How do you survive working from home with children?
By: Claire, redwigwam
If you have been asked to work from home due to the coronavirus outbreak, it might be hard to know where to start, especially if there are children around.
Here are some tips to help you work from home with children successfully.
Set expectations for work and your family
Working from home can be fun, however, you do have to work.
Let your family know you may be a little busy to chat and give them an estimated time you think you’ll be done by.
This way, you can get on with your work and plan something fun for when you’re finished.
Have a designated area for work
Whether you have your own little desk or turn the kitchen table into an office from 9-5 – make sure you have a clean space!
Find a location in your home where you can organise your laptop, notepad, pens and of course – coffee.
Once you’ve set yourself up, you’ll feel ready to work.
Use your time wisely
As much as working from home can be fun, you can waste a lot of time with distractions.
Especially if your children need you, or friends/neighbours have stopped by.
Be realistic in how much you think you can get done, and in that time, make sure you’re focused.
It may help to set up realistic goals on what you would like to achieve once your working hours are up.
But don’t worry, if you don’t complete all your goals, make sure to set a bit more time aside for your next shift!
Mix up your working hours
This is great for seeing what’s best for you.
You may find you work better at the crack of dawn, or later in the evening.
It’s best to try everything out to give yourself a feel on what works for you & your family.
Be flexible
With children, no two days are the same. You might have to pick them up earlier one day, or they stay at a friends house later another.
Remember, working from home can be completely flexible, so set yourself realistic goals on what times you can come online and how long for.
Offer incentives
If your children are at home and they’re wanting your attention, explain to them you have to work.
Give them options of other things they can do whilst you’re busy, and if they behave offer them a treat.
This could be anything from ice cream to a little present.
If your children see you working, they will gradually get used to it and adapt to it in their own way.
Take breaks
This is really important when working from home.
Take mini-breaks in between shifts.
This could be anything from playing with your children in the garden to having a cup of tea whilst loose women is on in the background!
Plan ahead
Planning ahead saves time!
If you know what you’re doing before you open your laptop, you’re already one step ahead.
Some people like to do a weekly plan of what they are going to do from home, whilst others like to write up a plan for the following day after their shift has ended.
We hope this helps – let us know if you have any tips of your own.
