How to Work From Home – With Kids!
Do you have little ones running around the house and keeping you from getting your work done? It can be tough to try and balance work with kids at home. But it is not impossible! Here are ten tips for working from home with kids that will help make things a bit easier for you.
- Establish a daily routine. Kids thrive on having a schedule to follow, which can help you get into your workday with fewer distractions. Set up designated work times for yourself and also designate some downtime for playtime with the kids as well.
- Create a dedicated workspace. Make sure that you have an area in your home where you can set up shop and be productive without interruption. It is essential that kids understand that this is your space to focus on work so they know not to disturb you when they see you there.
- Let your kids join in! If your kids are old enough to understand what it means for Mommy or Daddy to work from home, why not let them help you? If they are too young, have them do a craft or activity in the same room as you so that you can still be there together.
- Make time for breaks. Having little ones at home can be exhausting, and your body needs to rest during the day. You don’t have to work all day long – take regular breaks throughout the day where you step away from your computer and spend some quality time with your kids.
- Get creative with childcare solutions. It doesn’t always work to have mom or dad sitting in their office while the kids run around unsupervised. See if you can find a local caregiver who can come into your home for a few hours a day, or if there is a program for your kids to participate in.
- Utilize technology. With today’s technologies, you can keep an eye on the kids while they are playing and still be productive. From video chat platforms like Skype and Zoom, to monitoring applications like Kidmode, you can check in with them while continuing to work from home.
- Keep it structured and organized. Have a plan of attack every morning – know what tasks need to be done that day and how long each task will take so that you stay on track. This also allows you to set aside time in the afternoon for activities with the kids before getting back into your work routine again later on in the day.
- Outsource when you can. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed! See if there are any tasks that can be delegated or outsourced, such as grocery shopping or meal prepping, so that you can focus on getting your work done.
- Set clear boundaries with clients and colleagues. Let your clients and colleagues know in advance what days/times you will be available for meetings and conference calls so that there is no confusion about availability. This way, you don’t have to worry about taking important calls while the kids are running around, creating a ruckus in the background!
- Find ways to stay motivated. Working from home with kids can be difficult, and there will be days when you feel like giving up. But it is important to stay positive, so find ways to keep yourself motivated and push through the tough times! Listen to music that lifts your spirits, or take a break for a few minutes to do some deep breathing exercises.
These ten tips will help you make working from home with kids a bit easier and more manageable. And while it won’t always be easy, remember that you can make it work if you remain organized and focused on your goals!
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