Working from home and juggling kids is hard. But there are some cool hacks to help you find your groove and slay the day.
By Nicole Fuge, MD® Managing Editor
Working from home with young kids is like walking a tightrope while juggling flaming torches. You’ve got the dream scenario of spending more time with the little ones, but let’s be honest, it comes with its own set of challenges.
Just when you’re in the zone with your work, cue the little voices asking for a snack or announcing that they’ve turned the living room into a zoo.
So to help you get out and find your mojo again and crush the WFH juggle with kids, here are some cool tips from TimeDoctor.Com founder, Robert Rawson.
“BEING ABLE TO GET WORK DONE WHEN YOU’RE NOT TRYING TO KEEP ONE EYE ON THE KIDS – OR STOP TANTRUMS, OR GET SNACKS – MAKES YOU WAY MORE PRODUCTIVE.”
1. The early bird gets the worm
You’ve heard this saying before, but it’s totes true. Where possible, try and get up an hour or so earlier than usual to squeeze in some uninterrupted work.
Being able to get work done when you’re not trying to keep one eye on the kids – or stop tantrums, or get snacks – makes you way more productive.
2. Make self-care a priority
It’s all too easy to lose sight of boundaries and forget the importance of self-care. So try and separate work from personal and get into healthy habits.
Things like having a shower before you start the working day. Putting something else on other than your fav trackies. And remembering to turn your computer off and closing your laptop at the end of the day.
It all makes the biggest difference.
3. Create a schedule (for you, and your children)
You know what they say: ‘fail to plan, and plan to fail’ – which is why mapping out a thorough schedule to see you through the day is key.
Try to capitalise on occasions where your children are otherwise occupied such as: napping, watching movies, or doing homework to capitalise on more demanding work tasks.
Where possible, try and remain in a similar routine each day to help your children understand expectations.
Another helpful tip is to plan and prepare meals in advance to avoid hungry, nagging children. This can easily be turned into a rewarding and time-effective activity which helps tick one more chore off the ‘to-do’ list as well as keep kids entertained.
4. Have a dedicated workspace
Where possible, try and arrange a space where you can return to each day so you begin associating the area with work.
Encourage conversation with your kids around boundaries and behaviour in this space to help them better understand your needs.
5. Have a ‘bag full of tricks’ just in case
Keep a box of puzzles, activities, books, and special toys near your workspace that can be used as you’re working.
Keep them exclusively for ‘desk time’ to create a sense of exclusivity and desire. It’s always handy to have a couple of snacks ready to go too, in case of emergency.
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