How to Work From Home With Kids
It can be a dream come true when you find a position that allows you to work from home. Studies have shown that individuals who work remotely feel more productive and less stressed. However, due to the pandemic, you may be finding yourself having to take care of your work responsibilities and caring for your child/children at the same time. Here are some tips to help you find a balance between working from home and caring for your child/children:
Keep a Routine – You can easily get distracted by working from home. Whether it be scrolling through TV channels, finishing up chores or doing ‘play time’, it’s easy to lose your sense of productivity. By introducing a schedule for both yourself and your child/children, it can help keep a sense of ‘normalcy’ and keep you on track to being productive.
Find an Office and a Play Space – Having your own designated area at home to be your ‘office’ can help you stay focused on your work. Be sure to pick a place that is not your couch or bed and instead focus on finding a location that is going to be quiet and separate any ‘play area’ that your child/children may have. Having both areas in the same place, or even the same room, can make it difficult for you to concentrate on your work.
Move Around – It’s important to not forget to get up and get active! Exercising, even for just 20 to 30 minutes a day, can help eliminate stress and anxiety. It’s especially important for children to be able to be active not only to help strengthen their growing muscles and bones, but to benefit their mental health as well. Regular physical activity in children has shown to help manage anxiety and depression while boosting self-esteem and overall cognitive abilities.
Keep in Touch – Staying in regular contact with your coworkers while working from home, even if it is just an instant message, is a great way to get some social interaction. These minor conversations can help combat the feelings of isolation or loneliness that you may feel while working from home. The same goes for children. Allowing them to stay in contact with their classmates and friends can keep them happy and healthy. If you find that you do need help, be sure to reach out to a friend, family member or even a trusted neighbor if you find it too difficult to balance your work and care-giving responsibilities.
