Tips on Working from Home with Kids

Are you about to lose your mind from trying to balance working from home and being a parent during the pandemic? Honey, you are NOT ALONE! People think working from home is the easiest thing in the world to do and now that people are actually experiencing having to balance it all they realize that is not the case. I have been working from home with 3 kids by my side since 2017. Before you pull your hair out I want to share some tips with you.

Create a Schedule: It sounds easy enough but many of us don't actually do it. Creating a schedule for both you and your kids will be beneficial to your success working at home. Your kids have had a structured schedule when they had school so why not give them one now? Use it to your advantage. If you need quiet time to make calls schedule a quiet activity at that time.

Take Advantage of Nap Time: If you have a baby or toddler take advantage of their nap time. When Sydney was still taking naps I would make sure that is when I would get my tasks that required a little more focus done or knock out all my phone calls for the day. It seems so simple but many people don't even think to do this.

Screen Time is Okay: I know many parents restrict screen time but when working from home that screen time can be your best friend. I would find educational YouTube videos to put on in the background for Sydney while I worked so she had something to do. Giving them a tablet or phone to play on so you can get work done isn't going to melt their brains and in fact if you choose the right things for them to watch and play it can actually help. Sydney knew how to count to 10 and her ABC's at a super early age because of the videos she watched while I worked. If you have older kids let them play some video games (but if they are like my boys remind them that you are workings so yelling super loud when they get that kill in Fortnite may not be appropriate during working hours).

Expect Interruptions: There is no way around it... your cute new mini coworkers are going to demand some of your time. I have noticed during this time that so many of us are working from home because of COVID that if you are upfront with people they are understanding. When I make an important phone call I say upfront that I apologize if they hear kids in the background because I am working from home. 9 times out of 10 they completely understand.

Let your Kids "Work" with you: I have been working from home since Sydney was about a year old and noticed now that she is getting older she wants to "work" like mommy. It makes her feel special and important so I set her up a chair next to me and she grabs her favorite toy computer and "works" alongside me. On days she doesn't want to work on the computer she colors in a notebook. Making them feel included and helpful is beneficial to you and will lead to fewer interruptions.

Where you have your office can make a difference: I have had my office in numerous different spots since starting and sometimes it takes a little trial and error. What works for me may not work for you but I did notice that for me the best spot is in our living room. My computer desk is right next to our couch and my kids often like to be in the same room watching TV together. This can be a blessing and a curse but most days it is them just wanting to spend time with Mommy while she works and they usually behave. Also, with it being in a central location I can keep a better eye on my 4-year-old while she runs amuck in the house.

Don't be afraid to be upfront with your boss and ask for help from family: I know I know we are all Super Moms who can do it all and never want to ask for help. Well, truth be told sometimes we can't and we need a little bit of help. Don't be scared to tell your boss that you are working on finding the best balance and some days you may be more efficient than others. If you have older kids ask them to help you with your younger ones. We made a deal with Brayden and Tony that if they help with Sydney while I work that they can earn more money on their allowance at the end of the week and most days they do. If you don't have older kids that can help don't be afraid to ask for help from nearby family and friends.

At the end of the day, this is uncharted territory for so many. It is okay if it takes you a while to get your groove but you've got this. Working from home and being a mom is hard. Don't let ANYONE tell you otherwise. I am still trying to find the best balance after years of doing it and some days are better than others but hopefully, these tips on working from home during a pandemic and in general help you be the boss babe that you are. You've got this!

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