Essential Resources for Parents Working From Home

Aug 11

Written by Sarah Bull

If you’ve recently begun working from home, you know just how hard it is to keep an eye on your kids and take care of everything your boss needs you to do. Juggling a full-time job with full-time childcare is no easy task, and at first, this new arrangement can feel overwhelming. To find your balance, you’ll have to find ways to keep your kids out of your hair during the workday and ensure that they can have fun on their own! These resources are packed with tips on furnishing your own home office, reducing stress levels in your household, and suggesting fun activities that your kids can do without you.

Create Your Home Office

Set boundaries by establishing your own private workspace in your home. When the door is closed, your kids will know that you’re busy!

Make an effort to soundproof your designated room.

Consider purchasing dual monitors so that you can work more efficiently and shave a little time off your workday.
To design your office, make a shopping list with the right furniture, storage options, and any additional tech you may need.

Stress-Busting Strategies

You don’t want to deal with family chaos when you’re on a conference call. It’s time to focus on skills with your children like self-soothing, using “inside voices,” and settling arguments.

Work with your children to lower their volume so that you can enjoy uninterrupted quiet as you work.
Teach your kids emotional regulation techniques; they won’t need your help to calm down every time they get worked up.
Sometimes, your kids will get into arguments while you work, so focus on family conflict resolution to avoid chaos.
Try to incorporate daily yoga into your family’s routine so that everyone feels calmer.

Entertainment Options

Want your kids to stay out of your hair while you work? Come up with a few ways to keep them entertained from nine to five!

Wild Dreams recommends creating a family vision board and letting everyone add to the collage!
Gift your kids devices that can help them stay occupied, like a kid-friendly smartwatch.
Encourage your children to try activities they can enjoy solo, such as coloring or building with Legos.
Emphasize the importance of sharing with your kids so that play time doesn’t dissolve into chaos over a favorite toy!

Raising a family is never without its challenges, and as a full-time parent and employee, you’ve definitely got your hands full! These resources will help you create ground rules that keep everyone in your household happy. As your family adjusts to these new circumstances, you may actually begin to appreciate the fact that you get to spend more time together at home!