Karissa Tunis

15 Free Reading Printables – Book Log, Reading Challenge, Book Tracker, and More!

October 11, 2022

15 Free Reading Printables – Book Log, Reading Challenge, Book Tracker, and More!

As a busy mom and author, I still manage to find time to read! There is always a book (or two) in the minivan. That way I can sneak in a chapter before school pickup, during tennis practice, or from a playground bench. I rediscovered my love of reading when I read The Silent Patient. I had no idea that I would love a psychological thriller like that! And I haven’t stopped voraciously reading since. Whether you are also into mysteries, or prefer a good romance or historical fiction novel… reading is good for the soul!

I’ve put together 15 fun reading printables to encourage you on your reading journey.

And we also share weekly book recommendations through Wisteria Book Co. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for book highlight videos!

15 Free Reading Printables

CLICK HERE to view all of our FREE PRINTABLES

Best Window Styles For More Natural Light & Ventilation

October 9, 2022

Windows are a key part of any family home. Not only do they let in natural light and ventilation, but they also provide a way to connect with the outdoors. In this blog post, we will discuss the different window styles that are available and how they can improve your home’s natural light and ventilation. We will also provide tips on choosing the right window style for your home!

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Importance of Natural Light and Ventilation

Natural light and ventilation are important for any home. They provide a way to let in the fresh air and keep the home cooler in the summer months. Natural light also has many benefits, including reducing eye strain, improving moods, and increasing productivity. Ventilation is also important for preventing moisture build-up in the home, which can lead to mold and mildew.

Different Window Styles

There are many different window styles that you can choose from for your family home. Some of the most popular options include:

#1. Single-Hung Windows

Single-hung windows are a popular choice for many homeowners. They are easy to operate and provide a good amount of ventilation. Single-hung windows can be opened from the bottom or the top, depending on your needs.

#2. Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows are similar to single-hung windows, but they have two sashes that can be opened. This allows for more ventilation and makes it easier to clean the outside of the window. They are made with two panes of glass, which helps to insulate the home.

#3. Casement Windows

Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outward. This provides good ventilation and is easy to operate. Casement windows can be opened with a crank or a handle, depending on the style you choose. They are made with either one or two panes of glass.

#4. Awning Windows

Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward. They are a good choice for ventilation, as they can be opened even when it is raining. Awning windows are operated with a crank or a handle. It is made of PVC, wood, or aluminum.

#5. Bay and Bow Windows

Bay and bow windows are a great choice for letting in natural light. They protrude from the exterior of the home and have multiple panels of glass. Bay and bow windows can be fixed or operable, depending on your needs. It is made of wood, vinyl, or fiberglass.

Tips for Choosing the Right Window Style

Here are some tips to help you choose the right window style for your home:

#1. Consider the climate.

If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, you will want to choose a window style that is easy to operate and can be opened even when it is raining or snowing. Awning windows or casement windows are a good choice for these areas.

#2. Consider the style of your home.

The style of your home should be taken into consideration when choosing windows. If you have a traditional home, you will want to choose windows that match the style of your home. For example, double-hung windows are a good choice for a traditional home. If you have a modern home, you may want to choose casement windows or awning windows.

#3. Consider your budget.

Windows can be made from a variety of materials, so you will want to consider your budget when choosing a window style. For example, wood windows are more expensive than vinyl windows. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to choose vinyl windows. However, if you have the money to spend, wood windows will add value to your home.

#4. Consider the size of your window.

The size of your window will also be a factor in choosing the right style. For example, if you have a small window, you may want to choose a single-hung window. If you have a large window, you may want to choose a bay or bow window.

These are just a few tips to help you choose the right window style for your home. Be sure to consider all of these factors before making a final decision. Contact a local window company, such as Mighty Dog Roofing in Horsham, PA for more help choosing the best windows for your home. They will be able to give you more information and answer any questions you may have.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

50 Fall Themed Activities for Families

This article is written by Karissa Tunis

For more on this topic, check out the full Fall Fun collection

This time of year brings so many exciting changes and fall-themed activities! As the air begins to get a little cooler, the kids are finding their new routine back in school. Fall sports are in full swing, and just about everything is now offered in pumpkin spice!

