I’ve built these real-life routines into my day to balance entrepreneurship, parenting and wellness without burning out.

Habit stacking has been a cornerstone of my routine-building process for years. The concept is simple, and you’ve likely heard it from James Clear’s Atomic Habits: link a new habit to one you’re already doing, so it becomes automatic. I’ve written about my habit stacks before, and like most entrepreneurs, I’m always looking for ways to save time, build momentum and be more intentional with how I show up.

Recently, I’ve been refining my stacks to move beyond productivity into leadership, parenting and wellness. These new combinations aren’t just about efficiency. They’re about becoming more present, connected and calm in the midst of what I call a colorful chaos of a lifestyle.

Below are nine of my current favorite habit stacks and how I’ve integrated them into my day-to-day life.

1. The commute + strategy and thinking stack

Driving, walking or riding in silence is an opportunity to think through client challenges and brainstorm creative marketing angles. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking myself, “What does this brand really need right now to stand out?”

I’ll record voice memos with campaign hooks, positioning angles or influencer strategies while they’re fresh. By the time I arrive at my destination, I’ve often mapped out a starting point for a pitch deck or messaging update. It’s one of the most productive ways I get ahead on client work, without opening a laptop.

2. The kids’ bedtime + gratitude stack

As a mother to two teenage boys, bedtime in our house has outgrown brushing teeth and reading stories. My husband and I now go to bed before our boys, but we still find time to slow down and reflect.

We call our boys in, talk about our days, from school to sports and even things that made them laugh. I always ask them to name three things they are grateful for or proud of from the day. My husband and I share ours as well. It’s a grounding practice for all of us, and a real-time way to build emotional intelligence.

3. The scroll + connection stack

Social media doesn’t have to be a waste of time. Before I log on, I set a simple rule: Leave three meaningful comments on posts from peers, clients or people I admire. Not just emojis or “love this,” but thoughtful responses that show I’m paying attention.

It’s a small but powerful way to build relationships, stay engaged in conversations, and yes, it helps my algorithm too. When I find content that resonates, I’ll save it for future inspiration or send it to a client or colleague who might benefit. Social media is a two-way street — it works best when it’s actually social.

4. The calendar review + prioritization stack

Each morning, I scan my calendar to map out the day and be clear on what truly matters around work, my wellness and my family. Before I dive into emails or meetings, I ask myself: What is the one thing I absolutely need to move forward today? I write it down. Sometimes it’s a client strategy deck, a call I’ve been putting off or even carving out quiet time to think.

After this, I anchor my day around that one priority. It’s a simple ritual that helps me lead my businesses and my household with more clarity and ensures I make progress on the things that matter most.

5. The toothbrush + balance training stack

Those two minutes of brushing your teeth? They’re the perfect chance to opt out of a mindless scroll and sneak in a wellness win. I’ll do mini band walks across the bathroom or stand on one leg and engage my core for balance. It forces me to focus, be present and fire up muscles that don’t always get attention during the day. It’s not about breaking a sweat, it’s about building body awareness. Give it a try. You’d be surprised how shaky your balance might be and how much sharper you feel afterward.

6. The errands run + business insights stack

Whether you make mattresses, apparel or the next nutrition breakthrough, every founder should walk the aisles like a student. When I’m in a store, I scan the shelves not just for dinner ingredients, but also for packaging inspiration, signage language and promo strategies that pop. I take photos of anything that catches my eye. It’s real-world market research, and in the consumer brand space, there’s no better classroom.

Alongside running my marketing and consulting agency, I recently launched my own body care line, Anything Brands, and I’ve added the health and beauty aisle to my routine. The company was born from a need I saw firsthand for something natural, effective and joyful in a category often filled with harsh chemicals or overly clinical branding. I shop with two hats on: founder and strategist.

7. The laundry + relationship stack

I use folding laundry as a time to connect, and with my real voice. I’ll call a friend, check in on a client or send a short voice note to someone in my network. It’s a simple way to keep relationships warm and turn a chore into something meaningful.

