9 Time Management Tips From An Entrepreneurial Parent

Balancing parenthood with the relentless demands of entrepreneurship is akin to mastering a high-wire act.

Sometimes, it’s as if you need to be in two places at once – especially if your kids are young.  And as difficult as it is, you need to avoid procrastination, set goals and basically get sh*t done. 

And with astute time management, it is possible to find a sweet spot where both worlds harmoniously coexist. 

Well, you can at least give it a try! 

In this blog post I go through 9 time management tips that have helped me over the years – and while it’s difficult to master all of them, just being mindful of a few of these strategies will help you accomplish way more in your day.  

Let’s dive in. 

1. Prioritize Your Tasks – Make a List

Some days it might seem like you have a million fires to put out – and in this chaos, deciding what needs immediate attention becomes crucial.

That’s why it is important to take 5 minutes and write a list of everything you need to do that day. 

Some tasks might seem urgent, but are they vital? The Eisenhower Box is an excellent strategy that divides tasks into quadrants based on urgency and importance. 

By addressing tasks that are both urgent and vital first, entrepreneurial parents can ensure that significant duties aren’t relegated to the background.

And while we’re on this subject, another tip I heard, and now do, is to do the tasks you least want to do FIRST. 

That way, you have got the worst over and done with, it gives you a quick hit of dopamine once that particular task is completed.

Personal Tip:  I take 5 to 10 minutes at the start of each work day to write down everything I need to do on a piece of paper. As I complete a task, no matter how small it may be, I cross it off – which gives me a hit of satisfaction and that feel-good hormone.

2. Set Clear Boundaries: Avoid Distraction

The adage “quality over quantity” rings especially true for entrepreneurial parents. While you might be physically present, mental engagement is what counts. 

Therefore, creating clear boundaries between work and family time becomes imperative. 

This might mean setting up a dedicated workspace at home or setting specific ‘no work’ hours during the evening when the focus is entirely on family.

Here are a few things I like to do to maximize productivity:

• Work in sprints: Set a timer for 40 minutes or so for concentrated work, once the time goes, take a 5 minute break
• Close all tabs on your computer
• Turn your phone off or put in another room to avoid the distraction 
• If you are working at home and have kids around, use the door policy: Door open, I can chat, door closed = do not disturb! 

3. Utilize Technology for Time Management

We live in an age of unparalleled digital convenience. From task managers like Todoist to scheduling tools such as Google Calendar, technology can significantly streamline an entrepreneurial parent’s life. 

I often use AI tools like ChatGPT to get some initial ideas too – these tools can often automate mundane tasks, freeing up more time. 

Apps like RescueTime can track productivity, suggesting when breaks might be most beneficial.

4. Time Blocking Gives You The Ability to Focus

Imagine your day as a series of blocks, each allocated to a specific task or activity. 

Time blocking advocates for dedicating specific chunks of time to singular tasks, promoting deep work and minimizing the inefficiencies of constant task-switching. 

For you as an entrepreneurial parent, this could translate to dedicated blocks for team meetings, client interactions, and of course invaluable family time.

While we’re on this subject another tool I have found very useful is a simple thing called a time cube – It’s essentially a timer which sits on your desk and allows you to set a countdown for a variety of durations. 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes etc. 

Once you flip the cube to on, get working on that task, and don’t stop until the alarm sounds – a really simple tool to help you perform ‘focused’ work. 

Another similar strategy I heard about recently was Flow Work which goes like this:

5 minutes prep.

50 minutes focused work.

5 minutes celebration / break.

I think it’s a pretty cool idea, especially if you are in a co-work space, or working in a group. 

5. Delegate For Productivity

Entrepreneurship often stems from a desire to control and execute your clear vision. And I get it, it’s hard to let go of the rains sometimes and get an extra pairs of hands on board.  

BUT, trying to do everything yourself, especially when juggling parental responsibilities, can be a recipe for burnout. 

Recognizing simple, repeatable tasks that can be outsourced, whether it’s to team members, virtual assistants, or even using delivery services for household chores, can be a game-changer.

Personal Tip:  If you find yourself doing a simple task more than 2 or 3 times a day, make a note and then try to outsource that task. I used to check ad campaigns daily, when I should have just outsourced to a VA instead. You’ll be surprised what you can outsource for not a lot of money. 

6. Rise Early to Manage Your Time

The tranquility of dawn offers a pristine canvas for the entrepreneurial mind – and as cheesy as that sounds it’s so true! 

Before the day’s chaos ensues, early mornings can be harnessed for deep, uninterrupted work, strategizing, or even some quiet introspection. 

If you can, try to get up before everyone else in the house and either write your list of tasks, meditate or do a workout to get set up in a positive way for the day ahead. 

7. Set Realistic Expectations for a Work-Life Balance 

Perfection is a myth, especially in the whirlwind world of entrepreneurship and parenting. 

Unforeseen challenges will arise—a missed deadline or an unscheduled parent-teacher meeting. 

By setting achievable daily goals and being adaptable, you reduce unnecessary stress and set yourself up for a more balanced life.

And one thing my partner and I speak about a lot is the pressure – Don’t be too hard on yourself! 

You are doing ok, the kids will be ok. I get it because sometimes things get to me too, but I think sometimes we need to zoom out, look at the big picture and realize things are not too bad. 

See the glass as half full! 

8. Incorporate Breaks and Downtime with Time Away From Work

Constant engagement, whether with work or family, can lead to diminishing returns in productivity and attentiveness. 

Regular breaks, even short ones, can rejuvenate the mind. 

For me, I love to hit the beach for a surf, either first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening. I just set my smart watch so I can keep track of time (and my calorie burn) and get some well deserved vitamin-sea. 

And if you don’t surf, just take a quick walk, a meditation session, or have some downtime with your child. It’s not just about resting; it’s about resetting.

9. Establish Routines and Rituals With Time Management Techniques 

Humans are creatures of habit. 

Establishing consistent routines offers stability. This could be a dedicated morning exercise routine, like a high intensity workout followed by an ice bath. This helps to set a positive tone for the day. Or perhaps, a nightly ritual with your child, fostering deeper connections with your offspring. 

For me, after reading the great book Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg, I now drink a glass of water every day first thing in the morning. And I plan on adding other simple habits every month from now on.  

These routines act as anchors, offering a semblance of predictability in the unpredictable life of an entrepreneurial parent – you should try it too. Just choose something simple that will affect your life in a positive way and stick to it! 

Bonus: Use The Pomodoro Technique to Manage Time Better

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. 

The concept is deceptively simple: work is divided into focused intervals, typically 25 minutes long, known as “Pomodoros”, named after the Italian word for tomato, inspired by the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used. 

Each Pomodoro is followed by a short break, usually 5 minutes. After completing four Pomodoros, one takes a longer break of around 15-30 minutes. 

The idea is that the timer creates a sense of urgency, which can help you stay focused and productive, while the regular breaks offer moments of rest, allowing for better mental agility and reduced fatigue.

To Sum Up:

The journey of an entrepreneurial parent is a complex mixture of challenges and rewards. 

It’s a dance of time, priorities, and passions – and I get it. The guilt of working when your kids want to play is gut wrenching. 

But with the right strategies in place, you can work with more focus, ditch the distractions and enjoy the quality time with your family that we all love to do.