I love this season, especially experiencing it here in the South. I am originally from Pennsylvania. And while autumn was lovely up there, it got really cold, very quickly. I felt like we had to rush to squeeze in all of our favorite things before we were bundled up from head to toe.

But here in South Carolina, we can enjoy fall and being outside for pretty much the entire season! This is why I felt inspired to put together this bucket list of 50 fun things to do together as a family.

This year, and especially this season, I encourage you to get outside and enjoy some fun new fall-themed activities! And enjoy creating some new memories together as a family!

50 Fall Themed Activities for Families

Jump in a pile of leaves.
Find your way through a corn maze.
Sign up for a Turkey Trot.
Go camping, or sleep in a tent in the backyard.
Attend an Oktoberfest event.
Take some new fall family photos. [Here’s tips for what to wear!]
Shop for fall decor.
Go pumpkin picking.
Watch a football game. [Fall activity ideas for teens]
Go to a fall festival.
Shop for, or create your Halloween costumes. [Tips for budget costumes]
Decorate your front door. [20 free printable trick or treat door signs]
Read a Halloween-themed book.
Drink apple cider.
Make pumpkin bread.
Watch a spooky movie or Monster’s Inc. [Check out these classic family movies]
Carve a Jack-o-Lantern. [Discover unique pumpkin decorating ideas]
Make a fall craft. [Tutorial for Jug-O-Lanterns]
Boo your neighbors.
Light a fall candle.
Go for a hayride.
Create a thankful tree.
Host a bonfire.
Toast marshmallows.
Make s’mores.
Go apple picking.
Decorate the fireplace mantle. [30 free fall wall art printables]
Bob for apples.
Bake some pies.
Drink something pumpkin spice.
Shop for matching flannel shirts.
Eat a candy apple.
Make caramel corn.
Host a murder mystery party.
Visit a haunted house.
Take a family walk. [Enjoy a photo walk together]
Read a pumpkin story.
Take a ghost tour downtown.
Volunteer to rake a neighbor’s leaves. [50 simple ways to help others]
Take a hike.
Send a thoughtful card.
Knit a scarf.
Snuggle on the couch.
Enjoy a latte on the porch.
Attend a tailgate.
Snuggle by the fireplace.
Roast pumpkin seeds.
Make a fall-themed (or Halloween-themed) music playlist.
Create a Q-tip skeleton. [Here’s the video tutorial]
Go Trick or Treating. [Important reminders for trick or treating safely]

Happy Fall Y’all!

This article is written by Karissa Tunis

For more on this topic, check out the full Fall Fun collection

What to Expect When Visiting a Therapist for Your Mental Health

October 5, 2022

What to Expect When Visiting a Therapist for Your Mental Health

When considering a visit to a therapist, it is essential to know what to expect. There are many different types of therapy, and each therapist may have their own approach. However, there are some general things that you can expect when visiting a therapist. This article will discuss the different types of therapy, what to expect during your first visit, and how to find the right therapist for you!

For more on this topic, check out the full Mental Health collection

Different Types of Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns to improve mood and behavior. This type of therapy can help treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a type of therapy that focuses on helping people cope with difficult emotions. This type of therapy can help treat conditions such as borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on exploring the unconscious mind. This type of therapy can help treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

During your first visit to a therapist, they will likely ask you many questions. For example, they may ask about your family history, your mental health history, and your current symptoms. It is important to be honest with your therapist so that they can help you in the best way possible. You will likely be asked to complete some paperwork during your first visit. This paperwork is important for the therapist to get to know you better and understand your goals for therapy.

How to Find the Right Therapist

Consider the type of therapy you need:

As mentioned before, there are many different types of therapy. Consider what type of therapy would be best for you based on your mental health condition.

If you are struggling with depression, CBT may be a good option for you. When diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, DBT may be a good option for you. If you want to explore your unconscious mind, psychodynamic therapy may be a good option for you.

