7 Tips for Working from Home with Children
Many parents are working from home today, in order to still earn an income while saving on childcare costs. That also goes for homeschool moms who need to bring in a little extra income in a single-income family. Parents’ reasons for working from home all vary, but any parent will tell you that the arrangement comes with some challenges. Working from home with children is a balancing act, but one that is very much possible. If you have found yourself in a work from home situation, here are 7 tips for working from home with children. When you give these tips your consideration, you can find the task at hand just a little easier and your time spent more productively.
7 Tips for Working from Home with Children
1. Make your day top heavy.
Making your day top heaving means accomplishing most of your work during the first half of your day. This time is usually a bit quieter with children still sleeping or just easing up. It will also leave you feeling less rushed at the end of the day, and prevents you from staying up late and losing sleep. Schedule yourself heavier during the hours of 7 a.m. and noon, and then wind down as the day progresses. Of course, the opposite is true for night owls. The important thing is to figure out your most productive time, and then stick to that as part of your routine. It will also help the kids know what to expect and might allow for fewer interruptions. Consider using a timer to keep focused and less tempted to be distracted by things like Facebook or email.
2. Designate a workspace.
You will be more productive if you have a designated work space where you can keep all of your supplies organized, knowing that little hands won’t disturb them. This can be a home office, an organization center, or even a closet turned workspace. Make sure everyone in the home knows this is your workspace and it shouldn’t be intruded on. You can also set rules about your availability when in the workspace, or set specific office hours where you shouldn’t be disturbed.
3. Use a daily planner.
Utilize a daily planner to write projects, appointments, and to do lists in. This helps free up your brain and make room for other things. Your planner can also help you see a visual of what each day looks like and allows you to manipulate tasks around to your liking. I have tried many different planners, both free and for purchase. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Well-Planned Day from HEDUA {my review with photos}
Having a planner also helps your husband know your daily routine and tasks so he can assist with the kids where needed, or help out when you’re not feeling well.
4. Designate daily fun times.
It can be easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of work. Each day, designate a family fun time. Take an hour break to enjoy a board game, art project, or short movie with the kids. Choose the same time everyday so children know when to expect it and anticipate it. They are more likely to let you get your work done if they know fun time is coming. Remember that you need a break, too!
5. Create busy boxes.
Sometimes children need to be guided towards an activity to keep them occupied. Create busy boxes for kids to grab so they can stay occupied and you can stay on track with work. Get plastic shoe boxes from the local dollar store and fill each one with an activity such as a puzzle, a craft, coloring books and crayons, etc. When they come to you bored, let them choose a busy box to work on. We also love sensory bins for fun learning exploration.
6. Invest in a mother’s helper.
Do you know a teenager or preteen looking for some extra cash? Using them as a mother’s helper a few hours a week may make a huge difference to your productivity. Even if you just used a helper 2 hours a week for $8 an hour, you could get a grip on that long to do list and possibly take on more work which equals more income. Consider the need, the cost, and see if a mother’s helper could truly help you. I’ve never hired anyone to help with the kids, but I know many other moms who have and have been happy with the results.
7. Let children help with age appropriate jobs.
Children will love helping you with work, so find small odd jobs for them. This can be anything from emptying the office trash, to Swiffering the floor, to watering your home office plants. Give them small jobs to keep them occupied and let them feel like helpers. Even setting up their own “office station” to work in while you work can be of great benefit. Now that my oldest is a teenager, she enjoys helping as my “virtual assistant” from time to time. That’s great life skills and career training!
Are you ready for more productive work days? Give these tips for working from home with kids a try and see if they don’t make the load a little easier.
Read the rest of the series here:
- Homeschooling Through the Holidays: The Relaxed Approach - November 18, 2024
- Thanksgiving Mad Libs for Kids - November 15, 2024
- How Can Music and Movement Be Used in OT to Engage Kids? - November 14, 2024
