How To Work From Home With Children

With more and more shops, schools and other industries starting to reopen, there's a real sense of normality returning in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

With more and more shops, schools and other industries starting to reopen, there's a real sense of normality returning in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

However, while we're nearly there, it's important to remember that the world isn't back to normal just yet and, chances are, it might not be for quite some time yet.

Now that millions of workers throughout the globe have had no choice but to get used to a home-working environment, many experts are now predicting that this working lifestyle is here to stay, for a little while longer at least.

While this will come as welcome news to some, many parents will have struggled with the juggling act of balancing work and play over the past few months - making their virtual Zoom meetings on time while also meeting the needs of their children.

If this sounds like a situation you've become all too familiar with, then have no fear - we're here to help. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best ways to work from home effectively while keeping your children entertained at the same time.

Set Expectations

Even without children in the picture, many workers simply aren't as productive at home as they are in the office, and that's OK.

There's no need to put added pressure on yourself to get as much done as you would normally. Your employer will appreciate this situation has come out of nowhere and will understand the added stress that working from home with children will now put you under.

Therefore, set realistic expectations for yourself and communicate these with your boss in advance. If you only manage to achieve one big to-do for the day, that's still an accomplishment in itself so celebrate it.

Make a Schedule

In essence, you need to turn your family into your very own 'home team', setting a schedule which organises your time between work and family.

While you're working from home, the typical nine-to-five day can't really exist in the same way, so it's important to adapt your working schedule around the needs of your family instead.

If you have a young toddler at home, for instance, fit your work schedule around their nap times and stick to the same daily routine. Alternatively, if you have children of different ages, create a schedule with your partner to take it in turns looking after them during the workday.

Set Clear Boundaries

As hard as it may be, to focus properly on your work, you're going to need to draw a line in the sand and stick to it.

Communicate with your children how important it is for you to get your work done and set up a system which enables them to understand when they can/cannot disturb you.

Whether you use a sign, an open-door policy or an emergency walky-talky system, communicating where the boundaries are will not only help you focus on your work, but it'll also teach your children to reflect on whether or not they really need to interrupt you.

If you're looking for some more great ways of working from home with your children around, take a look at our Facebook community page. Here you will be able to discover a wide range of tips from parents in a similar situation, to help you out further.