Beware of “Red Flags”

When searching for a therapist, be sure to watch out for “red flags.” These are warning signs that the therapist may not be a good fit for you. Some red flags include:

– The therapist does not have experience treating your mental health condition.

– They do not have a license to practice in your state.

– The therapist is not willing to answer any of your questions.

If you see any of these red flags, you must keep looking for a different therapist. If you are not diagnosed correctly, you can undergo a personal injury. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional pain and suffering. If you ever experience this sort of treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer.

Ask for Recommendations

If you are having trouble finding a therapist, ask for recommendations from your doctor, friends, or family. They may know of someone who is a good fit for you. You can also search online directories such as the American Psychological Association (APA) to find a list of therapists in your area.

Therapy can be a great way to improve your mental health. However, be sure to consider the different types of therapy, what to expect during your first visit, and how to find the right therapist for you!

For more on this topic, check out the full Mental Health collection

Teach Your Kids To Cook With These Recipes

Teach Your Kids To Cook With These Recipes

Cooking meals together is a great way to bond with your kids while allowing them to grow in their passion for cooking right from an early age. Research shows that children aged between 6 and 12 or teenagers between 13 and 18 are more confident in the quality of their diet because they started cooking at an early age. While preparing family meals with your kids, it’s essential to be safety conscious to avoid injuries. You can start with meals that don’t take too much time and effort to make. Below are some handy, easy recipes to help you get started.

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection

Peanut butter banana oatmeal

Oats are rich in vitamins and minerals, while peanut butter is rich in potassium. Combining both to make a peanut butter banana oatmeal will be a wholesome treat your kids are sure to love. All you need is rolled oats, bananas, cinnamon, sea salt, water, and peanut butter. After combining all these ingredients, you can add water and let your kids take turns stirring. Remember to let them wear protective clothing and keep your heat as low as possible to prevent any burns or spills.

After about eight minutes, when the oatmeal is almost ready, you can allow your kids to add the peanut butter and stir once again until it’s evenly mixed. You can also drizzle honey on top for an extra touch, and then you and your kids can dig in.

White cheddar mac and cheese

Another great and easy recipe for kids is the white cheddar Mac with cheese, a childhood favorite. All your kids will need to get started is a pack of small pasta shells, butter, all-purpose flour, onion powder, pepper, salt, milk, and shredded white cheddar cheese. You can then take out a pan for your kids to boil the pasta and let it cool, after which they can add the other ingredients. The shredded white cheddar cheese is always the icing on the cake, and you can let your kids have fun with it by sprinkling it on top of the pasta.

Rainbow fruit salad

You can help your kids learn how to prepare the colorful, delicious rainbow fruit salad for brunch using your kids’ favorite fruits. You can explore various options like blueberries, pineapple, kiwi raspberries, and strawberries. A combination of these fruits plus others makes your fruit salad loaded with nutritious fruits that your kids will enjoy.

You can let your kids start by rinsing the fruits in cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. You can then guide them to chop the fruits into equal sizes and put them in different bowls. It’s best to use equal portions of each fruit to avoid having a lot of one kind of fruit and a few of the others. Afterwards, you can arrange the chopped fruits together in a big bowl and later enjoy it chilled. You can enjoy your rainbow fruit salad over ice cream with your kids.

Sweet potato casserole

This simple recipe is delicious and easy to make, making it an ideal choice for your kids. For starters, you’ll need some large sweet potatoes, white and brown sugar, ground cinnamon, butter, and miniature marshmallows. As your kids wash and peel the potatoes, you can cut them into chunks and bring them to a boil. While you do this, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease your deep casserole dish. Be careful with these types of steps. You can then let your kids test their physical skills by mashing the boiled potatoes until there are no noticeable lumps. Once done, add your butter, cinnamon, and sugar, stir it thoroughly, and pour it into the casserole dish you prepared earlier. Add a layer of little marshmallows on top and bake for about 20 minutes until it turns brown. Your kids can enjoy this easy sweet potato casserole as a dessert right after meals.

