4 Tips To Stay Mindful While Working From Home With Young Children

By: Lisa Walker

Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic can feel like a juggling act. You have to parent, run the household and cover your job's duties. The Aughtry Connection knows what a challenge this can be, so read on for tips that will help.

Set Up Shop

The first rule of working from home is to make sure your workspace is set up and that you have the necessary cybersecurity options to protect you against internet threats and identity theft. Next, it's time to focus on balancing job productivity and raising a toddler by establishing a few routines and cultivating an effective mindset.

Wake Up Early

If there is one thing that all toddler parents know, it is that children thrive on a regular sleeping schedule. Children one to two years of age require 11 to 14 hours of sleep, while three and four-year-old children require up to 11 hours. For eight of those hours, you probably want to sleep too, but you may want to save sleeping in for days where you don’t have work planned.

Try to wake up before your toddler. Boston Direct Health explains that a healthy morning routine can alter your day. Pay attention to your needs. Drink a lot of water, try to get some physical activity in and plan out your breakfast. Have a little peace first thing in the morning.

Dress for Success

When people start working from home, they like to imagine themselves cozy on their couch, in pajamas throughout the workday. Unfortunately, when you decide to work in pajamas, you put yourself in a lounging mindset. You can trick your brain into productivity by developing good habits that help you work.

Dress up every day. You don’t have to dress like you’re on your way to a job interview, but you should still dress similarly to how you would at work. Try on your more professional and stylish clothes beforehand. Freshen up, put on some confidence-inspiring (yet comfy) undies, dress easy-yet-business-like, and you’ll be set up for success.

Your children also need to have some type of routine when they’re at home. If you get dressed for the day, make sure that they don’t lounge in their pajamas all day too. Find new, affordable clothing for boys that will help your toddler separate bedtime from the rest of the day.

Stay Patient With Yourself

Working from home is difficult to adapt to. According to Healthline, it can take between 18 and 254 days to form a habit. On average, it may take a person about 66 days to make a behavior automatic. You are bound to have some difficulty adapting to your schedule at first. You may have unproductive days.

Patience can be a difficult skill to learn. When you lose your patience, you can also lose your clarity and your focus. To stay calm, try breathing exercises. When you take shallow breaths, the oxygen to your brain decreases, and you could go into a fight or flight response. Meditation can also help increase your patience throughout the day. Remember to be patient and to forgive yourself if things don’t go according to plan.

Be Gentle With Your Kids

Working from home with your kids can be difficult to adjust to for both parties. Not only do you need to establish a routine for yourself, but it has to be integrated into your child’s routine. If your toddler interrupts you or if he or she struggles to adapt, be patient and gentle.

Along with the necessities, try to stock up on creative projects, games and other fun items to keep your children occupied through the day. Art supplies are a great way for children to express their creativity and to stay busy, and if they need to blow off steam and they can’t play outside, put on some fun music.

Getting used to working from home when you have little ones running around can be difficult. With a little patience and productive habits, working from home can be rewarding and productive. And remember to connect with The Aughtry Connection for clothing that will keep your boy fly!

Check related links below:

The Aughtry Connection - http://theaughtryconnection.com

cybersecurity - https://thycotic.com/solutions/free-it-tools/remote-worker-tools-cyber-security/

regular sleeping schedule. - https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-your-child-waking-up-too-early/

morning routine - https://bostondirecthealth.com/7-ways-to-start-your-day-with-a-healthy-morning-routine/

trick your brain - https://medium.com/swlh/how-to-trick-your-brain-into-helping-you-succeed-e380c976021b

confidence-inspiring - https://www.davypiper.com/products/the-patsy-panties

affordable clothing - https://www.theaughtryconnection.com/

form a habit. - https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-it-take-to-form-a-habit

Patience - https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/how-practice-patience-and-why-impatience-ruining-your-life.html

Art supplies - https://www.dickblick.com/categories/kids/

music. - https://tidal.com/browse/album/62638990

Celebrating the small wins!!

