Are you struggling to work at home AND care for your children all day long? Below is a list of suggestions to help make working at home with kids easier. Read below to see how you can balance working from home and caring for your children.
Alter Your Schedule
There are certain tweaks you can make to your schedule to maximize your work time. These suggestions won’t work for every family, but making a few small changes can make things easier if you’re able.
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Alter Your Hours
If possible, see if you can do some of your work in the early morning or after the kids go to bed. It may not be ideal, but it’s a strategy work at home parents have been using for years!
Altering your hours will depend on your job situation. Some employees simply must be available during normal work hours. If this applies to you, don’t worry. I have lots of other suggestions below.
Take Shifts with Your Partner
If your partner is also at home, try taking shifts. One parent is the main child-entertainer (possibly completing small tasks in between activities) while the other has a few good hours of work. Then swap.
For example, Parent A wakes early, works from 6 am to 2 pm, while Parent B minds the children. At 12:30, Parent B puts the kids down for a nap (or institutes quiet time/reading time/homework time) and works until 8:30. Parent A cares for the children from the end of nap time/quiet time (roughly 2:00) until bedtime.
Again, this is not an ideal situation, but it does allow each parent to put in 8 hours of work a day.
Chunk Tasks into Manageable Blocks
The real secret to getting work done at home is to look at the tasks you have to accomplish and break them into manageable chunks.
Completing a big project can seem overwhelming at first, but if you look at the steps you’ll need to complete the project, you’ll be able to segment it into smaller parts that you’ll be able to manage at home.
For instance, writing this blog post might take 3-4 hours total. But, I break it into chunks that I can squeeze into my day. For instance, I’ll need to research, outline, write a draft, add links, proof-read, add graphics, publish, advertise on social media, respond to comments, etc. Each one of these tasks will take between 10 and 45 minutes.
When I entertain my kids, I have a number of activities they can engage in without my help. I can usually count on them being entertained for between 10-20 minutes with each activity (hopefully even longer).
As they play, I aim to accomplish one of my tasks, saving the longest tasks for nap/bedtime. It’s not quite as efficient as when I am alone, but it works.
Lay Out Your Kids’ Day
Spending a little prep work to make a workable day for your kids equals more work time for you. Instead of just winging it and dealing with chaos as it comes, a little front-end preparation is totally worth it.
Create a Schedule
Kids thrive on routine.
Let me say that again: KIDS THRIVE ON ROUTINE.
A general routine is a must in any household. Kids need structure in their day, and a routine is your best friend. Try starting with snack and mealtimes that line up with their school/daycare. From there, fill in one or two general activities in between each feeding time.
Your schedule doesn’t need to be colour-coded and rigid. It’s a general guide to the day, with a predictable flow of events, so the children will know what’s coming next.
Be sure to take your own breaks too. You’ll need some time to recharge and you’ll be more productive that way.
Let Them Be
A schedule is great. That being said, a rough schedule or order of events is much more practical than a minute-by-minute daily agenda. If your kids are having fun and entertaining themselves, there’s no need to stop them, just because it’s ten o’clock and your schedule says snack time.
If they are quiet and entertained, let them be!
Better TV = Less Guilt
If you’re working from home, you’re almost guaranteed to need a screen-babysitter at some point.
Maybe you’ll have a conference call, or a deadline, or have to speak to a client and just need QUIET.
Accept that this is a reality and don’t beat yourself up over it. These are trying times and we’re all just trying to make it work. It’s not forever, and you’ll be able to get back into a better routine once things go back to normal.
However, not all screen time is equal and we all know that. Here’s a list of the best educational shows on Netflix. If you need a digital babysitter, they might as well be learning something!
Prep Work
Try to find a bit of time in the evenings to plan out the activities for the next day. You don’t need to cut out intricate crafts, but glance at Pinterest and get a few ideas. That way, you’ll have things prepared and ready to pull out while in the midst of chaos the next day.