With the above points, you could have your kids learn easy recipes. Who knows, they could become the next greatest chef! Don’t forget to take lots of photos and videos so you can treasure the memories of cooking together.

For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection

Free Printable Trick or Treat Door Signs for Halloween

Free Printable Trick or Treat Door Signs for Halloween

My kids absolutely love going trick or treating! The costumes, the candy, and getting to explore the neighborhood… what’s not to like?! Join in on the Halloween fun this year with these cute, free printable trick or treat signs. Get access to all 20 designs and choose your favorite to hang on your front door. Frame it, tape it, do whatever works for you!

Free Printable Trick or Treat Door Signs for Halloween

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For more on this topic, check out the full Fall Fun collection

How to Teach Your Daughter to Shave Her Legs

Is you daughter asking to shave her legs? Or is she at the age where you are ready to have a conversation regarding this topic? While not all girls want to shave, or will even choose to do so, it is important to let her know that it is an option. And it’s vital to teach her how to safely do this task before she decides to explore and try it on her own. Below are tips for teaching your daughter how to shave her legs when the time is right.

For more on this topic, check out the full All About Teens collection

Shaving Statistics

In 1920 a woman cut her leg shaving and it made national news. At the time, it was so shocking that someone would have actually tried to shave on purpose! However, by 1950, it became the norm for woman to shave their legs.

Many people contribute this shift to the beauty industry after they began campaigning that a woman’s body should be smooth like her face. Over time the clothing styles changed as well to show off more skin, and a bare leg was considered more attractive. According to recent studies, up to 95% of woman were believed to have shaved up until the early 2000’s when the trend began to slightly decline. Now it’s estimated that over 80% of woman, and even 30% of men, shave their legs for various reasons.

Reasons to Shave

Appearance. Plenty of women, and even men, choose to shave or “manscape” in order to maintain their preferred appearance.
Sports Advantage. Having a smooth body can help an athlete move faster, especially in the water.
Skin Care. Shaving can help exfoliate the skin.
Wound Healing. Sometimes a doctor will need to shave an area to properly clean and care for a wound.
Tattoo Preparation and Display. Tattoo artists often shave the area before they can begin the ink.

Cons to Shaving

Shaving can cause inflamed hair follicles, itching, ingrown hairs, and razor burns. Using a dull blade can increase your chance of getting a cut or having skin irritation. And improper technique is often the culprit for many of these issues. That is why teaching your daughter how to shave her legs properly, and with the right tools, is essential!

How to Teach Your Daughter to Shave

Since your daughter will be using a blade, or an electrical razor, it is recommended that you show your daughter how to shave – verses her exploring on her own. If you are uncomfortable demonstrating, there are plenty of videos online that you can direct her to as well. However, it’s a good idea to view them first to be sure they cover all of the basics and safety aspects.

Electrical Razor

Some electrical razors work best with dry legs, and others can be used in the shower. So make sure you both read the directions thoroughly before its first use. Especially since the wrong type of razor around water could be dangerous!

Manual Razor

While the market is flooded with tons of options for blades, I recommend looking for something that is made for teens and/or sensitive skin. If you choose a razor that has many rows of blades, or advertises to have the closest shave, this could potentially result in more cuts. Instead, consider starting out with something that offers a guard or a buffer to help reduce the chance for injury. Did you know that there are razors out there that have a thin mesh wire over the blade? And there are razors that have a moisturizing bar which can be another great option!

Once your daughter gets more experience, you can always explore other options. But it is better to start with something safe and easy to use when she first attempts to shave her legs.

Safe Razor Recommendations

GO HERE to purchase via our Amazon Affiliate Link

How To Begin Shaving Legs

Once you read the directions for her new razor, you will need to set up the space. Will you be doing this on the bathroom floor? Or sitting on the side of the bathtub? Consider laying out a clean towel, some water, shaving gel, and lotion all within reach.

