How To Work From Home With Kids

I wonder How to work from home with children?

Working from home with children can be difficult. It’s like juggling while riding a unicycle. I want to do my job properly, but I also have to take care of my children. This is a balancing act many parents face today.

I have a young child and earn money from home, so I understand how difficult it is to work and raise children. Working from home with a 2-year-old is always an adventure. Between work and the chaos of a toddler, I’ve learned the importance of flexibility and finding balance. It’s not always easy, but with a little patience and creativity, it can work.

The best way to work from home with kids

Below are the best ways to work from home with kids.

Recommended reading: 32 Best Work from Home Ideas for Moms and Dads (Great, Flexible Ideas!)

1. Have realistic expectations

Working from home without childcare can be difficult. It’s important to set realistic goals that you can achieve every day.

Remember, you’re juggling two big jobs at the same time: a paid job and caring for your kids. It’s okay if things don’t go perfectly.

Here’s what to remember:

• Be flexible with your schedule. Some days you may get a lot done and some days it may be more difficult.
• Don’t expect to be able to work without interruption for long periods of time. Children usually need attention, snacks, and help with activities.
• Plan for shorter work hours throughout the day. This allows you to stay productive while taking care of your children.
• It’s normal to feel stressed from time to time. Give yourself some time and celebrate the small victories every day.
• Set a routine, but be prepared to change it as needed. Your child’s needs may be unpredictable, so be flexible with your plans.

One thing to remember is that this situation is temporary. As your children grow and your childcare options change, your work-from-home experience will change as well.

2. Set up a dedicated workspace

When you are at home with children, it is very important to have a specific area for work. We encourage you to find a spot that’s a good fit for you and your work.

Here are some other tips for setting up a home office (you don’t have to create a whole room if you don’t have the space!).

• Try to choose a location away from where children play. This can be a spare room, a corner of your bedroom, or even a closet if you don’t have enough space.
• Make sure your work space has adequate lighting. Natural light is great, but a desk lamp can also be effective (especially if you’re in a dark corner or closet).
• Wraparound desks like this one, where everything fits on top, come in handy.
• Comfortable seating is a must – your back will thank you.
• Get your work organized. Use folders, boxes, or shelves to store documents and supplies. That way you won’t waste time looking for things.
• If possible, use doors or screens to separate work spaces. This helps create boundaries between work and home life.

Your workspace doesn’t have to be perfect. The key is to have a place where you can focus on work while the kids are busy elsewhere.

3. Create a daily schedule

Creating a daily work schedule will help you balance work and home life.

You may want to block out specific times for work, meals, or family activities. If possible, try to match your work hours with your children’s school and nap times. That way, you can focus on your work even when the other person is busy.

Include breaks in your schedule for snacks, play, and simple errands. These short breaks will help you recharge and continue with your household chores. If your budget allows, you may consider hiring outside help, such as a twice-monthly house cleaner.

Please be flexible with your schedule. Some days may not go as planned (you’re watching the kids, so this is normal!) and that’s okay. It helps to have a basic outline, but don’t stress if you need to make adjustments.

Creating a daily schedule will help you manage your time and keep both your work and home life running smoothly.

4. Plan outdoor breaks

When working from home with kids, it’s important to take breaks outdoors. It gives everyone a chance to get some fresh air and move around.

You can plan short breaks throughout the day. Take a quick walk around the block or play in your backyard for 15 minutes.

These breaks help children burn off energy and refresh mentally. Sometimes I take a break after lunch or when I finish a big task.

Taking a break outdoors is perfect no matter the season. In winter, we build snowmen. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the garden in summer.

Taking breaks outdoors is a lifesaver for both my toddler and me when working from home. Go outside for a walk around the neighborhood or play in the garden for a bit. That way she can burn off some energy and I can feel mentally refreshed, which makes it easier to get back to work afterwards. We’ve found that these small breaks outdoors, no matter the season, make a big difference in keeping us happy and productive. Plus, it’s a great way to end your day with some fresh air and exercise.