Try to find a balance of activities. Pick a few of the following:
- a craft/art activity (see my list of easy crafts made from household objects here)
- a literacy activity
- a math activity
- science experiment/STEM challenge
- a sensory activity
- a gross motor activity if you can’t get outside
More information on each below. Pick a few of these each day and you’ve got a pretty solid line-up for the day.
Remember it’s better to over-plan and have activities that roll into the next day, instead of under-planning and run out of things to do by lunchtime.
Another good suggestion is to do some research on the weekends and get some activities ready for the entire week. That way, you’ll have more time to relax after working all day. You can even let your kids join in on the planning and prepping.
Remember to mix activities in with free play (the most powerful learning comes from creative and imaginative play, not parent-directed activities, after all!), outside play, snacks and reading/quiet time.
It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to constantly think of new activities. If your kids loved an activity, throw it in the mix again the next week. Just be sure to leave a few days space in between, as they’ll lose interest quickly if they’re doing the same things every day.
A Life-Changing Clock
I’m going to introduce you to your new best friend… in clock form.
This clock is a teacher’s best friend and can work magic on even the most challenging students.
It’s called a visual timer.
A visual timer is a clock that gives children a visual for the amount of time an activity takes. It’s such a simple concept, but it’s a game changer for kids.
Time is an abstract concept that is a challenge for kids. You know this already. When you say five more minutes, your kids don’t really understand just how long you mean. So they keep checking to see if five minutes is up, over and over and over again. This can be especially frustrating if you are trying to complete work, or worse, on a conference call.
Attaching a visual to a time limit allows kids to concretely grasp just how long them need to wait for. That means they stop bugging you!
Visual timers are also fantastic for giving kids a time limit, whether it’s how long they’re allowed to be doing screen time, or how long they have to get ready in the morning.
Visual timers are a game changer. Don’t wait; get yours now!
Life-Saving Activities
Sensory Bins
Sensory Bins/sensory activities are the absolute best, especially for younger children. Check out this post on easy-peasy sensory bins you can easily set up in less than 5 minutes, using household materials.
Most, if not all kids will engage in sensory play gladly. It can be a bit of a mess to clean up, but if you spread out an old sheet or tarp (or use a kiddie pool to keep the mess contained), clean up will be quick.
Play dough also makes a great sensory activity that also engages big kids. Here are 20 easy play dough activities you can make with your kids. It includes recipes for scented play dough, edible play dough, gluten free play dough, and even colour-changing play dough!
You can also check out my post on 20+ play dough activities that will take play dough to the next level!
Outdoor Breaks
Just like at school, kids should be getting outside for plenty of playtime, if at all possible. Even 15 minutes in the fresh air can alter your kids’ moods (and yours too). Sprinkle outdoor breaks liberally throughout the day.
Active Toys
So, we know some days we just won’t be able to get outside. Whether rain, snow or abnormal temperatures are the culprit, or you simply can’t access a safe outdoor space, sometimes you need to get your kids moving inside, without destroying the house.
Try playing a quick game of tag around the house, or play Simon Says. Just a few minutes can get your kids feeling a little calmer. Trying an online yoga video is another great idea that isn’t too rambunctious.
Active, energy burning toys for indoors are another great solution that allow your kids to burn off that extra energy without ruining your house.
The Tub is Your BFF
Similar to outdoors, having a bath can alter your kids’ mood in a weird but powerful way. Even if your child uses the shower, a ‘just for fun’ bath (we call them play baths) can break up the day.
To make bath time more fun, try adding some special props. Painting in the tub, bath bombs, glowsticks, or even lego in the bath are all fun ways to mix up bath time.
Different Play Areas
If your house is large enough, set up different play areas and rotate through them as the day goes on.
Just like adults, it’s hard for kids to stay in the same space all day, every day. Rotating through different rooms gives them a change of scenery, which can be so helpful.