You may want to consider exfoliating your legs to start. Exfoliating not only feels good, but it also helps to ensure a closer shave. But if her goal is just to trim, or if she is using an electric razor, then this step is definitely not needed.

Once the skin is prepped, cleaned, and ready for the razor, it’s important to remind her to make long strokes slowly, and explain that you do not need to push hard. You may want to even demonstrate on one of your own legs before allowing your daughter to try on hers. Depending on your daughters age and maturity level, you might need to help her, or even do it for her the first few times. But once she becomes comfortable with it, and has properly shaved her legs in front of you, then she should be ready to tackle this task whenever she chooses to do so in the future.

While eventually your daughter might opt to shave with just soap, starting out with shave gel is a great idea as it can provide a thick lather and help reduce the chance of razor burn or leg rash. Then after shaving, show your daughter how to rinse off her legs and razor before patting everything dry with a towel. And then be sure to offer her some lotion or oil to soothe her skin.

Free Printable for Positive Affirmations

Shaving Over Kneecaps

Shaving over kneecaps can be tricky, so don’t forget to explain to your daughter how to handle this area. Explain that when shaving around the knee cap, it can be helpful to fully straighten your leg and gently shave over it. Then curl your leg and lightly go over it again depending on how your skin folds. Keeping your skin tight and flat will help reduce nicks, so you may need to move and adjust to get a perfect shave.

Steps for Shaving Your Legs

Prepare Your Space
Exfoliate Your Legs
Apply Shaving Gel or Oil
Slowly Make Long Gentle Shaving Strokes
Bend Knees If Needed for a Flat Surface
Rinse Legs and Pat Dry
Use Lotion or Oil to Sooth Skin

Conclusion

Remember, not all girls will want to shave, and that’s ok! It’s their body, and some girls are proud of their hair. As their parent we want to encourage them and help build their confidence in any way possible. But we also want to make sure they know their options, and how to go about it safely in case they ever decide to give shaving their legs a try. We hope after reading this article, you will have a better understanding for how to teach your daughter to shave her legs.

For more on this topic, check out the full All About Teen collection

10 Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained While You’re Working From Home

It’s no secret that working from home can be a challenge, especially when you have young children. In addition to trying to get your work done, you also have to keep your kids entertained. If you’re struggling to do that, never fear! We’ve got 10 great ideas to help you out.

However, before you implement any of them, here are some tips to make things work.

For more on this topic, check out the full Work Life Balance collection

Tips to Keep Your Kids Entertained While You’re Working From Home

Try to set up a designated area in your home that’s just for your kids to play in. This will help them stay focused and less likely to wander off and start causing trouble. If you don’t have an extra room that you can use, try setting up a screen or some other type of barrier to create a physical boundary between your work area and their play area.

Choose activities that won’t disrupt your workflow too much. For example, if you’re on a video call, it might not be a good idea to have your kids play with loud toys nearby.

Set a schedule so that your kids know when they can ask you to play with them and when you can’t do it in any way. This will help them understand that even though you’re home, you’re still working.

Give them a specific task to do each day. For example, Monday could be a “tidy up day” where they have to clean up their toys before they can start playing with new ones. Tuesday could be a “creative day” where they have to make something new out of old materials.

And now, onto the play ideas!

Play Ideas to Keep Your Kids Entertained While You’re Working From Home

Below are 10 play ideas to help keep your kids entertained while you are working at home.

Puzzles & Lego

Puzzles and Lego are great for kids of all ages and can keep them occupied for hours. If you have younger kids, get them a simple puzzle with large pieces. For older kids, consider getting a more challenging picture with multiple small parts.

Legos are also a great option because they can be used over and over again. They are also a great way to encourage kids to use their imagination and be creative. Plus, there are multiple video lessons on Lego’s YouTube channel on building various stuff. If you have several kids, you can even turn it into a competition to see who can build the tallest structure or the most interesting creation.

Drawing & Painting

Another great option is giving your kids some art supplies and letting them go bananas with them. This could include coloring books, blank paper, crayons, markers, etc. You can also set up an easel or art desk if you have the space.

