Juggling the demands of parenting and the ambitious goal of writing a 50,000-word novel in 30 days might seem impossible, but it can be done with some creativity and planning. Your time is precious as a parent, but carving out small pockets of time for writing can make a big difference. Here are some practical strategies to help you balance your parenting duties while crushing your NaNoWriMo goals.
Start Early or Stay Up Late
Finding uninterrupted time during the day can be challenging, but mornings and evenings often offer rare quiet moments. Waking up 30 minutes earlier or staying up a little later can give you valuable writing time.
Tips for Early Birds and Night Owls:
- Morning Writing: Set your coffee maker on a timer and start writing as soon as you wake up.
- Evening Writing: Create a calming wind-down ritual after the kids are in bed—light a candle, put on soft music, and write in a cozy spot.
Maximize Nap Times and Playtime
For parents of younger children, nap time is golden. Use that quiet stretch to focus on your story. If your child is older and doesn’t nap, set up independent play activities or screen time (guilt-free!) to create a short writing window.
Quick Writing Tips:
- Plan what you’ll write beforehand so you can dive in when the opportunity arises.
- Use a timer to stay focused and avoid distractions during these short bursts of writing.
Involve Your Kids
Why not make your kids a part of your NaNoWriMo journey? Explain that you’re working on a particular project and set them up with creative tasks, like coloring, drawing, or even writing their own “books.” This can give you some uninterrupted time while inspiring their creativity, too. For instance, you can ask them to draw a scene from your novel or write a short story about the characters.
Pro Tip: Create a reward system for both of you. For example, you can enjoy a treat together if you meet your word count.
Break It Into Small Chunks
Writing doesn’t have to happen all at once. Aim for smaller daily sessions, like 10- or 15-minute sprints. These add up quickly, especially if you make the most of transitions, like waiting during school pick-up or while dinner cooks.
Tools to Stay Efficient:
- Use a note-taking app or voice recorder to jot down ideas.
- Keep your laptop or notebook easily accessible for quick writing sessions.
Lean on Your Support System
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Trade off childcare with your partner, enlist family or friends for an afternoon, or organize playdates to free up some time. If you’re part of a parenting group, see if anyone else is participating in NaNoWriMo and set up a babysitting swap!
Remember: Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re not doing enough—it’s a smart way to make room for your goals.
Embrace Imperfection
As a busy parent, life is unpredictable, and some days might not go as planned. Give yourself grace and focus on progress rather than perfection. Even a few hundred words are better than none, and every step forward is worth celebrating.
Quick Tip: Use “imperfect” moments—like writing with kids nearby or tackling your draft in small increments—to remind yourself that progress matters more than how it looks.
Combine Writing with Family Time
Incorporate writing into your family activities. For example, work on a scene while your kids do homework or dictate ideas into a voice app while walking together. These multitasking moments can help you stay connected with your family while keeping your novel moving forward.
Plan Ahead for the Month
Organize your schedule. Look for blocks of time you can dedicate to writing and plan meals, chores, and other tasks in advance. The more prepared you are, the less you’ll need to juggle on the fly.
Prepping Tips:
- Batch-cook meals or rely on easy-to-prepare options to save time.
- Use a planner or calendar to schedule dedicated writing time.
Celebrate Small Wins
Every word you write is a victory. Celebrate your progress every day, whether it’s 200 words or 2,000. These small successes will keep you motivated and remind you that you’re doing something incredible—not just for yourself but as a role model for your kids.
Final Thoughts
Tackling NaNoWriMo as a parent isn’t about finding hours of time––it’s about making the most of the moments you have. By carving out small windows of time, leaning on your support system, and embracing flexibility, you can balance parenting and writing while achieving your creative goals. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, and your story is worth every moment of it.
You’ve got this—and your story is worth it! I’m here to support and encourage you every step of the way.
Elizabeth Yuen 