This morning, while folding laundry, I called a past client and friend, Michelle Marciniak, Final Four MVP at the University of Tennessee, WNBA standout, former USC basketball coach, SHEEX Co-Founder and now GM of Arizona Women’s Basketball. We caught up on life, family and a project we may collaborate on in the future. I hadn’t spoken to her in three years, and it’s a reminder of how easy it can be to reconnect and how good it feels to nurture the friendships that matter.

8. The team meeting + culture stack

At the end of every 1:1 or team sync, I ask one personal or growth-oriented question. My favorite: “What’s one thing you learned this week?” It opens the door to deeper conversation and reminds my team that growth matters as much as results.

My friend Cody Barbo, Founder and CEO of Trust & Will, takes it a step further. He opens every board meeting with a gratitude practice and closes all-company meetings the same way.

He shared with me, “Gratitude check-ins have enriched our company culture because we get to know each other on a more personal level and build deeper appreciation, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours.”

9. The hard workout or cold shower + affirmation stack

Zone five heart rate workouts and cold therapy are not just for athletes. When I am pushing through a tough workout interval, I use mantras like “Relentless” or “You’ve got this” to power through. For those who do not favor the high intensity or heavy lifting, I suggest ending your morning showers with 30 seconds of cold water, which delivers health benefits and mental clarity.

While you’re under the cold, repeat a simple phrase like “I can do hard things.” It’s a jolt to the nervous system, in the best way. Over time, this practice builds resilience in business, relationships and life. Remember that the magic happens just outside the comfort zone.

Habit stacking isn’t about squeezing more into your day. It’s about being intentional with what’s already there and making your current routines work harder for you. For me, it’s how I stay grounded while running a business, showing up for my family and leading with clarity.

When you pair the right actions together, momentum becomes effortless, and as any founder or leader knows, momentum is how we keep moving everything forward.

This story originally was published on entrepreneur.com on July 17, 2025.

When I landed a Forbes feature in 2015 about “How to Get Press,” it felt like a defining milestone. I was energized by the “magic moment.” The coverage drove a surge of attention to SMACK! Media and, for a moment, validated years of work building brands from the ground up.

A week later, as the initial buzz faded, I was reminded of something important: press is not a single moment, and certainly not a finish line. Unless the piece lands in Google’s top rank, press is raw material and fuel, particularly in this new age of discovery.

In 2025, your goal should be to turn that coverage into seeds for AI to find you. When someone opens ChatGPT and types, “best nootropic protein bar,” or “best mattress for sleep,” your brand should already exist in the answer. And it can, if you intentionally engineer it.

Today, coverage is input. Your press and exposure become data for generative systems. Every article, link, phrase becomes a signal that AI models use to build the “map” of what your brand is.

With a former client, IQBAR, we did not leave messaging to chance. Press coverage was guided with target phrases — brain health, adaptogens, plant-based bars — so that when people queried AI, the signals matched those intent phrases. We did the same thing with Molecule Sleep, a sleep company with products designed to promote cooler, more restorative sleep. In our communication about them, we would talk about “medically-backed sleep technology” and “recovery-focused sleep.”

One of the strongest levers is anchor text. A publication can write a glowing story about your product, but if the in-article link says “read more here,” you have lost an opportunity. Instead, add links using phrases you want to own, such as: “best collagen supplement for women,” or “top clean high protein bars.” This anchor text is a beacon, and over time, AI agents will learn that when someone asks about “top collagen supplement,” this brand is a match.

Now, once you land the coverage, celebrate it, but don’t put it up as a trophy on a shelf. Press is no longer about attention; it’s about integration. Instead, treat it as the backbone of your content architecture. Every article, interview and backlink becomes a signal that helps AI and search systems understand who you are and what you’re known for, so it’s key to make every earned story live in your own domain and optimized.

There are three ways to this: build a press hub on your site and socials with clean structure (title, excerpt, key quote, date and target keywords); internally link to product pages or blog posts using anchor text that mirrors your press; refresh old press with new context, launches or milestones, then link into it, and share it across LinkedIn, reels and newsletters.

By doing this, you layer a semantic ecosystem around your coverage. AI crawlers see your site, and it reinforces that language again and again.