5. Prepare quick snacks in advance

When you’re working from home with kids, you need quick and easy meal options. Planning your snacks in advance can save you a lot of stress.

Here are some snack ideas for you and your kids.

• Try making a batch of granola bars or energy bites on the weekend. These can last a week and are perfect for both kids and adults.
• Cut fruits and vegetables and store them in containers in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to grab a healthy snack when you’re hungry.
• Boiled eggs are also a great option. They’re perfect for a quick protein boost, so make 12 at the beginning of the week.
• Don’t forget classic snacks like cheese and crackers or peanut butter and apple slices. These are easy to prepare and are always a hit.

I really like my daughter’s children’s lunch boxes. Make a big snack or lunch early in the morning so she has something to eat whenever she’s hungry.

Having snacks on hand means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time for work and family.

6. Plan your nap time

If you want to learn how to work from home with kids, your best bet is to use your nap time wisely.

Many young children nap for an hour or two, so nap time is prime time for working parents. It gives you uninterrupted chunks of time to focus on tasks that require your concentration.

Use nap time for tasks that require quiet, deep thinking, and creativity. This may include writing reports, brainstorming ideas, conference calls, or tackling difficult problems.

If your kids have different nap schedules, take advantage of their own quiet time. Even if it’s only for a short time, it can help you check your email or make a quick phone call.

As your children get older and need longer naps, you may want to consider offering quiet time instead. This gives you time to focus on your work tasks.

I personally get a lot of work done while my daughter is napping. I run my own business so I’m very lucky to be able to choose my own hours. Lately, I’ve been trying to work mainly when my daughter is sleeping, such as during her nap time or late at night. However, we understand that not all work-from-home jobs offer this kind of flexibility.

7. Set boundaries with your family.

Working from home with children can be difficult. Because other family members may not consider working from home to be a real job and may not think you’re actually busy.

We recommend the following:

• Talk to your spouse (if you have one) and let them know when you need quiet time for an important call or work.
• Create a visual signal to indicate when you are working. This could be a closed door or a special sign on a desk.
• Please adhere to your working hours as much as possible. This will help your family understand when you are available and when you are not.
• Ask your partner or other family members for help. You can keep your kids busy during your most important work hours.

Setting clear boundaries with your family is important to staying productive.

8. Involve children in simple tasks

Involving your kids in simple tasks can help make working from home go more smoothly. It keeps them busy and teaches them new skills.

Let your children help you with small chores. You can fold laundry, sort socks, and put away toys. This gives them the feeling that they are helping and keeps them engaged.

For younger children, set up a pretend office next to your room. Give them old papers, toy laptops, or notepads. They can “work” with you and feel like they are part of your day.

During breaks, ask your kids to help prepare snacks and lunches. Useful for making sandwiches and putting fruit in bowls. This is a fun activity and also takes care of the food.

Don’t forget to praise their efforts. This will make them want to continue helping and make them feel valued. With these ideas, you can work and spend time with your kids at the same time.

9. Encourage independent play

Independent play is great for parents working from home because it gives kids a chance to entertain themselves.

For parents, it provides much-needed quiet time to focus on tasks without frequent interruptions. This helps children learn to be self-sufficient and can even give parents a break to catch up on work or give them time to recharge.

Here are some ideas for independent play:

• Set up a special play area with toys and activities they like. That way, you can stay busy and have fun.
• Try setting up a sensory trash can. These are containers filled with fun things to touch and explore. You can use rice, beans, sand, etc. Add small toys or scoops for even more fun. I love sensory bins and so does my daughter. Here are some of my favorites.
• Crafts are great for independent play. Throw away paper, crayons, and stickers. Kids can make photos and cards while you work nearby.
• Books are also a good option. We bring out some new stuff every day to keep it fresh. Picture books are effective for younger children.
• Rotate toys and activities frequently. This will make playtime more fun and your child won’t get bored easily even with new discoveries.

