Today I want to share with you 8 ways to work with kids in the house when working from home. The recent coronavirus outbreak has meant that millions of parents across the globe are now facing the impossible task of being a parent, worker and teacher.
When the schools are closed and every one is on stay at home order, it is quite challenging to entertain the kids and also work at home. Any parent knows that getting anything done with their kids around can be almost impossible sometimes.
Getting through your day is difficult enough when you are trying to work from home with the kids. However, when you also have to home school them at the same time, it can prove to be a real nightmare.
If you are trying to find the right balance in this unprecedented situation, there are some tips you can follow to work with kids in the house. Here, we will look at some of the steps you can take to accomplish your new role without losing your mind. It’s all about finding the right balance. You will learn some of the best ways you can effectively work from home even with kids in the house.
1. Create and work from a schedule
The one thing that is going to prove invaluable during this time, is creating and maintaining a schedule. The kids need a schedule and you need one to help you keep up with your increased duties.
Start with making a schedule for the kids. You can include educational activities, play time and mealtimes. When they know what they are working on and have a schedule to follow, it makes it so much easier for both them and you. Kids need a routine and they will be a lot happier when they are following one.
I use a Stay At Home Planner printable to plan and create schedule for both myself and my kids. It has been very helpful so far and my 10 years old son enjoys setting up his own schedule very much. It has helped him building accountability and self discipline. Use coupon code SAFE10 to download it for free for a limited time.
2. 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 will find hundreds of craft project ideas online. Try and find something which utilizes supplies you already have in the home. Then, they can be getting on with their crafts while you complete your important work tasks.
3. Create a routine early on to work with kids in the house
Working from home and having the kids home all day is a new experience for both you and them. Therefore, it is 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 will pester you when you need to get on with work.
4. Make time for physical activity
It can be tough trying to work when the kids have bundles of energy. So, why not help them burn off that energy so you can work in peace?
Getting them to partake in physical activity helps to wear them out as well as keep them healthy. So, encourage time running around in the back yard. You could create a mini assault course or look online for physical games you could play.
Once they have finished their physical activity, they will be more likely to play quietly for a period of time.
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- 7 Tips To Survive Working At Home During The Coronavirus Pandemic
5. Take advantage of nap times
If your kids are still quite young, make sure you take advantage of nap times. These are the perfect opportunity for you to get a bulk of your work done without having to worry about the kids.
6. Don’t try and become a teacher
Now that the kids are off school, you may feel like you have to become a teacher. You really don’t. It is not your job to research and familiarize yourself with the topics they cover at school.
Instead, focus on educational activities they can do such as reading. You can also set up things such as sensory buckets and let them use educational apps. If the school provided digital work they can follow, don’t forget to utilize that too. If you look online, you might also find free workbooks they can use.
7. Ensure you have a quiet workspace
One thing you are going to need when you are 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 are there.
Of course, this can be tricky, but if you explain to the kids that you can’t be disturbed and why it is important, you will find they are typically willing to listen. Utilize technology
In usual times, you try to limit your child’s exposure to technology. However, when you are trying to work from home, you will 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.
8. Talk through any issues with your employer
If you are having issues juggling everything, don’t be afraid to talk to your employer. They may give you additional days off so you can get used to the new arrangement.
Remember, there are a lot of people going through the same situation as you right now. It is not easy but remind yourself that it is only temporary. The above tips will help you to better juggle your new responsibilities in the time being.
It is not easy working from home with the kids, but it isn’t impossible either. Follow the above tips to make it that little bit easier during these difficult times.
P.S. Need help planning your work at home schedule? Download our Work At Home Planner to help track your schedule, project and agenda.
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Are you used to be working in the office with other colleagues but now need to work from home? What challenges do you have and how do you resolve? Share with your comment below.