Yaaay! We made it!

We know last year was a tough one for everybody, so if you are reading this, it means that you have made it to 2021 and that is something worth celebrating today!

We wanted to wish you a happy and safe New Year. And we also wanted to thank you all for your support in our brand and hope that you continue to support us through 2021 and beyond!

We have some great things planned across our platform coming up, starting with our boys clothing boutique and the winter and party boy  collection launching. Our Connection Cuties VIP group and paying it forward supporting other moms, and lastly our winter coat drive supporting our homeless kids in the city of Chicago.

So stay tuned and follow our social media to stay connected, and be sure to check out our other blog post from last year!

•Santa the myth
•Co parenting
•Juggling life during lockdown

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Be Blessed

The Aughtry Connection

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Is Santa Claus coming to town

Since we're a week away from Christmas lets talk about the myth of Santa Claus and when is the best time to tell your kiddos that Santa ain't real?!.

At the moment Aj still believes in Santa, he recently asked me "ma is Santa coming down our chimney?. And to that I responded "I'm not sure if he's coming this time because of Covid-19"! Of course there was a million questions that followed because he's at the age where he questions everything.

But I felt like this was the perfect opportunity to end the myth of Santa, and not because I wanted to be the Christmas hero and save the day with all the presents under the tree. But because I know one day he's going to ask why didn't I tell him there's no Santa. I dont want him to think I just go around not being honest, or that I'm a hypocrite when I preach to him about honesty.

I know I know there will be things that we keep from our kids to protect them but this aint one of them.

Are we having those conversations with our kids?
Or do we let them find out on their own?!...

Lets Talk!

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Co-parenting during the holidays

I am so excited to be at the end of the year!! For me that means we made it, another year in the books. Albeit a crazy one but im so happy to be here and still thriving. Now that we're at the end that means holidays which use to be a special time for me, but now for so many reasons and one in particular I don't look forward to it.

So let's talk about co-parenting during the holidays.

The dreaded who gets what days, I HATE IT! I personally think its already tough for the adults going through it, but imagine the kids, its  heartbreaking. My oldest son is a Mama's boy and he cries every time he has to leave. It makes me sad because I don't want him to feel like that when going to spend time with his father.

I almost want to cancel every time and keep them home. But I know that their time together with dad is important and lets face it with all the love I have for my kids, mama need a break.

I know with time we'll become more comfortable, but with that comes maturity and a whole Lotta prayer!!

So how do you pick which holidays you spend with the kids?! OR are you ok with celebrating together for the kids.

Lets Talk!

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How are we holding up in this pandemic?

Personally I'm finding it harder and harder to manage everything. Even with my calendar and organized notes planning my week. Juggling 4 kids, 2 in virtual school, trying to keep a 1yr old occupied during school, managing my business, managing house between groceries and essentials, cooking and cleaning, laundry, baths. And doing all of this as a single mother, hunTy I am beyond exhausted.

I am exhausted just writing this!!

Before this pandemic there was a break here and there. I had moments in the day to breathe, now there is someone in my face 24 hours and ION like it. Don't get me wrong I love my kids but sometimes I just wanna use the bathroom without someone on my heels.

Since the pandemic the only moments I have to myself is about 1-2am when everyone is sleep. Its the only time I can think and even then I'm working on my website or something for the house, before its time to breastfeed. A friend ask me everyday "did you get some rest" and I just chuckle. There's rarely any sleep when you're raising small kids alone. Then throw in a lock down and rarely turns into NEVER!

Learning to juggle it all is going to take time, and right now with the current state of the world, there's not enough time in the day. But I'm determined to get it done and keep pushing forward. The goal is to win by any means necessary and if rest is the sacrifice, then im ok with that, because I know one day it'll be worth it.

Working mamas, what are you sacrificing to win?!

Lets Talk about it!

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Boy or Girl!

So let's talk gender specific items, like toys and jewelry. For the past few months Anthony has been really into jewelry, he's asked for rings and necklaces, and he's even asked to get his ears pierced. It has gotten to the point where he doesn't care if its Minnie Mouse or Spiderman he will wear it.

