Working from home ... with kids
For those of you having your first experience working at home with kids, those of us who have gone before salute you. It’s an adjustment. It’s different. It can and has been done.
Some tips:
Pre-plan meals and snacks. The mental energy of stopping and figuring that out a few times a day isn’t worth it. And set clear boundaries for candy and snacks - and stick to them. No one needs a sugar hyped kid when you are on a deadline.
Have an idea of a routine - it doesn’t have to be Mary Poppins. At some point they will need to get dressed, brush their teeth, etc. Or they will get cranky eventually.
Set spatial boundaries. Tell them WHERE they may go during the day. This helps you to centralize the mess and the managing.
Go ahead and kid proof your main spaces. Just do it. Now isn’t the time to be fancy. Use your furniture and pillows to create play spaces for smaller kids so you can watch them have fun without worry.
You are not the entertainment. You are security. Pick something to play with your kids each day or a time that you will be engaged, but start them off understanding that being home means permission to explore, innovate and come up with new fun ways to entertain.
Use screens intentionally - or they will stop working - and it’s not good for kids either (they NEED to get their energy out). So if you have a conference call at 1, preset movie time for 1245 and don’t cave on doing it earlier.
Don’t stress too much about school yet. There are plenty of ways to educate your child and many of them include reading and writing things that they don’t even suspect is part of your evil plan to make them smarter. Take your time. Do one thing a day - not 20 - at least not at first.
Try to have work free times as well. If the phone is constantly interrupting dinner - maybe put it on pause for a few minutes.
Set clear boundaries on what sounds and behaviors will be allowed. You aren’t just keeping kids. You are creating an atmosphere. Being consistent and tough for three days will give you weeks of better behaviors.
Prioritize their hearts. Truly check on them and how they are feeling about all these changes. Then hug them and reassure them. That’s what we do because we are the parents.
Most of all, take care of yourself. DON’T read the news or email right away when you wake up. Read your Bible if you are a Jesus follower or a devotional. Take deep breaths. Say a declaration. Clear your mind. Take vitamins.
What are your tips for working at home with kids?
There are special situations where kids have needs that require constant care. This post isn’t about that child or that family. If you are in that situation, reach out to an expert for advice or consider Care.com. We are cheering for you.