Are you working from home with your kiddos?
Like many people- I was forced to begin working from home due to COVID-19 recently. I see tons of “working from home tips” posts, but few that include tips of working from home WITH kids. This is a whole new ball game friends. I have a hard enough time focusing by myself, so when you throw in a three year old that wants to snuggle and eat every 30 seconds, that’s a real challenge.
I have two tiny humans that need me and I’ve been working home for a while now- so here are a few tips to keep you sane while working from home (with kids!)
GET UP BEFORE THE KIDS:
If this is possible, I recommend getting up before you kiddos. This gives you time to wake up and relax a little before all the chaos starts. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to squeeze in some time work before they wake up. Make that coffee strong mama. You got this.
SPEND THE MORNING WITH THEM:
They just woke up. So it’s not very reasonable for them to leave you alone right away. Spend some time with them before you get to work. Feed them breakfast, talk to them about the day ahead, and then get them started on their first activity.
HAVE A PLAN:
I’ve realized that when I have daily activities planned out in advance, the day goes much smoother. Your kids will know what to expect & so will you.
SET TIME BLOCKS & EXPECT THEM TO CHANGE:
I usually plan on clocking in at 9am for about an hour. This is when my youngest naps and my toddler is engaged in an activity. I can usually get a good chunk of work in. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes my baby doesn’t sleep in the morning and sometimes my toddler refuses to leave me alone. So I adjust my expectations and plan on working later.
WHEN THEY SLEEP- WORK WORK WORK (IF YOU CAN):
Im a huge nap time worker. I can get SO much done during nap times. The house is quiet, my candles are lit, and my coffee is perfect. I can crank out work like a mad woman. But sometimes I don’t. Sometimes Im exhausted and I need time to myself. Time to sit and binge Netflix or read a few pages in my book. Having kids is hard. Working from home is hard. Don’t make it harder by working when you aren’t in the right mental space. I also do a few hours of work when they go to bed at night. I’m not usually a night person and I like to be in bed by 8:30- but if I can get in 2 hours of uninterrupted work time, I call it a win.
KEEP YOUR EXPECTATIONS LOW:
Your kiddos probably aren’t used to spending this much time at home or with you. They are bound to interrupt you, make you frustrated, get antsy, and stir crazy. They really don’t understand that you have work to do or why this is all happening. Be patient with them and with yourself. This is a learning curve and it’s going to take a while to find your groove.
ASK FOR HELP:
My husband is the real MVP in this house. He is always willing to take the kids outside or upstairs so I can work during the day if needed or if I’m at my wits end and can’t mom anymore. If you have a spouse at home, ask them for help when you need it. Take turns working and watching the kids. Switch off so you are both getting time to yourself and time with the kids. You don’t have to do it alone.
There you have it! A few tips on how to work at home with tiny humans around! Hope its helpful!!