I have found myself telling him "no take that off its for girls"!! And he responds with "ma I dont care I like it". So that has me thinking do I keep him from playing with things because its deemed "too girly" or is meant for girls. Or do I just let him be a kid and choose the things that he like no matter what gender its intended for.

My son is a very intelligent 5yr old and he knows the difference. I just don't want to taint his imagination with the worlds views of what's appropriate for boys and what's not. However I'm not going to go out and buy him a baby doll, but if he wants to play with something thats geared towards girls, I'd let him.

I know I can't be the only mama that has gone through this.

What's your thoughts?!...

Lets Talk!

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Small business and life!

As a small business owner the biggest part of my business is managing social media. It can be so overwhelming but rewarding when you find the perfect balance. Trying to figure out the best platforms to utilize for your niche is so tricky, and once you get that down then you have to figure out the best times to use these platforms.

The insights, the followers, the likes, the saves, the althorgim. Whats that you say 🤔 it is the formula used to measure your success on each platform. You must understand it to be successful at anything using social media in today's world.

Big companies have a team that manages their social media brand, but when its just you it can be enough to make you want to quit! But im here to tell you, if i can do it then chileee you can too.

However its definitely gonna take WERK!!

Dedication and consistency is the key, and as long as the end goal is to win then you will absolutely push through the other side.

What tips or advice can you share to help momepreneurs or small business owners be successful using social media?!

Lets Talk!

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Tag a small business owner or momepreneur if you agree

Losing weight during pandemic

Lets talk about this after baby snap back!
Like why is there so much pressure to loose weight after having a baby?!.. Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to go back to pre baby weight or better?...

I'll tell you why because celebrities make that ish look so easy, well I'm here to tell you unless you have a doctor with a knife standing by after birth IT AIN'T EASY!
And here's something else I've learned during my experience, breastfeeding does not work for everybody when it comes to losing weight.

I had so many goals when it came to getting my body back but then life happened. With depression, loss, stress, now coupled with the pandemic and being quarantine for half the year, that 20pd goal went out the window. I actually gained 20pds instead of losing.

What's now known as the Covid 20!

I wanted to be fit and fine by my birthday this year, but now that we're a week away, I've had to adjust my thought process and come back to reality. That weight loss will not happen by my birthday, so instead I'm focusing on self love, and pacing myself. I'm going to start slow by adjusting my diet and getting more active. I have to make myself a priority in order to see results, this quarantine has been hard on us all and weight loss is an area that I've really struggled with.

What are your weight loss goals?

Are you finding success at reaching them?

Any tips or advice to help other struggling Mama's...

Lets Talk 💬
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Life as a single mom

Being a single mother even at its best, is the toughest job ever, especially in the world we're living in. Now add raising boys! Whewww Chile when I prayed for boys I didn't know it'd be none stop, up on your feet, 24/7 madness. But even through all the craziness the reward is greater. I get to watch these insanely active boys grow to be men, and I am responsible for what they put out into the world.

Everyday I pray that even in my impatience, that I teach them to be kind, to be genuine and authentic. To be good humans!

As a woman and single mother its important for me to teach my sons to not only respect themselves but respect women. I recently read a quote that said " I am raising sons that your daughter will be safe with". I know I can't teach them everything but im very intentional about raising MEN to love and protect women.

What are you intentional about in raising your sons?!.

Lets Talk!!

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Today we're talking about mental health and self care. ❤

My mental health journey started years ago , after my first miscarriage I had a mental breakdown. It was serious like "off work for weeks, daily group therapy sessions breakdown".

This was when I discovered panic attacks

If I can be honest I didn't take it seriously at the time and I was just going through the motions to complete therapy and get back to work. But where I am in my journey today ,I wish I'd started an actual treatment plan then because I'd probably be better at dealing with my issues in this current environment. Last year ended bad for me and going into the new year and the current state of the world it didn't seem like things were going to get better, but surprisingly they did. And the biggest change that I've made to help me through this process is I started choosing ME!