It’s no surprise that AI agents don’t read like humans. They scan structure. This means that your press posts need to be scannable (and easily digestible): use headers, pull quotes, bold summaries and clear metadata.

Avoid burying your signal in paragraphs. Instead, extract the strongest line and make it a headline. For my own CPG company, Anything Brands, we offer all-natural body care products designed to soothe and relieve common skin irritations ranging from hemorrhoids to eczema, itches, rashes and dry skin.

Within our communication, we emphasize phrases like “all-natural eczema relief” and “plant-based soothing balm” for Amazon and AI search engines to recognize. Incorporating customer testimonials with phrases like “natural soothing relief” into articles and blog posts reinforces those keywords organically.

If the original article is paywalled or behind an external domain, write a summarized version on your blog (with attribution) for crawlers to see it inside your own site. Pair that with short videos or reels using the same key phrase, and then those become indexable too.

Unlike in 2015, press alone will not move the needle unless it permeates your entire marketing ecosystem. Use your coverage everywhere. Embed pull quotes into ads, use logos in email footers (ie, “As Seen in”), podcast episodes, packaging and event materials. Ask your influencers and best customers for video content, and as a founder, film reaction reels to your own press coverage and post on TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Lisa Curtis, founder of Kuli Kuli Foods, America’s leading supplier of moringa, did just that when her organic superfood moringa powder was featured in the New York Times. She promoted this in an engaging and very personal video. These types of videos and captions to the content become new signals tied to your key phrase.

Lastly, include media quotes on signage or handouts and QR codes to your press hub pages at events or trade shows. When my team and I invite journalists to panels, we reference recent coverage to reinforce the narrative in the room.

How can you get started? Think about your brand’s key selling propositions and ask ChatGPT, “What are the top supplements for joint health?” or “What’s the cleanest energy drink?” If your brand isn’t showing up, analyze your coverage and ask yourself these 3 things:

• Did you use your target phrase in press or anchor text?
• Did you host that content on your domain, or is it hidden behind paywalls?
• Does your site echo that phrase in internal links, blog posts and metadata?

You may have authority, but if it’s not visible in the AI map, it does not count and it certainly does not convert.

I still think back to that Forbes piece that spiked my adrenaline early on. It felt monumental, and at the time, I did what most founders could: I shared it across social channels, added it to my signature block and celebrated the milestone.

But looking back, I realize there was more I could have done to keep it alive beyond that initial buzz. Even without AI in 2015, I could have repurposed that coverage in newsletters, reflected on it in future stories and woven it into new conversations.

Today, the same feature would live as a node in the web of discovery — linked, cited and repurposed across formats — continuing to drive visibility months or even years later.

That’s the evolution of PR. Press isn’t a one-day win; it’s an asset that compounds when you treat it as part of your long-term ecosystem. Every feature, podcast or quote can keep working for you if you structure it, reshare it and teach AI — and your audience — how to find it again.

The next time you land a great press hit, don’t just post it, but plant it. Link it in your bio, cite it in your newsletter, slice it into a reel, and use those words to train both people and platforms on who you are. Feed and water it intentionally, and it will keep working long after the headline fades.

It’s not just about being seen. It’s about being discovered forever.

By now we’ve figured out that dealing with COVID-19 is and will continue to be a marathon, not a sprint. As an eight-time marathoner and Ironman triathlete, every time I signed up for a race, I knew what I was getting myself into.

But I did not sign up for COVID-19, and neither did you. We were all dropped off at the starting line, with no choice in the matter and no training plan. That said, throughout this uncertain time, I’ve found myself leaning on tactics I’ve learned in my marathon training: how to pace myself, push through the tough parts, embrace discomfort and shift the plan when an unexpected situation arises. It’s OK to feel frustrated and afraid, but complacency, complaining and quitting won’t get us anywhere.

Below are nine tactics that have helped me put one foot in front of the other when the finish line is still far away.

1. Keep moving, even if you have to walk.

For those who have run a marathon, you can relate to wanting to just quit. The mantra I use here is “One foot in front of the other; just keep moving,” because every step forward leads you to the finish line. It’s OK to slow down or walk, meaning that in our day-to-day life, as long as you maintain forward progress, you don’t have to check off every box on your to-do list.

