Time management tips for writing a book when looking after a baby

by Kathy

Here are some time management tips that worked for me when having a little baby to look after.

I have been writing a book (for an agent who has a strict deadline) while looking after my young baby.

I was looking for a way to ensure quality care (by me), while at the same time completing the book deadline that my publisher set.

Here are some time management tips helped me to achieve my goal:

1. I planned at the weekly and daily level what I needed to do.
   
   By having a plan and breaking large tasks into smaller tasks I was able to tick things off...even when the baby napped for 15 minutes.
   
   This gave me a sense of accomplishment that I was moving forward on the book front.
   
   
2. I hired some home help for about an hour a day.
   
   This just meant that I could ensure that I had a small amount of time that was uninterrupted for me.



3. Some days were tough and others seemed to go well.
   
   I made sure that I rewarded my small victories and viewed other days in a positive/constructive way.

These time management tips helped me to achieve my writing goals.

Kathy


Kell's reply: Thank you so much for you time management tips Kathy. I also have a little baby running around the house, so I plan to try some of your time management tips.

I particularly like the weekly planning, but more importantly how you have been specific around some tasks, so that even when the baby naps for 15 minutes you can get something little done.

The outsourcing of help, whether it be washing, cleaning, or cooking, is a great time management tip that is becoming easier to do with the technological changes that are taking place.

By outsourcing you can choose to focus more completely on what you are to do, whether that is quality time with your bub, rest, or writing your book.