Remember, it’s okay for your child to play alone for short periods of time. This helps them learn and grow. You can still check in and show interest in their activities.

When working from home with a 2-year-old, I often rely on independent play. I set up fun activities like sensory bins and puzzles and give her space to explore on her own while I work. It’s not always perfect. Sometimes she needs me after a few minutes. But she found that with the right activity, she could stay focused for longer periods of time. You’ll have plenty of time to focus on tasks or jump on a quick phone call. Also, since I don’t watch much TV at home, I have set rules for viewing times.

Now, what I’m trying to say is that independent play can be difficult, especially for younger children or those just starting to get used to it. It may only take 5 to 10 minutes at first. However, it usually lengthens and improves over time.

10. Find a work-from-home group in your area

Working from home with kids can feel lonely. But you’re not alone! Many parents are in the same situation. A great way to make connections is to find a work-from-home group near you.

These groups often meet at least once a week. Parents work and children play together, so it’s a win-win for everyone.

You can look for these groups on sites like Facebook. If you have a local parent Facebook group near you, you may be able to post a new thread and ask if there are any threads you can join.

It is common to meet at someone’s home. This provides a safe place for children to play while parents work, and also allows children to make new friends and have fun.

11. Consider finding a daycare center

Working from home with children can be difficult. You may need help to get the job done, and childcare is also worth considering.

There are various types of childcare available, so please consider them. Options include day care centers, in-home day care, and hiring a nanny (nanny share is also a great option!). Each has its advantages and costs.

Part-time childcare is also an idea. Maybe you only need help for a few hours each day. This gives you some quiet time to focus on important tasks. I have a friend who hires a babysitter for a few hours a day each week so she and her husband can work uninterrupted (they both work from home).

You can also team up with other parents. You can take turns watching each other’s children, which allows everyone to get work time without spending money.

After juggling work and caring for a 2-year-old full-time, I recently started using part-time childcare to help me focus more on my work. Now that she attends preschool three days a week, I have more time to complete tasks without interruption, which has made a huge difference in my productivity. It also allows you to be more present when you’re together because you can focus on her needs without worrying about deadlines. She also really loves the kindergarten she goes to (she makes lots of friends and loves her teachers so much, which is so great to see). And it was one of the best decisions I ever made as a parent.

FAQ

We will answer frequently asked questions about balancing work from home and childcare.

Can I have a child while working from home?

Yes, you can work from home and raise your children at the same time. Requires planning and flexibility. We recommend setting up a workspace and creating a schedule.

Is it difficult to work from home with children?

Working from home with children can be difficult. You may feel like you are being pulled in different directions. It’s okay if you find it challenging. Remember to be kind to yourself and ask for help when you need it.

Is it illegal to work from home with a baby?

No, it is not illegal to work from home with a baby. Many parents do this. Check your company’s policy regarding childcare during work hours. Some jobs may have rules regarding background noise during calls.

Is it impossible to work from home with a toddler?

Working from home with a toddler in tow can be challenging, but not impossible. Requires creativity and patience. Try working during nap time or setting up a safe play area. Don’t expect perfection.

How can I keep my kids focused while working from home?

To keep the kids busy while you work, set up activity stations. Give them art supplies, puzzles, or books. Use your screen time wisely. Plan some outdoor breaks. Prepare some easy snacks in advance.

How to work from home with kids – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my article on how to work from home with kids.

For the first two and a half years of parenthood, I worked from home with my daughter by my side. Working from home with a 2-year-old in tow was really intimidating. She now attends preschool three days a week.

Some days are a whirlwind of requests for meetings and snacks, while others flow smoothly. Balancing work and home life isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned to be flexible and embrace disruption.

One thing that helps is having a routine, but also knowing when to push because toddlers can be unpredictable. Whether it’s focusing on work during nap time or finding small quiet moments, I’m always finding new ways to make it all work.

Do you have questions about how to work from home with kids?

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