2. Focus on what you can control.

I have run the New York City Marathon in extreme cold and rain, and the ChicagoMarathon through brutal headwinds. I even ran Boston in April 2013, the year of the finish line bomb. (You can read my sentiments on that day here.) On those tough days when I couldn’t control brutal race conditions and questioned why I even signed up for the race, I reminded myself that what I could control was my attitude. Take advantage of what you can control and let go of the variables you cannot. For instance, a schedule is something you can somewhat control, so set a schedule for school time, work time, personal time and family time. A schedule helps us focus on prioritizing the things that matter most. So for example, family dinner means family dinner … it does not mean “one more email.”

3. Pace yourself.

At the starting line of a marathon, it’s natural to get carried away with adrenaline and the feeling of fresh tapered legs. You might be tempted to set a pace that isn’t ideal for 26.2 miles. Runners call this “fly and die!” I’m guilty. But pacing is key to remaining resilient and not burning out. Ways to pace yourself in everyday life include taking breaks (seriously, take those breaks!), slowing down when you need to and making sure you take the time for yourself to play with your kids, get outside, meditate, journal or do whatever helps you manage anxiety or sadness.

4. Adjust your race plan.

In a marathon, getting to the finish line is your goal. What you are doing and what your goals are (i.e., maintain business, maintain wellness, maintain strong relationships), have not changed for the most part, but how you get there has. So adjust your habits to meet those goals. It may take you a little longer in the same way that running in the headwind led me to a slower race time, but the key is to find ways to keep moving forward. For example, if you’ve lost clients, focus on helping others and seek to build relationships that will come back to benefit you in the long run. Or if you’re able to take your brick-and-mortar business more online, pivot to that. Most important, lead with heart and empathy in times of crisis.

5. Use mantras.

When I’m running a marathon, I use mantras, and some of my favorites are inspired by people such as my favorite Peloton instructor, Robin Arzon, whose marathon race mantra is “I AM.” Gretchen Rubin, author of Happier and co-host of the Happier podcast, recently had a show focused on a few great COVID-19 mantras, including one I love: “If not now, when?”

Our family mantra for COVID-19 is “Go with the flow,” meaning that sometimes school starts a little late, or sometimes we don’t have the chocolate milk the kids love or sometimes we lose a client we were counting on. We remind each other to go with the flow and be accepting of what is happening to us during what is most definitely a NOT normal time.

6. Look for silver linings.

During a race, one silver lining that helps me endure the lows is bonding with fellow runners. I love offering and receiving motivational shout-outs or high-fives. I have particularly vivid memories of mile 15 in the NYC Marathon, which (as anyone who has run it will recall) comes after a pretty brutal point in the race — the dark, somewhat uphill, spectator-less Queensboro bridge. When I finally exited the bridge onto the downhill stretch of 1st Avenue, the street was wide open, loud, vibrant and packed with spectators. It was an endorphin rush I will never forget. It was my silver lining.

At home, now, silver linings are walk breaks with my husband, cooking homemade meals with my kids and the ability to move my body and use exercise as an outlet. Think about what makes you smile throughout the day and express gratitude for it.

7. Think of how you want to remember this marathon.

When I ran my first marathon in Miami, it was hot. Blistering hot. But while I ran, I thought a lot about how I wanted to look back on my first-ever marathon as a positive experience, and that helped me keep going. Similarly, think about how you want your kids, or even how YOU want to remember this time, as you’re relating it to your grandkids someday. I know it’s tough, but seek out the moments that you’ll hold onto as good memories, even if it’s those Zoom happy hours where you danced.

8. Establish a reward.

For some, it’s all about the finisher medal. For others it’s about running for loved ones they’ve lost or those who are suffering. For me, it’s about the satisfaction of achievement, celebrating my health and let’s face it, my own mental health. Exercise is my personal meditation, outlet and what keeps me from going insane. Establish rewards for yourself and your family during this time. Whether it’s treating yourself to more Netflix, to one glass of wine every night, to Friday pizza dinner or a comfy new pair of ‘work from home’ pants (these are my personal faves), it’s encouraging to earn a prize at each mile marker of this pandemic.

