A lot of people think that working from home as a parent can be a dream — you’ll be with your kids more, you won’t have to commute, and you can schedule work at any time. Yet, that’s not the true story. Managing time with work meetings, calendar deadlines, and snack time can be a never-ending challenge for parents. Parenting while working remotely isn’t an easy job, but with the proper attitude and tools, you can still do your job, be present to your family, and be sane.
Let’s look at some ways you can handle both roles without worrying you’re failing in either.
Understand That Seamless Balance Isn’t Possible
The reality is that having everyone at home with the office can be tough; the kids ask for snacks every so often, and there’s no perfect work-life balance. Sometimes you will focus on your job, and other times it will be all about parenting. Finding you frankly can’t “do it all” may reduce your guilt and frustration.
Try to blend your work and personal life, rather than keeping them separated all the time. Work hard in every area and treat yourself with understanding when everything becomes confusing.
Set up a Routine That Pleases All Your Family
Children appreciate a daily routine, and so do parents. Make sure your child’s daily routine has time set aside for working, eating, taking naps, playing, and using screens. Making the day predictable for your kids means they know what’s coming next, and you have blocks to focus on your work.
Consider:
- Before my kids are up, I usually get in my workout.
- Areas where you can get work done while taking a nap
- Plan times when you are with your child and paying attention to them
- Save your admin work for when you’re alone at night, preferably without rushing.
Make sure everyone knows the rules — and keep enforcing them.
Sometimes, it’s hard to see where your role as a professional ends and your job as a parent begins. For this reason, it’s important to set up both physical and psychological boundaries.
Here’s how:
- Even if it’s only a table in the corner, try to reserve that area for your work.
- A visible sign on your door or headphones can show that you are focused at work.
- To your kids, you might say: “When I am working at my desk, I am not able to chat with you.” I’ll entertain you sometime after you finish your lunch.
- You should tell your team about the limits you have as a manager, too. Give them your flexible times and stick to a regular work schedule where you can.
- Being consistent helps others in your life respect how you use your time and space.
Focus on Flexibility, Not on Perfecting Everything
Trying to do the same amount of work as before having kids will likely wear you out. Here, you should rethink what it means to be productive. Naturally, there are days when you need to break up your work, rather than spend long hours on one task, and that’s fine.
Ways to keep your body flexible:
- Try using methods such as time blocking or the Pomodoro method to stay productive.
- Finish the important jobs to completion and be selective about making everything perfect for those that matter less.
- When you can, plan your schedule so it fits your child’s routine.
- You can ask your workplace for flexible working — an increasing number of companies now accept it.
- Just because you can do what is not important doesn’t make you productive — focusing on what’s most important is key.
Making Screen Time a Friend, instead of an Opponent
To be honest, sometimes you need screen time to make that meeting or finish your task when you’re away. The secret is to use it when it serves you and never feel guilty.
- Work undisturbed by turning off the screen at the end of your assignments
- Look for programs and apps with educational value (a wide range of quality ones are available).
- Set rules on how long your child can use the phone so you don’t babysit your screen all day.
- When you are not so busy, let your child play puzzles, do craft projects, or play outside.
Conclusion: We Need to Take Our Time
Managing work while caring for kids is tough right now, but it won’t last. Kids get older, schedules become more routine, and your systems continue to improve. Sometimes it will feel crazy, but there will also be special moments you’re glad you shared with your child.
We aren’t aiming to be perfect as employees or as parents. Be there for your role, keep an open mind, and have compassion for yourself as you run these two main jobs.
Things will work out — even if it doesn’t always seem like it.
