Most people think that working from home is the ultimate dream come true. And for the most part, it is! But for those of us with kids, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make sure everyone stays sane and productive. Here are a few tips to help you work from home with kids!
5 tips when working from home with kids
- Set up a designated workspace
One of the most important things you can do when working from home with kids is to set up a designated workspace. This will help to create a physical boundary between your work and home life and will make it easier for you to focus on your work. If possible, try to find a room that can be used as your office so that you can close the door when you need to concentrate - Establish a daily routine
Another important thing to do when working from home with kids is to establish a daily routine. This will help your kids know what to expect each day and will make it easier for you to get your work done. Try to wake up at the same time each day and start your workday with a set list of tasks that you need to accomplish - Take breaks throughout the day
It’s important to take breaks throughout the day when working from home with kids. This will help you avoid burnout and will give you some time to spend with your kids. Try to take a few minutes every hour or two to step away from your work and play with your kids or just chat with them about their day - Set aside time for yourself
In addition to taking breaks throughout the day, it’s also important to set aside time for yourself. This can be used for things like exercise, relaxation, or just doing something that you enjoy outside of work. It’s important to have some time each day that is just for you so that you can recharge and avoid feeling overwhelmed by everything that you have to do - Ask for help when needed
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by having the kids home while you work, reach out to family or friends who can lend a hand. Sometimes all it takes is an extra set of hands for things to run smoothly
Other ways to connect with your kids at home
Parents with children of any age may be dealing with additional layers of worry and stress as they help their children adapt to the lifestyle changes we are all now experiencing. The younger ones amongst us have also had their lives flipped upside down and may not have the ability to comprehend it in the same way that adults can. Below are three resources that may help parents overcome these WFH challenges.
‘Parental as Anything’ Podcast on ABC Listen
For parents who are currently working through the challenge of helping their children navigate this difficult time, we recommend taking a few minutes to sit down with a cup of tea to listen to the Parental as Anything Podcast on ABC Listen. The recent episode “How to talk to your kids about COVID-19 and guide your family through it” promises to steer you through how you can talk to your children about COVID-19 and provides you with ideas on what you can do to lower the stress in your home, which will not just help your children survive this period, but thrive.
Parental as Anything (hosted by Maggie Dent) also has heaps of other episodes that you can delve into when you’ve had enough coronavirus content for one day!
Parlour Games for Modern Families
by Myfanwy Jones and Spiri Tsintziras
If you are trying to limit your family’s screen time but are stuck for ideas, see if you can pick up a copy of Parlour Games for Modern Families – it is a book packed with ideas for games using only things you will find in your average home – a pack of cards, a dictionary, dice, paper, and pen. There are games for all ages that will bring the whole family together and bring some joy and connection back into your living room!
Cooking For Kids
with Jamie & Buddy Oliver
Keep your children busy in the kitchen with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and his son Buddy, who have created a YouTube series called Cooking For Kids. Buddy demonstrates how to cook pancakes, scrambled eggs, spaghetti bolognaise and lots more in a fun and engaging style. It’s a great way to get your kids helping out in the kitchen, and they will hopefully learn a thing or two along the way!