9. Express gratitude for the aid stations and volunteers.

Ask any marathoner or Ironman triathlete about volunteers during the race and they will smile with appreciation. After I witnessed bombs go off in Boston, volunteers stepped in to help me call my husband immediately. Of course, that was unexpected, but COVID-19 is even more unprecedented, and I am so grateful for the front line and medical personnel who are helping those who are directly affected by COVID-19. It’s important is to thank the post office staff, the medical personnel, the Amazon delivery drivers (and tip well where you are able), to make them feel appreciated.

A marathon is 26.2 miles, and we know where the finish line is. So in the case of COVID-19, we are running what is more like an ultra-marathon. As for the specific distance, we are not so sure. But trust that there is a finish line and we will experience challenge, hardship and discomfort along the way. So I encourage you to rely on your friends, family and online networks, and when you ask or offer to help, be specific with your ask. Perhaps it’s an introduction to a business prospect or it’s asking someone to do a grocery run for you.

We are all human beings, and while we call what we are doing now “social distancing,” I consider it to be more like “physical distancing.” Because socially, we are united. We may not have the sweaty hugs and high-fives I miss so much, but we do have each other, and together, we will make it to the finish line. At the end of all of this, when we see the balloons, the Gatorade and our friends and families gathered together, we will have a much greater appreciation for community and for each other. We will come out of this stronger. Together.

(Originally published on Entrepreneur.com on 5/11/20)

As entrepreneurs, we are always looking to learn, stay relevant and find inspiration from fresh perspectives. For as much as I love to read, I don’t find time to and prefer to use that time for walks, especially now, when walking and movement is so key to our mental health and general well-being. Almost every day, I listen to a podcast while on a walk, and it helps keep me calm, all while offering perspective on what’s going on in our world and insights for how I can better myself as a human being and contribute to the personal and business communities.

Aside from a handful of favorite well-known business and health podcasts from New York Times best-selling authors, including The Tim Ferriss Show by Tim Ferris, the Joe Rogan Experience and Lewis Howe’s School of Greatness, below are less-known podcasts created by friends I have met throughout my career as well as people I admire. Especially during these times, their content delivers inspiration, the latest knowledge on keeping ourselves as healthy as possible and an opportunity to get some laughs in along the way.

1. RISE Podcast is hosted by New York Times best-selling author and motivational speaker Rachel Hollis. Rachel is unapologetic and personable with her conversations with guests that feature entrepreneurs and personal development leaders to help you be the best version of yourself. She and her husband, Dave, also parent four young kids, so it’s interesting to listen to how they are balancing it all throughout the pandemic. I became a fan of Rachel’s after reading her book Girl Wash Your Face when it first came out. She also taught me to stop apologizing so much!

2. Hurdle was launched in January of 2018 by former fitness editor at SELF magazine and freelance writer Emily Abbate, who has bylines in everything from SHAPE to GQ. I met Emily years back when she was a junior editor for a sports and lifestyle site and have continued to work with her as she now interviews the world’s best in health and fitness. Called “addictive” by The New York Times, Hurdle features people who got through a difficult time — a hurdle of sorts — by integrating wellness into their routines. Some of the most inspirational humans and top CEOs attained their success by turning to yoga, running, a new approach to eating or meditation, among other wellness practices. As Emily is an avid marathon runner, most of her guests are from the fitness world, but her shows, and blunt honesty, will inspire you to continue to live a healthier and happier lifestyle.

3. Ben Greenfield Fitness podcast isn’t all about fitness. If you want to get the nitty-gritty on biohacking and the latest science on all things health, give this show a shot. From fat loss to anti-aging to exercise and nutrition, New York Times best-selling author and speaker (his latest book, Boundless, is what I consider a health bible!), Ben interviews wellness and medical professionals and offers entertaining modern science knowledge alongside his own self-experimentation with everything from light therapy to nootropics to intermittent fasting. He explores tactics outside of traditional Western medicine and shares his own personal routines and offers Q&As. Fun fact: Twelve years ago, Ben was at my house and asked me, “I hope you don’t think I’m weird, but do you have coconut oil or olive oil for me to use on my face as a moisturizer?” In the same way coconut oil is now universal for skin care, Ben is on top of the latest in health, and always learning and sharing via a somewhat nerdy yet very compassionate voice.

