If you’re stuck working from home with kids, there’s no doubt it’s going to be challenging! Any parent knows that getting anything done with their kids around can be almost impossible sometimes.
Even though I’m not a parent I do know what it’s like working from home with kids. I’ve been working from home since 2014. I babysit during the day for my sister. Her kids are under the age of 6 years old.
So, I know first-hand how hard it is to get things done for your job, blog, or business. It feels like you’re always pressed for time. It’s especially hard when you have little ones.
However, there are some great tips you can follow to make working from home with the kids much easier. It’s all about finding the right balance. Here, you’ll learn some of the best ways you can effectively work from home even with kids.
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Table of Contents
1) Plan engaging activities
When you need to get on with an important project, it can help to get the kids immersed in an engaging activity. Craft projects tend to be a popular option. They are fun for the kids, and they take a while to complete.
You’ll find hundreds of craft project ideas online. Try and find something which utilizes supplies you already have in the home. Then, they can get on with their crafts while you complete your important work tasks.
Here are a few craft activities I recommend:
My First Learn to Write Workbook
Disney Princess Necklace Activity
Totally Awesome Mazes and Puzzles
2) Create a routine early on
Working from home and having the kids at home all day is a new experience for both you and them. Therefore, it’s going to help if you create a routine as early as you can.
Kids thrive with a routine so make sure you all have set wake up, meal and bedtimes. Try and schedule time you can spend together on your breaks too. That way, they are still getting one-to-one attention from you, reducing the likelihood they’ll pester you when you need to get on with work.
Printables are a great way to help you create a routine. If you could use printables to help you create a new routine then grab my printable lifestyle planner. It will help you keep track of your to-do list, assign chores, and more.
3) Take advantage of nap times
If your kids are still quite young, make sure you take advantage of nap times. These are the perfect opportunities for you to get a bulk of your work done without having to worry about the kids.
This is one of my favorite ways to get things done. One of my nephews is a year old. While my sister is at work, I put him on a nap routine. He takes a nap in the morning and one in the afternoon.
This way I can get things done without interruption. Plus, babies need plenty of sleep. If they don’t get enough, they end up getting fussy. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Try reading a book to your child to help them take a nap. If you have a toddler, I recommend this toddler book. It’s one of my nephew’s favorites.
4) Ensure you have a quiet workspace
One thing you’re going to need when you’re working from home with the kids is a quiet workspace. It should be away from all distractions and ideally, you shouldn’t be disturbed while you’re there.
Of course, this can be tricky, but if you explain to the kids that you can’t be disturbed and why it’s important, you’ll find they are typically willing to listen.
A designated home office is the best way to go about it. You can close the door so they understand you’re working. Plus, it’s a great way to separate work and home life. When you’re done you can leave everything in your office.
If you don’t have the space for a separate home office you can section off part of your bedroom or basement. Having my own space for work helps me a lot. It helps to make you feel like you’re actually going to work.
5) Utilize technology
In usual times, you try to limit your 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.
This trick helps my 7-year-old nephew. What I do is put on a kid-appropriate YouTube channel on our TV. It keeps him preoccupied longer. Plus, it’s an easy way to monitor what he watches.
Plus, there are so many educational apps for kids. Many of them have fun games. There are even coloring book apps. This will definitely buy you some time.
6) Prepare for Interruptions
7) Download Kid-Friendly Printables
Suzi from startamomblog.com has a tutorial where she shows you how to make them. But if you don’t have time for that go to Pinterest, Etsy or download the activity pack I made!
8) Get Extra Help
9) Unsupervised activities
10) Focus on the Important Tasks
If you’re having trouble with productivity and planning then it’s time to get a planner. I absolutely love this one from Amazon. It comes with a weekly and monthly spread. Plus, it comes with monthly tab stickers.
11) Reward Their Good Behavior
Or set up a sticker system. Every time they let you work you can give them a sticker. Then when they’ve collected enough, they get a reward.
12) Take Breaks
13) Create Activity Boxes
14) Work at Night or Early in the Morning
15) Be Flexible
If your schedule allows it, be flexible. I’m fortunate enough to have a flexible schedule. It helps a lot. When you’re working from home with kids’ flexibility can be your best friend. So many things can come up.
They might’ve spilled something, or they’re fighting with their sibling. So many unexpected things happen. If you have a baby at home you might need to change their diaper. It’s best to just go with the flow. Don’t get upset when life gets in the way. Be as flexible as you can. It’ll save your sanity, trust me.
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Conclusion
It’s not easy working from home with kids, but it isn’t impossible either. Follow the above tips to make it that little bit easier during these difficult times. If I can do it, you can too. You just need to be creative, resourceful, and flexible.
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Until next time!