For so long I was everything for everybody that when it came around to me, I had nothing left. I finally realized that if I'm not good then I have nothing to give to my babies , so choosing me was the best thing I've done for them.

So the first thing I did was talk to my doctor and started a medication to help with my moods , because babyyy this post partum depression, and panic attacks was too much. Next I found a therapist and she is good, we meet twice a week. Not only can I vent about ish, but she provides different things I can do during the week to help manage. Ive also started Journaling this has helped me tremendously, way more than I thought it would. When I write stuff down my mind is clear and I feel free.

My goal is to add more self care during the week , at least one day a week to do something for me. Rather its gardening, walking, pampering myself, something that brings me peace.

What steps are you taking to keep your health in check?!

What are you doing to get back to happy?

Lets Talk!!

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Keeping babies entertained during virtual learning
_____
These last few weeks have been exhausting with virtual learning. Not only do I have to manage my 5yr old during his online classes, I also have a 1yr old who I have to care for. Not to mention, managing my house so things don't fall apart. With 3 meals a day, laundry, baths and oh my small business Yikes!

Exhausted is an understatement. 🤯

Now that we've gotten some sort of routine with school I'm slowly getting back to my normal routine around the house. But I've noticed that my 1yr old needs a school like schedule and activities to keep him busy. So ive started to incorporate reading time in the morning while his big brother is reading online. We've also added Alphabet and numbers review to our morning lesson.

I have also been researching imaginative play and things to help improve motor skills, as well as problem solving. I came across this one Instagram account that had a few ideas that I want to try. But there is just so much out there that I don't know where to start! Wheww

What are you guys doing to keep your littles busy during this time?

Any suggestions on things for imaginative play or problem solving play?!

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Learning During the Pandemic

I thought this remote learning would be easy peasy. When everything was switched to remotely at the end of last school year we were rocking. The assignments were easy and fun, but this school year is soooooo much different, it started off pretty rocky and has not gotten better! From the technical difficulties to the long days with little breaks it has been hard to keep my kindergarten child focused.

I know its just the first week but gosh I'm ready to throw in the towel. I've already researched How To Get Your GED after PreK! Laughing but, seriously kudos to all educators especially those of you who work with small children because, whew I couldn't do this voluntarily.

I realized this week that its hard teaching your OWN child. All of the patience that I normally have, (which is not that much with 4 kids) goes right out the window when he's not paying attention, gets lazy, slouching, not writing properly and that awful crying when he's over it and ready to give up.

I have to get a better routine together and grab the patience of Jesus so we can get through this!
What are some tips or advice you guys have for a successful remote experience?!...

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Why do we need teeth again?

This week has been a complete struggle, because on top of trying to get ready for back to school, my sweet Dj is teething. I can imagine the pain he's going through and I so wish I could take his place 😪. This process has been so disruptive that at times I just want to cry with him.

I know its heartbreaking to watch our babies go through so much pain and not being able to do much about it. I found myself asking (why do we need teeth again) lol. I know I've had a few toothaches that has made me want to pull them all out, so I know the pain is real!

Although I dont remember being this stressed when Aj started teething, maybe because we weren't going through a pandemic at the time. Because of this darn Covid-19 every little cough, I have a slight panic attack. My poor baby has had every teething symptom from fever to rash this week, I didn't realize teething could be this serious.

Thank God for online resources and other moms who have helped us get through this because honey we almost walked in the ER twice this week.

Here's a few things that have helped us so far in our teething journey:
✔Baby Oral-B
✔Children's Motrin
✔Cool Teething Dino
✔Cool Apple Sauce before bed

What are some tips and tricks you use to help keep your baby comfortable during this time?!...

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After losing RJ I was not mentally prepared for another baby, just the thought of something going wrong turned me completely off to the idea. But if I'm being honest I didn't do anything to prevent it from happening, so when I found out I was pregnant just 8months after I was a lowkey happy. Feeling like I needed a do over after losing RJ I really wanted this baby, but on my first prenatal visit my doctor couldn't find a heartbeat and my happiness was quickly replaced with sadness and anger.