4. Model Health Show focuses on overall health, inspired by Shawn Stevenson’s experience of revamping his lifestyle to overcome chronic pain from degenerative disc disease. In his conversations with experts, Stevenson offers balanced, evidence-based analysis of fads and health trends ranging from natural treatments for depression to understanding the science behind different types of exercises for building lean muscle mass. Shawn goes beyond nutrition and fitness and puts a lot of fun and heart into his unique “masterclass” episodes, which are my personal favorites.

5. Unlocking Us with Brené Brown is a new podcast I just got hooked on because of her track record and results for helping us “unlock the deeply human part of who we are” to become better as entrepreneurs, parents and human beings by “leading with more courage and heart.” Brené is a research professor at the University of Houston and author of five #1 New York Times bestsellers, and her most recent book, Dare to Lead, focuses on courage and leadership during a time when we need it most. If you’re into TED Talks, I encourage you to also listen to The Power of Vulnerability, which is a top-five most viewed TED talks in the world, with over 47 million views.

6. The One Thing earned a spot in my podcast library after I read Gary Keller’s #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, The One Thing. Hosted by Geoff Woods, the vice president of The One Thing, this podcast has helped me gain clarity on what’s most important in professional and personal life and work on eliminating distractions such as multi-tasking and social media to better prioritize the important things. From time blocking to habit forming, Gary offers specific examples for how to become more focused and be a better version of yourself.

7. The Genius Life is a great listen for those into nutrition and learning more about how to eat to optimize your brain, be more productive and feel better. Also known for his New York Times bestseller, Genius Foods (inspired by the loss of his mother to dementia), Max takes complex science and research and breaks it down into bite-size pieces integrating personal anecdotes and a sense of humor. From neurologists to heart surgeons, his guests are the best in the field of medicine and science, who focus on how to heal with food, ancient herbs and general practices. I love Max’s recipes, including my personal favorite for homemade dark chocolate balls.

8. Unstoppable with Kara Goldin is inspirational because Kara has conversations with industry disruptors and innovators in the world of wellness, business and life. I became a fan of Kara’s and connected with her over LinkedIn because of her founder story for Hint and how I used her example to help my twin brother drop his diet soda addiction to lose weight and eliminate artificial ingredients from his diet. When Kara developed Hint, she was told that her idea would never work and ended up launching Hint at her local Whole Foods Market, while on her way, literally, to delivering her fourth child. That’s how real this female entrepreneur powerhouse gets with the people she interviews, all while helping listeners build better habits and make healthier decisions. If you need to believe, this is a great one!

9. The Rich Roll Podcast has over 75 million downloads and is one of the most acclaimed podcasts that dives deep into all things wellness, spirituality, fitness, nutrition, entertainment and entrepreneurship. I met Rich back in 2005 when he modeled for the catalog and creative assets of a sports apparel company I was the marketing director for. He was authentic as ever and into endurance sports and had gone from an overweight drug and alcohol addict to a plant-based, ultra-endurance athlete. Fast-forward to 2020, and he’s a bestselling author, speaker and wellness evangelist and has a way to captivate you with longer-form conversations and interviews that provoke you to unleash your best authentic self.

10. The Momentous Podcast is a newer podcast hosted by 21-year old Harvard dropout and founder of a nutrition company Matt Wan, dedicated to “empowering the relentless pursuit of human health and performance.” It happens to be the protein powder I use because of its clean and safe ingredients, which is why I explored a listen. Matt interviews entrepreneurs and CEOs who are highly introspective and ambitious. His guests are mostly elite and Olympic athletes, trainers and medical experts, and it was his episode with sleep neuroscientist, sleep Expert, CrossFit athlete and Army soldier Dr. Allison Brager that got me hooked.

