was able to work and do my schooling as well.
I quit working when I was pregnant with our eldest mainly because the road to work was so windy, I started my work day by puking and that got old fast.

I've done some childcare for friends and worked at a day care but did not really take on part time hours till last summer.  The economy has pushed yet another family into having to do this.  I don't mind and I'm thankful for the good job I have but my heart is definitely in the home.

One of my big struggles and convictions is that if I work, my home and family has to come first.  This is so hard to do!  I was working 24 hours a week but am now down to 18 for a while.  Just being out of the home makes it hard to be motivated when I am there.  I only have so much time before I go and only so much when I get back.  I don't know how other mom's feel, but it's a challenge for me to keep up.  Here are a few things I've learned and am learning still:

• Don't be a perfectionist:  Making the home the main goal does not mean it has to be perfect all the time.  Don't worry if the whole job does not get done perfectly, be prepared to do it in segments.  Eventually it will get done. 
• Don't get distracted:  I actually have some computer time at work right now as we are in our down season but I try to stay off screens at home to stay productive.  Sleeping in (especially with the kids home for summer), tv, or piddling are something I am trying to weed out.  I try to do something while watching shows or do things on commercials if we watch anything. 
• Keep the kids organized (as much as possible):  It takes me having it together to tell them to keep it together.  When school is on, it's not so hard.  Right now they are home while I work so they need to be kept on task to keep up while I'm gone.  There is nothing like coming home to a pig pen after work.  My kids are GREAT about getting things done when I leave a checklist.  They are awesome at it and I'm proud of them.  They have had to learn to do somethings for themselves this last year, and work out some stuff between each other without us there and it has really matured them.  Sometimes God uses your not so perfect circumstances to do those things and it encouraged me.  
• Make days home count:  I have to really have a plan for my days home.  Sometimes that plan is to do something fun with the kids or as a family.  Other times, it's to really catch up on the housework or errands.  I have to not let them just slip through my fingers.
• Capture the tiny times and tasks:  I'm really learning to do things 15 min at a time.  To shoot to do one thing and get it done fully no matter how tiny it is.  That way, there is the sense of accomplishement.  For instance I could say I'm going to "clean my whole room" which would sometimes be overwhelming on a work day, or I can say I'm going to put my goal down as "put away all clean clothes today".  That is far more doable.  A big deterrent is thinking you won't get it done so you don't start.  Doing one load of laundry a day is also a big help.  Regular lists of small things that can fit in to keep up are helpful.  
• Do what I can while at work:  I know not everyone can do this.  I have some time at work to think about menu's or make plans for the week.  If there is any research I need to do or info to keep up with online, I can do some of that at work between answering phones.  At my previous job I had down time too and would take my organization notebook with me to do what I would sit down to do at home, while I'm away.  For some this may mean doing some of that on a lunch break.  I've done that before too at busier times.  Right now I'm reading up on FlyLady.net for some help once I'm back at home.  
• Take a break:  Sunday is my big goal of not letting myself try to catch up.  I want to spend time with God, family and friends that day.  My husband and I enjoy going to our favorite winery to listen to the live music once or twice a month on Sunday afternoons.  I need those breaks.  Getting away also makes me not want to work on things at home.  We have had to spend a few Sunday's catching up for the sanity of the family and I know how that is, but I make a goal to guard that day as much as I can.  

I'd love to hear how other working mom's accomplish this.  Or, if you are doing a work at home job or homeschooling, how you fit in all those other tasks.  What are your motivators or secrets?
Here is a link to some great printables to help you out with organization as well:

http://www.lifes-a-journal.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DailyPageSample.jpg

http://www.designfinch.com/2011/07/31/sunday-planning/