If you want to take things a step further, you could give them a specific topic or challenge to work on. For example, you could ask them to draw a picture of their favorite animal or make a collage of their favorite colors. You could also turn it into a game by hiding objects around the house and having them draw or paint what they find.

Play-Doh

Sculpting with Play-Doh is another great way to hold kids attention. If you don’t have any Play-Doh at home, you could also use modeling clay or even make your own.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to Play-Doh. You could give your kids a specific challenge, such as making an animal or a building. Or you could let them use their imagination and see what they come up with. Either way, they’re sure to have fun!

Crafting

Crafting will work great for older kids, as they know how to use scissors, staplers, and glue without cutting, stapling, or gluing themselves. Younger kids will need some help, but it can still be done. There are all sorts of easy crafts that both younger and older kids will enjoy: from easy sew and no-sew projects to origami.

If you have several kids at home, it might be best to set up a little crafting station in one area of the house so that they can all craft together. This way, you can work nearby (or in the same room) and still keep an eye on them. And, if they make a mess, it will be contained to one area! Win-win.

Playing pretend

The best way to have your work done and spend time with your kid is to “hire them as an intern.” Get them a desk, stationery, and a to-do list for the day. They can pretend they use their fake laptop, doodle in a notebook or even do their homework. This way, you get to maintain your work schedule, and they get to feel like a big kid!

Film-making

This one takes a bit of preparing, but can be so worth it in the end. Write a script with your child, assign roles, and get filming. They can be the star, the director, or even the cameraman. This is a great way to spend an afternoon, and you might be surprised at their creativity. If they are old enough, they can even do the editing themselves if you have a spare computer. The Mac’s native solution is simple enough for kids to use, plus, you can alternatively install iMovie for PC, which is also pretty user-friendly.

Playing outdoors

If you have a backyard, set up a water table or sprinkler for them to run through. Or, if you live near a park, send them on a nature scavenger hunt! They can look for things like leaves, sticks, flowers, and rocks. This is a great way to get them moving and exploring. Just make sure to apply sunscreen and insect repellent before they go out.

Learning

There are tons of great educational apps and websites that can help keep kids entertained while also helping them learn new things. Look for things that are age-appropriate – some great options include the Starfall website for younger kids and the BrainPOP for older kids.

Practice being a ninja

The main thing about ninjas is that they are not supposed to be seen or heard. This can be a great game to play when you are trying to focus. Set up some obstacles in your living room or backyard and see if they can make it through without being seen or heard. The quietest ninja wins!

Unstructured time

If your kids are old enough, you can also give them some time without any schedule and leave them to their own devices. This could look like setting up a fort in the living room or playing with their favorite toys. Just make sure to check on them periodically to make sure they’re staying safe.

Conclusion

These days, more and more people are working from home. If you’re one of them, you may be wondering how to balance between completing your job tasks and taking care of your kids. By setting ground rules, creating a daily schedule, and planning some fun activities for them to do independently, you’ll be well on your way to managing both.

For more on this topic, check out the full Work Life Balance collection

10 Different Poses to Capture for a Family Photo Session

Taking family photos is a lot of fun, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. That is why we put together an entire collection with tips on how to style, dress, pose, and more, to help you better prepare. We want you to enjoy this special moment as you capture your family in a way that will be remembered forever. And we want you to be proud of your photos, and get the most out of your investment. So that is why we partnered with professional photographer Angie Englerth, to bring you expert advice. Below Angie recommends getting at least these 10 poses during your family photo session.

Print out our free printable below and hand it to your photographer during your next family photo shoot 🙂 And be sure to check out the rest of our collection for more Photography Tips!

Poses For Family Photo Session

This printable is created with tips from Angie Englerth
For more on this topic, check out the full Photography Tips collection

No matter if you are having photos taken to frame on your wall, or to share – you will always appreciate capturing these moments as a family! If you decide to share your photos online, consider using an Instagram post maker, or some other tool to enhance your social media posts.

