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The work-from-home movement has given many parents the opportunity to work while they look after their children at home. However, the boundary between work and childcare can easily become blurred.
If you’re looking for ways to balance work and childcare at home, here are some tips to help you do so:
Plot a Schedule
Creating a daily schedule allows you to be productive at work without feeling like you’ve neglected your children. That’s because this schedule ‘informs’ your kids of what they need to do and what’s expected of them at a certain time.
For example, your daily schedule could look like:
| 7:00 AM | Wake-up time |
| 7:45 AM | Hygiene activities (wash face, brush teeth, get dressed, etc.) |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast (bring baby plates and bowls to sink) |
| 8:45 AM | Quiet play/independent play (coloring book, build blocks, etc.) |
| 11:45 AM | Lunch (bring dishes to sink) |
| 12:30 PM | Educational activities (Writing, coloring, etc.) |
| 2:30 PM | Nap time |
| 3:30 PM | Electronic time (Watch shows, play games, etc.) + Snacks |
| 5:00 PM | Outdoor time (Walk around the neighborhood with child on infant hip seat) |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner (bring dishes to sink) |
| 7:00 PM | Hygiene activities (wash face, brush teeth, get dressed, etc.) |
| 8:00 PM | Book reading time |
| 8:30 PM | Sleep |
Be sure to ‘share’ this schedule ahead of time by posting it on the fridge or in your kid’s room.
Remember: a schedule merely serves as a guide. It should be flexible enough to allow you to move activities around to accommodate work demands.
Prepare in Advance
Sometimes, kids will barge into your office because they’re missing their favorite coloring book or they’ve run out of snacks. To prevent this ‘interruption’ from happening, try to set up everything in advance.
For example, if it’s their electronic time + snack time, you need to make sure their tablet is fully charged and their shows ready to play. Also, it’s good to throw in a few extra snacks for their session.
Mark Your Territory (and Theirs)
If you’re working from home, then you need to set up a separate home office (if your space permits). Marking this ‘territory’ will let your children know that when their parents are there, they’re working and should not be disturbed (unless necessary).
Likewise, it’s crucial to mark your kids’ territory as well. Setting up their play place in the living room; for example, will condition them to the fact that it’s where they should be during their designated playtime.
Time Meetings Accordingly
It can be hard to concentrate on a meeting with kids running around. So, if you want minimal (or no) interruptions, schedule your meetings during times when your kids are occupied. For example, you can attend a meeting during your kid’s independent play time or electronic time, as these are the times when they are most engrossed with their activities.
In case a meeting is set during times when you have to tend to your kid, you can revise the schedule (at least for that day). For example, you can move their quiet play or electronic time activities to when you’ll have the meeting.
Spend Time with Kids Whenever Possible
Workdays often mean not spending much time with your kids – even if they’re at home with you. So, during mealtimes and breaks, be sure to spend time and eat with them while they’re on the high chair. It may not be as much time as you’d want, but it lets your children know that mommy or daddy will make time for them, no matter how busy they may be.
Set Boundaries
It might be harder to stop doing some work stuff – even if you’re supposed to be clocked out – when you’re working from home. As such, it’s important to set boundaries right from the get-go.
That means not answering emails or taking work-related calls after you’ve clocked out. If you have a work-issued phone or laptop, leave them inside a cabinet so you won’t be tempted to look at them.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
They say it takes a village to raise a kid, and it’s true. For truly hectic times at work when you need 100% focus, don’t hesitate to ask for help from family or friends. And, if need be, don’t hesitate to hire a nanny for that day.
Make Time for Yourself
While balancing work and childcare at home may be your primary focus, you should give time to yourself as well. As with your kid’s routines, make sure to schedule your salon day, nail day, or whatever activity that leaves you relaxed. Of course, be sure to inform your family ahead of time.
Remember: De-stressing will help you balance work and childcare more effectively because you’ll feel more refreshed and energized.
Balancing work with childcare at home can be challenging at times. But with these tips, you can stay productive at work while still being present for your kids.
By Stephanie Jelks
who is a freelance writer, editor, and content strategist. A former language teacher, she is passionate about child development, educational attainment, and educational technology. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and promoting creativity in children.
Member since November, 2024
View all the articles of Stephanie Jelks.
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