Working from home can be demanding for some people, and doing it while taking care of children can be an extra challenge. Read our article for some tips.
If you’re one of the millions of parents currently working from home with kids, you know what a challenge it can be. Trying to juggle work responsibilities while also caring for your children and keeping them entertained can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, though – you’re not alone! With a little creativity and planning, it is possible to successfully work from home with kids. In this post, we’ll share some helpful tips and tricks to help you and your family make the most of this unique situation.
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1. Set up Some You Time
First and foremost, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself. When you’re busy taking care of your children, it can be easy to lose sight of your own needs, but it’s critical that you carve out some you time on a daily basis (even if it’s only 10-15 minutes). This is time that is just for you to take a deep breath, relax, and recharge. You can use this time however you please – do some yoga, read a book, meditate, or just enjoy a cup of tea uninterrupted. Whatever activity you choose, make sure it’s something you enjoy and that helps you feel centered and refreshed.
Related Read: 11 ways to minimize workplace distractions
2. Set a Schedule and Stick to It
Aside from taking care of yourself, it’s also essential to set a schedule and stick to it. Having a routine can help you and your family stay on track and be more productive, as well as reduce stress and anxiety. Start by creating a work schedule that identifies your priorities and sets aside time for important calls, meetings, and other tasks. At the same time, create a schedule for your kids that includes meals, nap times, and activities, and make sure to communicate these schedules with your children so they know what to expect. Remember, it’s crucial to be flexible and adapt your schedule as needed to allow for unforeseen events or changes in your work or home life.
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3. Be Realistic and Ask for Help
It’s also important to be realistic about what you can achieve and to ask for help when you need it. Taking care of children while working is a big ask, and it’s essential to acknowledge your limitations. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask your partner, family members, or friends for assistance. You can also enlist the help of a babysitter or nanny for a few hours a day if you need uninterrupted work time. Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help, and asking for help can actually end up being more efficient and productive than trying to do everything yourself.
Related Read: 6 Books to boost your productivity
4. Create a Kid Schedule
Another helpful tip for working from your home office with kids is to create a schedule specifically for your children. Children thrive on routines and knowing what to expect, so having a schedule that includes meals, quiet times, naps, activities, and other daily routines is essential. Having a schedule also makes it easier to plan ahead and carve out time for you to focus on work as well. It’s important to involve your children in creating the schedule and to recognize that it might need to be adjusted as you find out what works best for you and your family.
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5. Engage Kids in Activities
Engaging your kids in activities can also be helpful when working from home. This can help keep them entertained and occupied while you’re working. Finding activities that your children enjoy can also help to build trust, improve communication, and foster a positive home environment. You could plan indoor activities like arts and crafts, baking, or playing board games, or outdoor activities like bike rides, scavenger hunts, or sports. You can also involve your children in tasks like organizing, cleaning, or gardening to make them feel like they’re contributing to the household.
6. Take Breaks and Have Fun
Taking breaks and having fun is just as important as getting work done. When you’re working from home with kids, it can be easy to get caught up in work and forget to take breaks or enjoy some downtime. Make sure to take frequent breaks throughout the day to stretch, move your body, or simply take a mental break. Schedule some fun activities with your kids, like a living room dance party or a game of hide-and-seek. Having fun can help to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve productivity, making it a critical component of working from home with kids.
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Here are some additional ideas for taking breaks and having fun when working from home with kids:
- Play a quick game of cards or board games during your breaks
- Set up a mini photo studio and take fun family pictures
- Host a movie day or evening once a week
- Take exercise breaks during the day with short sessions of yoga or exercise videos for kids
- Create together a reading nook, and take turns reading out loud
- Plan a virtual meet up with other families in your circle and organize a virtual trivia night or game session.
- Cook a meal or snack together and involve your children in the process
- Set up a scavenger hunt for your kids to look for items around the house
- Break out the sidewalk chalk and have a chalk art contest
- Take an outdoor walk together, go for a hike, or seek nearby natural spaces to explore.
It’s essential to remember that working from home with kids is a challenge and it is okay to make mistakes. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go as planned or you don’t reach the same level of productivity as you would if you were in the office. Be patient with yourself and your kids and take each day one step at a time. Seek support from family, friends, or even professionals if needed and know that this experience can be rewarding in many ways.
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