Work from Home Essentials with Kids
I became a parent in the midst of COVID, I literally came back to work from maternity leave the day that stay at home orders were issued. I’ve always had some element of working from home with kids around, whether as an entrepreneur or as an employee working a 9-5. My priorities drastically shifted as a result from what 20 year old Tyler Jane thought was important. Parents have a magical way to make things more efficient and get the job done. HOWEVER, its hard. You have to kick ego out the door and ask for support where needed (preaching to myself here).
Balancing the demands of your job with the needs of your children requires careful planning, flexibility, and a few essential tools and strategies. AND I am constantly reminding myself that my kids are only little once, time is going quickly - work will always be there. When you’re in the midst of it, here are some tips to help you create a productive and harmonious work-from-home environment with kids.
1. Create a Dedicated Workspace
Having a specific area designated for work can help you stay focused and separate your professional life from your personal life. Ensure this space is equipped with all the necessary tools you need for your job, such as a comfortable chair, a sturdy desk, and good lighting. If possible, set up your workspace in a quiet part of the house to minimize distractions.
Even if it means that you’re always at the kitchen table to be able to watch the “play area” and the back yard for the feral children (like me!), I always love the times where I can plug into my headphones and really dial in my focus.
2. Set a Schedule
Establishing a routine can provide structure for both you and your children. Create a daily schedule that includes work hours, breaks, and time for your kids. Communicate your schedule to your children, so they know when you are available and when you need to focus on work. Be sure to include some flexibility to accommodate unexpected needs or changes.
For me, this is dedicated working time during nap time where I' only have 1 kiddo awake and playing. And honestly a few hours in the evening when I can.
3. Use Technology to Your Advantage
There are many apps and tools designed to help manage your time and stay organized. Calendar apps can help you keep track of meetings and deadlines, while project management tools like Trello or Asana can help you manage tasks and collaborate with colleagues. For keeping your kids entertained and engaged, consider educational apps and online learning platforms.
My favorites to keep organized are:
Notion - business thoughts, tracking and social media calendar (Trello or Asana are also a great place to start with this)
Calendly - I can set up my “available hours” and make it where I never double book
Google Calendar - I have views of the entire family’s calendars, and both my work calendars.
I’m still old fashioned and need a daily planner too - that’s why I created the Working Mom planner and journal
4. Set Clear Boundaries
It’s important to set boundaries with your children to minimize interruptions during work hours. Explain the importance of your work time and establish rules about when and how they can interrupt you. Use visual cues, like a closed door or a sign, to indicate when you are not to be disturbed.
With my younger children, this is something I’m only starting to implement with my 4 year old. We just started doing a visual timer if I need dedicated focus time. This is hard to do. It will be slow going but we will get there!
5. Incorporate Breaks
Taking regular breaks is crucial for maintaining productivity and mental well-being. Use these breaks to spend quality time with your children, whether it’s playing a quick game, having a snack together, or going for a short walk. Breaks can also help your kids feel valued and less likely to seek your attention during work hours.
The biggest part of this that I have to focus on, is being present where I’m at. If I’m playing with my kids, I’m not doing work on my phone on the side or visa versa.
6. Leverage Outsourcing and Support
Sometimes, the best way to manage your workload is to delegate tasks. Consider outsourcing administrative tasks, social media management, or other work that can be handled by a virtual assistant. This can free up your time to focus on higher-priority tasks and give you more time to spend with your family.
What does your hourly rate of work cost? How does this fit into your family’s budget? Where do you NEED to be focused? This will change in seasons. As always - Tyler Jane & Co is a great place to start for outsourcing.
7. Keep Kids Engaged
Provide your children with activities to keep them busy while you work. Age-appropriate toys, puzzles, books, and crafts can keep them occupied. For older kids, consider setting up a dedicated learning space where they can do their homework or engage in educational activities.
There are many resources out there for great kid activities - check out instagram or Pinterest. I love @ChaoswithCara.
8. Practice Self-Care
Balancing work and parenting can be exhausting, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Make time for exercise, hobbies, and relaxation. Prioritize sleep and healthy eating to ensure you have the energy to manage your dual roles effectively.
9. Communicate with Your Employer & Clients
Keep open lines of communication with your employer or clients about your work-from-home situation. Being transparent about your needs and constraints can help set realistic expectations and foster understanding and support.
My clients know when the kids are in the house and frequently do pop onto zoom calls. People understand.
10. Stay Positive and Flexible
Lastly, maintain a positive attitude and be prepared to adapt. Working from home with kids will have its ups and downs, but staying flexible and finding humor in challenging situations can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Your kids are lucky to have you as their mom or dad and are going to thank you for showing them how to live their dreams.
Working from home with kids requires careful planning, but with the right strategies and tools, you can create a balanced and productive environment. Embrace the opportunity to spend more time with your children while achieving your professional goals.
And as always, if you’re looking for support in balancing life - check out what we offer here at Tyler Jane & Co! We’d love to support your business growth!