And for more on this topic, check out the full Photography Tips collection

Featured Contributor: Angie Englerth

I am Angie, a wife and mama to two sweet little boys! I’m a portrait photographer in Lancaster county capturing the journey to and through motherhood. I believe that women look the most gorgeous when pregnant and I want them to feel the same way about themselves. My goal for each maternity session is for mamas to realize just how beautiful they are. I also enjoy capturing little ones while they are still little. All the details of newborns, from the tiny toes to the milk bumps on their nose, are my absolute favorite!

Work from Home Tips – How to Balance Your Personal and Professional Lives

Work from Home Tips

For decades, a person who was going to work would literally have to leave their house and go. They would depart their home early in the morning, spend their day elsewhere (be it an office, a shop floor, a factory, or similar), and then return to their abode in the evening. As a result, they were able to keep their personal and professional lives separate, because no one was working from home.

Nowadays, things have changed, and working from home has become a standard part of the modern world of work. A popular choice for both employees of a business and entrepreneurs who are running their own companies. Working from home has really gained popularity, and has even moved into the mainstream. This change is largely seen as hugely beneficial! However, there could also be potential consequences for combining your personal and private life at home.

For more on this topic, check out the full Work Life Balance collection

The blurring of personal and professional life

Anyone who works from home can find themselves experiencing a number of problems, such as…

Focusing on “work time” when domestic chores need to be completed. If chores need to be done, it can be very tempting to just quickly get them done before sitting down at your desk. – Even if that means eating in to your allotted work time. When working away from home, this temptation does not exist.

[Read: Managing It All When Life Gets Busy ]

Lack of definitive “finishing time”. Working away from home always provides a definitive stopping point. When a person leaves their job for the day, and can literally no longer work as they can when on the clock, it helps them turn their work mode off. Even if they wanted to try, they’d need to make the journey to an entirely different location. But when working from home, there’s no such division. This makes finding the balance between work, home, and play difficult as people can technically work just as well at 1:00am as they can at 3:30pm. It’s also easy to pick up emails or answer a quick call from the sofa when trying to unwind and watch TV. So the professional world soon encroaches on their personal time even more.

Home stops being a haven. At home, people might have a business line that rings with clients. They might receive work-related mail to their home address. And they might even host client meetings at their own property. This could result in you no longer feeling that your home is a haven from work, or a retreat and a sanctuary that allows you to unwind and relax.

Work from Home Tips

Thankfully, it is possible to manage all of the above issues and keep your personal and private worlds very distinct – even if they share the same physical space. Use the tips below to help separate your personal and professional lives when you work from home.

Develop a chore schedule.

Learn how to organize your focus each day! This way you will be less likely to feel you have to stop working in order to quickly tidy up, start a load of laundry, or wipe down the kitchen. Instead, you can tell yourself the chore will be dealt with as per the schedule. This should reassure you it won’t be forgotten and allow you to focus on your work.

Free Daily Planner Printables

Set a finishing time every day.

At the start of every day, decide when you’re going to finish, and then make sure you do so. Set an alarm if necessary so that there is no risk of working over your assigned time.

Opt for different devices.

If at all possible, completely divide your tech. Have one smartphone and computer for work purposes, and a second smartphone and computer for your personal life. This way, when you finish work for the day, you can turn the “work” devices off. Lock them away if needed, or preferably keep them somewhere out of sight.

If your role requires you to manage a team, you may want to even consider monitoring software for employees.

Separate your work from your home.

You may be working from home, but that doesn’t mean your home is your work. Opt for a cellphone rather than an installed landline. Use a virtual address and mailbox service provided by the likes of physicaladdress.com to give you full control of what business mail (if any) is delivered to your home. And lastly, consider co-working spaces for client meetings. Thankfully there are lots of options out there that will allow you to rent a conference room for a day, an hour, or a desired length of time.

Work from Home Tips

When working for an employer, or running your own business from home, the risk of your personal and professional lives becoming blended is significant. However, the measures above can help to address this issue and ensure that a sensible, healthy division is always maintained.

For more on this topic, check out the full Work Life Balance collection