Let’s get straight to the point. Working at home with your kids in the house is HARD. I have been working at home with my child in the house 3 out of 5 days for the last 3 years and don’t get me wrong, having the opportunity to be at home has created a special bond between us. I also get to support my wife when taking breaks, but being disciplined enough to work around the distractions is a skill you must practice.
So, how do you work from home with kids? Creating a routine is the first critical element. Establish a system that works for you and block out your calendar, breaking down work tasks throughout the day. Set clear boundaries; it helps your family understand when you shouldn’t be disturbed and allows them to plan their day.
Each situation differs; you might be working around your stay-at-home partner and child or juggling work and childcare alone. Either way, plan with your manager at work and someone outside of work who can support you. Have a clear plan to make it as easy as possible to navigate.
Let’s dive into the key areas that have helped me navigate working from home with children in the house.
Setting Up Your Home Office
Having a dedicated space for working at home is a luxury. Only some are blessed with multiple bedrooms and private office space. Try and find a space dedicated to work, even if it is just a small desk in your room.
Choosing the Right Location
When selecting a spot for your remote work setup, look for an area with quietness and somewhere to escape distractions. If you don’t have a separate office, find a corner that is out of the main noise flow of your house, or slot a small desk into a bedroom with minimal distraction throughout the day.
Essential Equipment
- Desk and Chair: Choose an ergonomic chair for comfort during long work hours and a desk with space for a tech setup that will make you as productive as possible.
- Computer Accessories:
- A keyboard and mouse make tasks smoother, especially now with most companies offering laptops for remote work.
- A laptop stand allows you to use your laptop as a second screen for a monitor.
- Internet Connection: A stable, high-speed internet connection is necessary for remote work. I have had incredible speeds and minimal problems with Xfinity, but please make sure you choose the best for your area.
- Computer Software: Use software that makes your life more organized. I use Trello and Microsoft To Do to help me organize my tasks. They help me stay on top of the work I need to do.
- Lighting: Good lighting is important; combining natural light and a high-quality desk lamp can reduce eye strain.
Establishing a Routine
Having a routine helps for a much smoother experience when juggling your work and childcare responsibilities. It enables you to maintain focus and gives your children a predictable schedule.
Defining Work Hours
I block my calendar and set aside time for deep work to ensure productivity. This also allows me time to spend with my family, without falling behind on key work tasks. Be sure to communicate your schedule with your family and manager. It’s also wise to check your work’s policy on flexible schedules.
This might look like:
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Spend the first hour planning your day and working through critical emails/instant work messages.
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM: Use that early morning energy to smash through your most critical tasks.
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Take lunch and spend time with family.
Continue to block out hours for key tasks throughout the day whilst taking small breaks to check in with your family. I recommended blocking your time in a calendar like Microsoft Outlook. You could also use other software that is dedicated to time-blocking.
Creating Breaks for Child Interaction
Having small breaks throughout my work day has helped ease the load on my wife, and allows me to bond with my child. The beauty of working from home is that you can simply step away from your desk and go take a 10-minute play break with your kids. I find that having family time away from the screen gives me the head space and motivation to go back and smash my work tasks.
Managing Distractions
You have your setup sorted, and a routine in place. But how about dealing with the distractions? Building distraction management skills is key, whether it is noise or the temptation to spend time with your family. Below are specific strategies to keep you focused and productive.
Dealing with Noise
Headphones: Use headphones tactically. Headphones are great for meetings as you can focus on the conversations without the distractions of children in the background. Listening to music or white noise can help you block out distractions when you need to focus
Set Expectations: Communicate with your kids/family and set clear expectations for the day ahead. If you have a crunch deadline that day, let them know. If you have more free time, communicate when you can come to play or help run errands. Make it easy on everyone in the house and you will be able to focus with fewer distractions.
Planning Kid-Friendly Activities
Budget for activities: This is important if you live with a stay-at-home partner who looks after the children while you work from home. If finances allow, put aside money for clubs, soft-play, movie theater tickets, etc. This allows your partner to take the kids out of the house, giving you more work time.
Activity Breaks: Integrate short breaks into your schedule to spend time with your kids. Taking a 15-minute pause to play a game or a quick walk outside can be refreshing for you and your children, potentially reducing their need for attention during your focused work time.
Adapting to the home-office life also means being kind to yourself and recognizing that some days will be less productive than others. Embracing flexibility and setting clear expectations with your manager allows you to respond to the unexpected without sacrificing your peace of mind. Take things one step at a time, and remember that you’re not alone—plenty of other parents are in the same boat. With some planning and a dash of creativity, you’ll find your rhythm working from home with your little one.