We then decided that we were done with the baby business, we didn't want to go through that pain again. Fast forward 5 months later we had just moved into our new house and had so much going on trying to get adjusted and bam we're pregnant again! Anxiety and fear kicked in and then numbness. I just wanted to get to the sad part because I just knew this would end in sadness.

Because of my history my doctors quickly created a plan that included weekly hormone shots, and a cerclarge because at 16weeks my cervix was opening. Putting that stitch in was just like being in labor, the pain was crazy. But I would do it all over again to make sure my baby had a chance to grow and be healthy.

My entire pregnancy was a big ball of anxiety and stress, I couldn't enjoy being pregnant because I was so scared I was going to lose him. Depression kicked in and I felt alone all the time, the panic attacks were real! In the midst of the storm I felt like I prepared myself this time around from all the research, therapy sessions, and hospitals tours I was ready.

Then May 3rd came and I had to be induced, I was excited because that meant my baby was full term and we had made it! We checked in the hospital on Thursday May 2nd at 9pm , and at 6am on May 3rd my rainbow baby was born. A healthy 7pds and 17inches Damion Jaxson Aughtry was here and I couldn't have been more happier.
My angel on earth he was brought here to heal me.

Transitioning from mom bed to big boy bed.

These last couple of weeks have been a challenge trying to get AJ to sleep in his own bed. He'd rather sleep on the floor in my room than get in his more comfortable bed. A few weeks ago I started preparing him for his own room, cleaning and painting, new beds and decor. He was so excited about his big boy room until it was time to go to bed.

He came up with all kinds of excuses, from he didn't like the sheets, to he was afraid of heights lol. This boy is clever, every night I'd say Aj are you sleeping in your room tonight, and He'd said "give me a few more weeks" 🤦🏾‍♀️

I've even tried waiting until he falls asleep and then putting him in bed, but then he'll get up screaming in the middle of the night. I know he's afraid to sleep alone in the dark, and watching scary movies with his sisters don't help. We've put in night lights but thats not working either. I've even let him watch TV until he falls asleep, but some how he ends up right back in my room. I've legit run out of ideas to make him comfortable and less afraid.

What are some tips and tricks you all use to put your little ones to bed and keep them there?!.

What age did your babies stop sleeping with you?

Let's discuss

Having nice things in your home with kids is the hardest. They just don't appreciate things like clean walls, nice hardwood floors or window coverings. These boys of mine are rough, its like a full time job that I can't take a break from, and during quarantine its overtime trying to keep them from tearing up my house.

Between AJ peeling the paint off the staircase and flipping off the walls like Spiderman leaving finger and footprints on everything, to DJ dragging the dining chairs across the floor scratching up my floors I have my hands full. Oh and let's not forget the blinds tore up, got us looking like squatters by the windows.

I use to enjoy shopping for house decor, but now I just window shop and daydream about the days when I could buy a nice lamp and not worry about somebody breaking it. I just gave up on buying nice things for the house all together.

I can't wait until they're 18 and gone to get my house back, Its my house and I want it now!

Anybody else struggling to keep your house together due to unruly kids?! Any advice on how to keep it together....

Help!!

Are You Smarter Than A 5yr old 

I am constantly amazed by the thoughts and things my son says for his age. The words that he uses in conversations are mind blowing.

Has your kid ever asked you something and you think "hmm he might just be a little bit smarter than I was at that age" lol. Yeah, AJ recently asked me "does animals have birthdays? and if so how old do they get?!" I was legit stuck for a minute. My favorite thing to say when I don't know something that they've asked me is "Google it" or Google is your friend". But AJ had me thinking "like do animals have birthdays” 🤦🏾‍♀️

Don't let your kids make you feel like you need to take a few make up courses. Next time they hit you with a bunch of questions tell'em "Google it!

