Juggling Parenting & Work? 6 Tips for Parents Working from Home
Parents working from home is no easy feat! While some parents find working from home to be convenient and efficient, others struggle to balance the demands of work and parenting.
- Some parents may feel guilty for when they are unable to dedicate enough time to their children
- Others may struggle to find a quiet workspace free from distractions.
- Also, working from home may blur the lines between work and personal life making it difficult for some parents to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- And there is always the juggling of work, parenting, and perhaps schooling simultaneously, all within a day.
It’s possible that at this moment, you’ll start regretting working or working from home or BOTH!
It can be difficult, let’s face it.
It’s no piece of cake to try to remain professional on a zoom chat while your toddler cries out for you to wipe his butt NOW from the bathroom.
Just keep in mind all the wonderful things you’ve already achieved as a person and a parent. So many difficult circumstances have been worked out by you. The situation can be managed in a better way. And keep in mind that, even in difficult circumstances, having a career, the flexibility to work from home, and a family to care for is a privilege. Of course, doing all this will not solve your problem but we do have some practical tips for you to try to navigate your daily routine .
Tested Tips For Parents Working From Home
1. Set Some Realistic Goals
You’ll need to modify your expectations for how much work you can do in a day if you’re switching from working without kids to working with a brand-new group of co-workers or children (and your employer, too!)
Create a list of the top tasks you must complete today, followed by those you’d like to complete and those you’d like to work on if you have time.
Be prepared for the task at hand to take longer than normal. Depending on the day, the students, or a variety of other things, the answer may vary in length.
In order to start your list for the following day with a better feeling of what you can handle, take delight in each task that you complete rather than expecting to complete everything. Experience may be learned from; there is something to be learned every day.
Acceptable change is a wonderful thing, but don’t lose the nice portions of your routine. On workdays, most of us follow a similar schedule. We often follow particular patterns, even though they may not seem the same.
Does the start of your day include a shower? Coffee? Scanning social media? The commute? Choose the elements of your habit that will work best for your new circumstances and include them in your goals.
Make your coffee at home and join a video call for a morning check-in if you often meet a friend for coffee at the corner café to catch up. Spend some time with a book or newspaper before starting your reading if you plan to utilize the train travel to catch up.
Every workday, you should surely brush your teeth and get ready for the day, at the very least, dress for video chats.
2. Take Breaks From Both Work & Parenthood
Scheduling breaks, including lunch, is vital, of course. Conversations and breaks are naturally encouraged in an office setting due to social interaction. You are responsible for striking up a conversation or taking a break when working remotely.
Have a family dance party in the kitchen, ask a co-worker how they are doing, go for a quick walk around the block, and read a few books to your child. You can feel revitalized and ready to take on your next challenge after spending even a brief period of time away from work-related activities.
Of course, sometimes your job doesn’t allow for much flexibility, or your company believes that working from home should entail 24-hour availability.
When you can, think about speaking up, and use your calendar to mark breaks and the beginning and conclusion of your day. Find out when meetings go best and when you might need to take a break from work by speaking with supportive co-workers and managers.
3. Stay Connected with Your Co-workers
There are so many fantastic apps available that promote interaction and conversation while experiencing the comfort of your home. You could need to start experimenting with new things, or your organization might already be using them.
Video chat can help you have more insightful, team-building conversations when you can’t meet in person. A messaging app can manage urgent messages more easily than email for rapid responses. Everyone can stay informed by using shared calendars and project timelines.
Use robust apps to stay connected even if you are unable to be in the office. Get in touch with the other parents you work with; they are going through the same thing.
4. Maintain a Schedule
When working from home, it can be easy for work and personal time to blend together, leading to burnout and a feeling of being constantly “on.” Creating a schedule and sticking to it can help you set boundaries and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Be sure to include time for breaks, meals, and family time in your schedule.
Create a dedicated workspace: Ideally, your workspace should be a separate room or area in your home that is quiet and free from distractions. If that’s not possible, try to find a spot that you can make your own, such as a corner of your bedroom or a space in your living room.
Just like in a traditional office setting, it’s important to take regular breaks throughout the day to prevent burnout and stay refreshed. Consider setting a timer to remind you to take a break every hour or so and use that time to stretch, walk around, or do something that helps you relax.
You should also consider reading: How Working Parents Can Strategically Prioritize Their Time
5. Communicate With Your Employer
If you’re struggling to balance work and parenting responsibilities, talk to your employer about your situation. They may be willing to offer flexible hours or other accommodations to help you manage your workload.
6. Involve Your Children
If your children are old enough, involve them in your work by giving them small tasks to help with. This can help them feel included and can also give you a chance to teach them valuable skills. However, it’s important to set boundaries and make sure they understand when you need to focus on work.
Need ideas for kid-friendly activities? Check out these blogs on fun activities for Kids
Wrapping Up
Working from home while raising children might present challenges that are beneficial to all. Your kids will get to see a side of you they may not have known before and may learn some lessons about independence and unstructured play.
Your relationships and communication can be strengthened by finding solutions to problems with your spouse or other family members. You become a more resilient, flexible, and creative worker by being accustomed to working under less-than-ideal conditions!
Explore our collection of yearlong home-learning kits and classes with resources covering all areas of learning and development. You’ll find a kit and class that is suitable for the educational needs of your child.
Go ahead, help your child uncover their inner genius!
