Finding Balance When Working at Home with Kids
All parents will agree that getting things done with their kids around can be challenging, especially when it comes to working from home! However, there are some great tips you can follow to make working from home with the kids much easier. I started working from home nearly 10 years ago and at first, it was rough. But, it’s all about finding the right balance. Here are a few ways to effectively work from home with kids in the house.
Create a routine or schedule
The one thing that’s going to prove invaluable, is creating and maintaining a schedule. When your kids know what they are working on and have a schedule to follow, it makes it so much easier for everyone. Kids thrive with a routine so make sure that everyone has set wake up, meal and bedtimes, as well as time allotted for activities. This will be the best time for you to make phone calls or get other important work done. Don’t forget to schedule time you can spend together such as walks outside or playtime in the backyard.
Plan engaging activities
When you need to work on an important project, it can help to get the kids immersed in an engaging activity. Craft projects are a great option because they are fun and take a while to complete. Be sure to have the right supplies on hand and in a designated place. This way you can quickly provide your kids with what they need, and they will also know where to go to find more if they need it. Setting aside reading time for older kids is a good idea also. You can use an online site like Epic! where you can find eBooks that are organized by grade. They also have read-to-me options for early readers. I have shared several worksheets and coloring pages you can print out for your kids to work on as well. You will need a break too!
Make time for physical activity
It can be tough trying to work when the kids have bundles of energy. Getting them to partake in physical activity helps to wear them out as well as keep them healthy. As I mentioned above, during your scheduled break time you can all take a walk together or play in the backyard. Play Simon Says, Red Light Green Light, or have them run relay races. If you can’t go outside, you can utilize sites like Go Noodle where kids can watch videos that encourage them to dance and play. Once they’ve finished their physical activity, they will be more likely to play quietly for a period of time or, if you’re really lucky, they might even take a nap!
Ensure you have a quiet workspace
Finding a quiet workspace away from all distractions where you won’t be disturbed seems impossible when you have kids. When my kids were younger as soon as I sat down at my makeshift office in the kitchen, they suddenly all needed something! But if you explain to the kids that you can’t be disturbed for a certain amount of time and why it’s important, you’ll find they are typically willing to listen. In the beginning, I had to remind them often that it was quiet time, but it soon became part of our routine and this practice taught my kids patience.
Utilize technology
Normally, most parents try to limit their child’s exposure to technology. However, when you’re trying to work from home, you’ll find technology can be a real help. When you don’t want to be disturbed, let the kids watch a movie or play on a smartphone or tablet device. This will keep them occupied for a longer period of time, allowing you to take that conference call for example. There are several educational apps that can be fun and beneficial for your kids. You can find some great ideas here: 30+ Educational Resources for Kids K-8
Talk through any issues with your employer
If working at home is new to you and you’re having issues juggling everything, don’t be afraid to talk to your employer. They might be able to give you more time on projects until you can adjust to this new arrangement, or there might be tasks that can be done later in the day when your kids are asleep. Some days I opt to put non-time sensitive tasks off until night-time so that I can spend more time with the kids during the day. If your significant other doesn’t work on the weekends, you might also be able to utilize that time to have him/her take the kids to the park so you can finish us a few tasks.