What was the last thing your kid asked you that made you think?!

Let's talk about it... 

When I was pregnant I had my birthing plan down to a T, I did maternity tours at hospitals, I took parenting classes, I watched every baby story there was. When my doctor asked formula or breastfeeding, there was only one option for me BREASTFEEDING!

I started off breastfeeding my other kids but it didn’t last more than a month, and I didn’t have the patience or time to push through. But with Damion I was determined to not only breastfeed but make it to my goal of 1yr. We started off rough, who am I kidding it was bad. The pain was indescribable, my nipples hurt if you looked at them. And my poor baby I just knew he was starving. I was depressed and crying all the time, everybody told me to just give it up but I refused. I was determined to have this experience with my son, and give him the best of me. So after the countless Youtube videos, blogs, and the sessions with my lactation specialist we got through it.

Everyday became easier and easier and what started off as one of the worst experiences as a mother I’ve had, became my peace, the one moment of the day where I can escape mentally. Not to mention the bond with my son is everything. Now that we have gotten past the rough parts we are now at a crossroad, because I am now PAST my goal of 1yr with no end in sight!

So my mommy friends I desperately need your help, advice, tips anything, what did you do to wean your little ones off of the nip?!! I just want to drink a glass of wine in peace, I’m tired of the pump and dump 😒.

-Signed a Breastfeeding Momma

Lets talk about favorites…

They say you’re not supposed to have a favorite child, you should love them equally and unconditionally, and blah, blah, blah. But lets be honest we all have that one we like a little bit more No? Well I do, and i’m not afraid to say it! My kids know that AJ is my favorite, he pretty much gets whatever he wants, and not just from me but everybody.

I was in a dark place prior to having him, and I contemplated if I wanted to keep him or not.

But GOD!

I am truly thankful for my talks with God because without those we wouldn’t be here. I always say that AJ saved my life and because of him I am a better mother, so I am forever grateful to him for helping me grow as a woman.

My other kids get jealous when I say he’s my fav but I cant help it, I just love the energy he brings. When I’m having a rough day he makes them better, our conversations are thee funniest. The things he knows as a child is amazing. Now of course he has his moments (check previous post about potty training) LOL , but overall he steals my heart. I love all of my children and they all have something special, I wouldn’t trade’em for anything in the world, but my fav is everything…

Do you have a favorite child?!

Let’s talk about it!…

Today’s blog is dedicated to my angel baby Ra Jace Aughtry.

Tomorrow is his birthday so I wanted to share a little of my experience dealing with the loss of him and some of my memories of the last moments I had with him. Every year since his passing my girls have wanted to do something special to celebrate him, in an effort to lift my spirits. I’m always on board until the day of and then boom, I’m flooded with all kinds of emotions and I cant think straight. Let alone celebrate and be around people.

Losing a child is never easy no matter how much time passes, and even though he wasn’t here on earth very long the hurt is still indescribable. I was blessed to have had only a few minutes with RJ before he passed and I didn’t want to let him go. So much so that after he took his last breath I held him in my arms until the next day. I remember the hospital Chaplain coming in and asking if they could take him, I did not want to say goodbye. He would’ve been 4yrs old this year and the closer we get to his birthday I’m sadden that his brothers never got the chance to see him. I find myself daydreaming about how he would’ve been rolling around with them, or if he’d be into taking pictures like his big brother AJ , or fighting like his baby brother DJ. I just wish so badly that I got the chance to watch them grow up together.

I’m extremely grateful that I have my tribe to support me through this time and my babies who remind me everyday that being their mom is the best gig on earth! This year we are going to celebrate him with a balloon release from our backyard, I just pray that I can get through it without breaking down.

To all my mom friends who’s dealing with the loss of a child, remember its ok to grieve for however long you need to. Scream! Cry! Shout! whatever helps, DON’T let anyone make you feel bad about it. Let the sweet memories give you the energy you need to keep pushing.

Continue to rest my angel baby

7-18-16 my 4th 4ver love

Mommy love you!