Working from home with kids can be tough. Unfortunately it's the reality for many parents, whether occasionally or regularly. Juggling two all-consuming responsibilities simultaneously is exhausting! Here's some tips on how to manage:
Routines
Creating a routine for managing the day can be a great first step. Consider when your child usually naps, for example- this would be a great time for you to focus in on tasks that need your full concentration. Likewise, when your child needs your attention more, this would be a better time to take on lighter tasks, such as working through emails.
Taking breaks
When working from home with kids around, use the short break times that you'd normally take away from your desk to interact with them. These pockets of time can be a special 10 minutes for you and your child to connect. Aim to join in whatever they're doing and be in their world before you need to get back to work.
Line up activities
When you know you've got to work from home with your child present, it can make life easier to have activities that will keep them occupied lined up. For instance, put out the play dough or colouring pens and paper for them to use, and ask them to have fun playing while you're concentrating on something. Other great activities to keep them busy could include:
-crafts
-puzzles
-a bowl of bubbly water for them to 'wash' their plastic toys in
-playing in a sand pit
-using blankets to make a fort to play in
-setting up an obstacle course using cushions/ sofa cushions
-drawing on the patio with chalk
-Lego
-reading books
-make a movie using a smartphone.
Build in some exercise
Kids have boundless energy, so if they don't have an outlet for it then you might find yourself pestered! Try letting them play outside while you keep an eye on them, or take them to the park for 30 minutes during the your lunch break. During bad weather, try getting them to do a kids' workout video on YouTube.
Plan time together after work
A good way to keep your kids happier while working from home is to use the reward of 'later we will go to the park/ bake some cakes together/ go to the library'. If they know that later on they will be doing something they enjoy, it can be easier for them to play quietly while you are working.
Get them to try new activities
The excitement of a new activity can help keep your child entertained for longer while you're busy. Try giving them some items to play dress up with, or freeze some plastic animals in ice and then give them a bowl of warm water to melt the ice with. You could also add some essential oils to their play doh- lavender is a calming smell for kids- or a few drops of food colouring.
Find more helpful parenting ideas and advice in our Family Support Library.