Try free play in the play room, reading on the couch, sensory bin in the kitchen, worksheets/colouring in the office, and pretend play in their bedrooms.
Open Ended Vs. Closed Toys
This is a chance to evaluate the kids of toys you have. There are generally two types of toys, open-ending toys and closed toys.
Open-ended toys are largely passive toys that children can take control of to play with (think lego, car tracks, dolls, figurines, etc.).
These are the kinds of toys we had as children and the kind our parents had. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but there’s a lot of play potential. This type of toy can provide hours of entertainment for children.
Closed toys are usually electronics and can be played with only one way. Usually the have buttons for kids to press to sing songs or make noises, but there’s not a whole lot kids can do with them.
My daughter got a remote control robot last Christmas that is a great example of a closed toy. She was absolutely delighted when she opened it, but there wasn’t a lot she could do with it besides just driving him around. She lost interest after a day or two and hasn’t returned to it since.
I’m not suggesting going out and buy all new toys, but I’m sure in the next few months, you’ll purchase a toy or two. Try to make sure that toy is an open-ended toy. You’ll get more bang for your buck and much more peace and quite while your kid plays!
You can also consider buying some second hand toys from Facebook Marketplace, or something similar. You can arrange to have the toy left at the door, then leave it in your trunk for a few days if you’re concerned about germs.
Examples of Open-Ended Toys:
- blocks
- Lego
- dolls
- house set
- magnetiles
- Little People
- dress up clothes
- toys cars/vehicles
- art supplies
Toy Rotations
Another great way to help keep your kids engaged during free time is to do a toy rotation.
Simply put, a toy rotation means tucking some of your toys away, and pulling out a toy from your stash every now and then.
The benefit is that your kids will feel like they are getting ‘new’ toys because they haven’t played with them in so long. the novelty will mean they play with the toy longer and stay more interested.
It’s like getting new toys every few days, without the cost!
To start, just tuck away a few toys your kids haven’t been playing with recently. In a week or two, pull them out and watch your child enjoy them so much more!
Busy Boxes
Busy Boxes are another strategy for occupying kids while you need quiet time to accomplish some work. You can read my posts on how to create busy boxes that toddlers can use independently (this applies to big kids too) and examples of busy boxes we use in my house.
Old School
Finally, think of how you used to spend your time as a kid. Sometimes old school ideas are the simplest, but the best.
I remember many games of ‘lava’ where we hopped across the floor on couch cushions, playing volleyball with an old balloon, made tents from sheets and did somersaults across the couches. You probably did similar things.
There’s nothing wrong with these less than fancy ideas. Your kids will love them too.
Chores
Finally, doling out some chores is absolutely appropriate in times like these when kids are at home. Chores give kids a sense of purpose and responsibility. In times of heightened stress, chores can let children feel they are helping their family.
My daughter (5) is in charge of setting the table for family dinners, reading stories to her little sister before bed and nap, and cleaning up her toys.
Boredom is…Good?
Finally, if your kids get bored, that’s ok. Your job is not to make sure they’re entertained 100% of the time. Especially if you have kids in the elementary school age.
A little bit of boredom will prompt them to entertain themselves.
You may have to suffer from a few minutes of whining, but they will eventually figure out something to do, and this will lead to more creativity and free play. Using your imagination takes practice.
Dealing with a little whining is the short-term loss, but in the long-term, your kids will learn to entertain themselves.
A Note About Routines
Remember, when you’re setting up a new routine, especially after a major change, things are going to be hard at first. You’ll have to explain, model and teach your children what the new routine is and what their expectations are. It won’t be easy right from the start.
However, children adjust quickly and things will fall into place. You’ll find a rhythm and things will get easier.
Remember, this is an unprecedented situation and things don’t have to be perfect. You just need to get through.
Good luck mamas! If you have any questions or need clarification or more suggestions, please comment below and I’ll be sure to answer!
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