11. Happier with Gretchen Rubin is a dose of what we all need. With over 95 million downloads, Gretchen has been interviewed by Oprah and is the author of numerous New York Times bestsellers, my favorite of which is The Happiness Project, which spent two years on the bestseller list. Gretchen draws from cutting-edge science and popular culture to bring us interviews to help us improve our lives in so many ways. She has an unbelievable way of taking complex ideas and breaking them down with humor and clarity to help us find more happiness in all aspects of our lives. The New York Timescalled Gretchen “the queen of the self-help memoir,” and I stand 100 percent behind that.

During this lockdown time, I urge you to get outside if you can, take a walk and try out one or a few of these podcasts to enlighten, entertain and shine some silver linings and positive light for the days that lie ahead of us.

Originally appeared on Entrepreneur.com on 4/15/20 on this link.

I have a new appreciation for teachers, and I know I’m not the only one. Most of our schools are closed indefinitely and many of us working parents are expected to homeschool our kids while running our businesses and working. Although many schools have distributed online programs and learning packets, and we’re seeing an emergence of articles about how to homeschool, the majority of them don’t explain how to continue to work effectively while keeping your kids at home, and learning.

I’ve worked from home for 12 years, and although I’ve had nannies along the way, below are 10 tips to help make the time you spend with your kids productive, enjoyable and educational — all while keeping your business going.

1. Teach independence.

Kids need to know how to have a task and stick to it. They also need to understand that as parents, we have responsibilities and jobs and cannot be disturbed at certain times. How can you do this? Give your kids a timer (a standard egg timer works wonders) and tell them to read or play or work on a project for that given amount of time. If they are not accustomed to independence, begin with small increments of time such as 15 minutes, and over time, build in increments up to 60 minutes. This way you can set them up with a book, an online educational program (more on this later) or send them outside to play. The same goes for teaching them to make their own peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when they are hungry. The most important part of teaching independence is to start with small tasks, give them praise and establish this independence as a daily habit for them.

2. Establish a specific schedule (but be flexible).

Kids are used to schedules and bells at schools, so take advantage of this and set a schedule that allows you to work and not home school all day. Although a high school kid might welcome downtime and independence to just read and relax more, younger kids will likely enjoy the novelty of a different routine.

My boys (9 and 11) thrive on structure and like seeing a very specific schedule written out for the day. It helps them understand times when they will work independently (on learning software or workbooks or with non-screen activities, such as art, puzzles, writing or building), as well as times when my husband or I actively teaches or plays. I schedule their reading and math (done via iPad and worksheets) in the morning, followed by snack and recess, which allows me a fairly solid three-hour work block to get priority work done. Then I do something where I physically teach them, such as a history lesson, a science experiment or a Spanish lesson, which tends to be enjoyable for all of us.

Another school activity to work into the agenda is what I call “Writer’s Workshop,” which I change up — from essays, to creative writing, to a surprise. Yesterday the “surprise” was to write two letters to a friend, teacher or family member to brighten their days during these scary times. Most kids miss their friends the most and care about that much more than a plummeting stock market or shortage of Clorox wipes, so schedule a FaceTime call with one of their friends at the end of the day as a reward for a good school day. Allow flexibility in the daily schedule — it’s OK to switch things around to plan around key calls and video meetings.

3. Teach them home economics.

Yes, that was once a true class. In addition to prioritizing academic subjects into our schedule, we build in educational games, puzzles, music and chores. Having kids at home all day means more laundry, more dishes, more meals and more non-work to-dos. Typically after lunch, we build 30 minutes into the schedule where kids do chores, but you can do this whenever it’s most convenient for you. Will the novelty of doing dreaded chores wear off? Likely yes, but remain consistent and praise or reward your child. This will help build good habits and allow you more work time.

4. Create a work environment for your kids.

We’re spending time making our office and workspaces organized, so do the same for your kids. Ensure the workplace is clear, free of distractions, toys and clutter and equip them with notebooks, pens, pencils and some noise-canceling headphones for when they’re working on computers or iPads (you’ll thank me later).

