The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the number of parents working from home while caring for their children. For many, this has been an incredibly challenging adjustment. Trying to balance work deadlines and meetings with making meals, keeping kids occupied, and helping with virtual schooling can feel overwhelming.
If you’re struggling to find a good balance, here is some advice on making working from home with kids more manageable:
Set Up a Designated Workspace
Creating a dedicated office space in your home is critical for focusing on work. Set up a desk or table in an area you can close off from the rest of the house. Ensure it is quiet, free from distractions, and equipped with the necessary supplies to be productive. If space is tight, get creative and carve out an area just for you, even if it’s in a closet or corner of the bedroom.
Set a Schedule
Setting work hours and a daily routine is essential when working from home with children. Be clear with family about when you are “at work” versus available for non-work tasks. Try to stick to a consistent schedule as much as possible. Also, build in breaks for connecting with your kids, like during lunch or for an afternoon walk. Setting boundaries will help ensure you have focused time to complete your job.
Involve the Kids
When appropriate, involve kids in your workday to make them feel included. When you’re not on calls or writing, let them sit with you and doodle or read quietly. Ask them to help sort papers or stuff envelopes. Older children can take on small administrative tasks for you. Engaging them makes them less likely to interrupt you during critical work times.
Take Advantage of Naptime
Naptime and early bedtimes are prime opportunities for getting work done without constant interruption. Have toys, books, and activities ready so kids can independently entertain themselves during these periods. Make sure they understand quiet time rules. Headphones can be handy so you can jump on calls without worrying about background noise. Take advantage of peaceful moments in the early mornings, too.
Alternate Childcare Duties
If you have a partner at home, split up oversight of the children throughout the day to give each other uninterrupted work stretches—or alternate full workdays while the other parent takes on childcare duties. You may need to get creative, but finding ways to share the load makes a huge difference.
Establish Tech-Free Zones
It can be tempting to park kids in front of screens so you can work, but this often backfires when they get bored and antsy. Establish screen-free zones in your home to encourage more creative play whenever possible. Rotate a bin of “new” toys and activities kids haven’t seen in a while to spark their interest. Engage babysitters or family members to interact with kids so you don’t have to.
Communicate Expectations with Kids
Have an open conversation with your children about what to expect while you are working from home. Clarify how they can and can’t interrupt you. They can only ask for something urgent by writing you quick notes. Provide regular updates so they know when you’ll be available again. Follow through on commitments to prevent frustration.
Build in Family Time
Be intentional about taking breaks to connect with your kids during the workday. Even 10 minutes of your undivided attention means a lot. Ask about their day and what they’re learning in school. Make lunch together and have a picnic. Take a quick walk around the block to get some fresh air. Finding little moments to engage will mean fewer interruptions later.
Let Go of Perfection
Understand that balancing work and childcare will make your home and schedule less structured. Laundry may pile up, and your usual routine will get disrupted. Aim to do your best, then let go of unrealistic expectations. Your family’s health and bonding time together is most important. The dishes and dusting can wait.
Connect with Other WFH Parents
Find support and advice by connecting with other parents in online groups navigating the same balancing act. Share tips and resources for making it work. Vent your frustrations and celebrate small victories. Knowing you aren’t alone in the struggle can lift your spirits on stressful days.
Prioritize Self-Care
Build small breaks for yourself, even if enjoying a hot cup of coffee once the kids are occupied. Take time to exercise, connect with friends, or do an activity you enjoy. Setting aside time to recharge makes you a better, more patient parent and employee. Remember to take care of yourself too.
Outsource What You Can
Consider hiring a mother’s helper, babysitter, or virtual tutor to entertain kids for a few hours daily. Or swap childcare with other WFH parents. Meal kits and grocery/food delivery can be worth the splurge during busy work times. Find ways to “rent” extra hands. Routine tasks don’t all fall on your plate.
Be Flexible
Understand that some days will go smoothly while others will be nonstop juggling. Learn to roll with unpredictability. Communicate challenges transparently with managers and colleagues. Please do what you can and take it seriously, knowing everyone faces new challenges. Offer colleagues flexibility, too.
Working from home with children is intensely demanding. There will be stressful moments, and things will be far from perfect. But you can find an imperfect balance by putting some structure and self-care strategies in place. Stay patient, set reasonable expectations, and don’t be afraid to ask your partner, family, and friends for support. You’ve got this!
