Working from home has become an essential part of our lives. Although this comes with many advantages, when you add little children to the scene that’s when the game changes. However, you don’t have to suffer working from home with kids.
Here is a simple and practical guide which you can use to create a productive and harmonious environment while ensuring your kids are engaged and happy.
Set a routine
- First thing first, establish a routine. Children thrive on routines and so do you. Create a daily schedule that includes work hours, breaks, and family time.
- You should also be consistent with the children`s bedtime routine to ensure they are well rested and to avoid any meltdowns.
- Set times during the day to spend with family. This will benefit you and your kids even if it’s only for short periods of time.
- Write down a schedule every Sunday for the upcoming week to help your youngsters understand what to expect.
- Eat your meals together and chat to each other, giving them all your attention.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
- Separate Work and Play Areas: Designate a specific area in your home as your workspace to help you stay focused.
Communicate with Your Kids
- Use Visual Aids: Use charts or timers to help younger kids understand when you’ll be available.
- Set Expectations: Explain your work schedule to your kids and set expectations for interruptions.
Plan Activities for Your Kids
- Independent Play: Have a list of activities that your kids can do independently, such as puzzles, crafts, or educational games.
- Screen Time Management: Schedule screen time during important calls or meetings to keep kids occupied. To make screen time effective, make sure you only use it as your last tool.
Take Advantage of Quiet Times
- Early Mornings or Late Evenings: Use early mornings or late evenings for tasks that require deep concentration.
- Nap Times: Plan critical work during nap times if you have younger children.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
- Educational Apps: Utilize educational apps and online resources to keep kids engaged and learning.
- Virtual Playdates: Arrange virtual playdates to keep kids socially engaged with their friends.
Be Flexible and Realistic
- Adjust Your Workload: Use a calendar and set deadlines to ensure productivity.
- Embrace Imperfection: Understand that there will be interruptions and that it’s okay to have less-than-perfect days.
Utilize Support Systems
- Share Responsibilities: If you have a partner, share childcare responsibilities to balance work and family time.
- Family and Friends: If possible, enlist help from family or friends for childcare.
Take Breaks Together
- Quality Time: Use breaks to spend quality time with your kids, whether it’s a quick game, a walk outside, or a snack break.
- Physical Activity: Engage in physical activities to help kids burn off energy and keep them healthy.
Self-Care
- Personal Time: Carve out time for yourself to relax and recharge, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.
- Stay Connected: Maintain social connections with friends and colleagues for support and interaction.
Communication with Employer
- Set Boundaries: Clearly communicate your working hours and availability to your employer and colleagues.
- Provide Updates: Regularly update your employer on your progress and any challenges you face working from home with kids.
Being a parent involves more than just providing for your family. Allowing children to observe you working can be motivating and inspirational and will probably affect how they see work in the future.
Take a break when your kids need you, and come back to your work later. Work life balance is indeed very hard to achieve but with a bit of organisation skills you can definitely have a fulfilling career as well as a happy family life.