5. Technology is your friend.

Many of our kids are already learning online and might even be using iPads at school. Software available for homeschool learning is great, especially the smart programs that auto-adapt to their learning abilities. Most schools send an email with specific assignments each child needs to do that week. While these are great, it’s not enough work for our kids, so we take it up a notch. (And if you’re an Entrepreneur.com loyalist, you likely will, too.) At home, we use Zearn, DreamBox and Freckle for math and Raz-Kids, Sora and Newsela for reading and language arts. There are multitudes of great software out there, so ask your teachers and community for recommendations. Just ensure you set your child up at the right level and take time to sit with him or her for a lesson so that you feel comfortable with the level of challenge.

6. Take turns with your partner or trusted family members and friends.

If you have a specific deadline or time when you need to be on a call, take turns with your partner so that he or she is in charge of supervising the kids during that time. In our house, my husband teaches math and history, and my mother, who is an artist and lives nearby, works with them on art lessons or a project for an hour each day. I schedule a deep work block or take a walk and knock out a phone call during these times.

7. Look to Skype or FaceTime for extracurricular activities.

After-school activities are other times some of us used to work, even if it meant returning calls while on a field or catching up on emails during practice. (Don’t worry, we will get back to that at some point.) But with no baseball, no piano and no swimming, our workdays are shorter. Adults have increasingly adopted FaceTime, Zoom and Skype to communicate with our teams, so why not use them for music lessons with your kid’s instructors, live dance classes or sports activities? At home, we rely on apps like Simply Piano and set a time in the daily schedule for the kids to practice.

Although your kids won’t be able to play soccer with their teams, they can certainly watch videos to help them improve their skills and teach them how to practice at home. If you don’t have access to outdoor space, most apartment complexes have indoor gyms or hallways that can likely be used as long as we are sensitive to social distancing and respectful of our neighbors. If you have access to outdoor space, send your kids out and assign them drills or challenges. Get specific (shoot 30 hoops or run 10 sprints), and if you can, do some of it with them. Take advantage of the time you’re not driving them to activities to prioritize family and health.

8. Schedule time for recess.

This is a no-brainer, and we all need it. If your kids are happy playing and eating lunch on their own, you can capitalize on this time to work. But if you can afford to take a break, you’ll be surprised what 15 minutes of dodge ball, dancing or playing a board game will do for your own happiness and productivity. Working from home means you’re not commuting, so don’t feel the need to feel busy at all times. For our mental health, our bodies and our minds, we need this play and laughter time now more than ever.

9. Be firm as a teacher.

Kids are going to do things they believe they can get away with, like act out when they’re not interested in the topic you’re teaching. It’s important to be firm about school the same way you are about other rules. Help your children understand that these are incredibly unusual times and as parents, we need to get our work done so that we can continue to provide a house, meals, pay the bills, etc. Without frightening them (remember, this is difficult for them, too), help them understand the importance of prioritizing learning and work. Make sure they have input into the schedule, and offer some options for activities or subjects. Do you prefer biology or chemistry today? On a unique day, even ask them to teach you one of the lessons.

10. Reward your students.

As adults, we feel appreciated when our colleagues or superiors tell us that we are performing well or did a great job on a project. Find a time at the end of the day to regroup to talk about the day’s challenges and accomplishments. For us, this is dinnertime. We don’t allow television or video games during the week, but during these times, we might tell our kids that if they follow the schedule and have good days, they can watch 30 minutes of TV in the evening. And if for some reason you have more work to do and the kids get 60 minutes of TV, don’t beat yourself up over this. The biggest takeaway here is to encourage your children and show them that good students are rewarded.

Keep this all in perspective.

What we are going through is not normal, and we hope that in the near future we can look back on this remember how we survived this world crisis. There is no road map for working while having your kids at home, and it’s OK for things to change as you go. In our house, the motto is “Go with the flow.” Uncertainty and fear will challenge us as entrepreneurs, but that’s what being an entrepreneur is all about. It’s knowing how to react, adapt and make the smartest decisions for our work and lifestyles. Rest assured that we will learn things along this very bumpy journey, be it a new language, a new sport, a new business idea or most importantly, how to live a simpler life while being more connected to our families. Be compassionate to yourself and those around you, and stay as positive as you can.

(Originally published on Entrepreneur.com on 3/27/20)