Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to work from home with kids. Working from home has become more than a trend. It’s now a lifestyle choice many are embracing for its many perks. In fact, various studies have shown that productivity when working from home can actually be better than working from a traditional office setting. Picture this: no commute, no distractions from chatty coworkers, and the freedom to design your workspace to your liking. Sounds like a dream, right?

But what happens when that dream is interrupted by the pitter-patter of tiny feet, followed by a little voice asking you to find a missing toy or make a snack? Suddenly, your productivity sanctuary can feel more like a 24/7 daycare, making it difficult to concentrate, meet deadlines, or even take a five-minute break.

If you find yourself nodding along, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Millions of parents are navigating the tricky waters of balancing professional responsibilities with the demands of parenting. And that’s why we’ve put together this guide, to offer you practical tips, proven strategies, and valuable insights to make working from home with kids not just feasible but also efficient and enjoyable.

1. Set Up Your Workspace

Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or a newcomer to the world of working from home with kids, one thing is certain: having a designated workspace is crucial. Without it, you risk both decreased productivity and increased stress levels.

A dedicated workspace not only boosts your productivity but also sets clear boundaries, helping both you and your kids differentiate between work mode and home mode. While it might be tempting to work from the family couch or your cozy bed, these areas are synonymous with relaxation and leisure.

Moreover, working in common spaces, especially when kids are around, can blur the lines for them. They might struggle to understand when you’re available for play and when you’re focused on work. By consistently working at your desk and communicating to your kids that this space is a ‘quiet zone’, you not only enhance your productivity but also set clear expectations. Over time, this consistency can lead kids to naturally respect this boundary, reducing the chances they’ll interrupt you during crucial work moments.

2. Create a Daily Routine

Implementing a daily routine can be a game-changer for work from home parents. A well-planned day provides structure, helping both you and your kids know what to expect, and making it easier to balance the multiple demands on your time.

Routine provides a sense of structure and familiarity. For kids, this structure is comforting and can result in better behavior and sleep patterns. For parents, it can make planning and time management more straightforward.

One way to get your kids excited about a new routine is to involve them in the planning process. Whether it’s letting them pick an educational app or choose the lunch menu for the day, giving them a sense of control can make them more invested in sticking to the routine.

A Sample Day for a Working Mom or Dad Balancing Work & Family Life

6:30 am – 7:30 am:

Breakfast with the family, get dressed, and prepare for the day

7:30 am – 8:30 am:

Dropping off the child at school. For those days when the child is at home, maybe a fun morning activity or educational game to kick off their day

8:30 am – 10:30 am:

Dive deep into work. This could be the most productive slot for a working mom or dad since the house might be quieter

10:30 am – 11:30 am:

Engage in a playful or educational activity with your child. If they’re at school, this could be the perfect time for personal breaks or house chores.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm:

A family lunch for those days the kids are at home or a peaceful lunchtime if they’re at school. Perhaps a short walk to recharge

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm:

Another focused work session. If the child is at home, set them up with a quiet activity or an educational app

2:30 pm – 4:00 pm:

Either pick up the child from school or if they’re home, engage in outdoor play, park visits, or even a fun DIY project

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm:

Answer emails, schedule tasks for the next day, and begin dinner preparations. For those moments when work and parenting overlap, perhaps some supervised playtime or crafts for the child

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm:

Enjoy a meal together, discuss the day’s events, and strengthen family bonds

7:30 pm – 8:30 pm:

Bedtime stories, baths, and the nightly routine to help the kids get to sleep

8:30 pm onwards:

For those working parents who still have a bit left in the tank, this could be the final work check of the day. Afterwards, some relaxation, perhaps a TV show or quality time with a partner.

how to work from home with kids

3. Learn to Manage Your Time

We’ve all heard the saying, “Time is money,” but when you’re a parent working from home, time also means sanity, productivity, and quality moments with your family. Effective time management is crucial, yet easier said than done.

First, identify your peak productivity hours. For many, tackling high-focus tasks during the morning proves to be the most effective. And to further optimize your workday, consider implementing time management techniques.

Two popular time management techniques you may want to consider are the Pomodoro Technique and time-blocking.

The Pomodoro Technique involves setting a timer for short bursts of focused work (usually 25 minutes), followed by a 5-minute break. It’s a surprisingly effective way to boost productivity without burnout.

Time-blocking involves scheduling specific tasks into your calendar at set times. For example, you can block off 9:00 am to 11:00 am for work tasks that require deep focus, and reserve 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm for quality time with the kids.

Scheduling kid time not only gives you precious moments with your children but also provides them with the attention they crave, making it easier for you to focus on work later.

4. Keep Your Kids Engaged

So, you’ve got your workspace set up and your daily routine down to a science. But what about the little ones? Keeping them occupied is another essential piece of the puzzle when figuring out how to work from home with kids.

Here are some effective and fun ways to keep your children engaged and learning:

Educational apps & online resources: Make use of platforms like Khan Academy Kids for interactive learning. Ideal for allowing parents some focused work time.
DIY crafts & activities: Limit excessive screen time with activities such as homemade playdough and cardboard castles. These foster creativity and can be scheduled around work hours.
Streaming services for kids: For controlled screen time, opt for child-friendly streaming services that offer educational and entertaining content.

Playdates: If you know any other working moms or dads without childcare, set up a date. You can work while the kids play.

5. Coordinate with Your Partner or Support Network

The importance of coordination can’t be overstated, particularly for mothers. According to a study by Lucia Ciciolla and Suniya S. Luthar, while there have been shifts in gender roles, women, especially mothers, still shoulder a significant chunk of household responsibilities. This isn’t just about physical chores; it encompasses the emotional and mental labor involved in managing the household, ensuring the well-being of the children, and often, maintaining order and structure in the home.

The research revealed that the majority of surveyed mothers felt solely responsible for household routines, including organizing family schedules. This invisible labor can strain a mother’s well-being and satisfaction with her relationship.

Considering this, clear communication becomes even more paramount. Discussing work schedules, key meetings, and deadlines with your partner helps. Being transparent not only prevents misunderstandings but is also a step towards a more balanced division of labor, especially for working moms who already juggle so much.

The solution? Recognize and equitably distribute these responsibilities, playing to each person’s strengths. For example, someone adept at multitasking might manage quick childcare tasks, while another focuses on longer periods.

6. Choose the Right Technology

In an increasingly digital world, the right technology can make or break your experience when figuring out how to work from home with kids. Whether it’s maintaining your work productivity or keeping your children engaged safely online, technology can be your best ally when chosen wisely.

When it comes to multitasking, some work from home productivity tools can make a world of difference. For example, Todoist allows you to streamline your tasks, delegate chores, and set reminders, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks – even when kids demand your attention.

Moreover, productivity apps can also help you organize your family life and household chores. By integrating these apps into your routine, you can ensure that both your work and family life run seamlessly.

7. Stay Connected with Your Team

Staying connected with your coworkers is not just beneficial for your work; it’s also essential for your mental well-being. It fosters a sense of community and shared goals, making you feel less isolated in the work-from-home setting.

A simple check-in can go a long way in maintaining good work relationships. If you have to log off early for a pediatrician appointment or can’t attend a meeting due to a childcare issue, being upfront and honest with your coworkers is usually the best course of action.

People appreciate honesty and transparency; it builds trust. However, be mindful and read the room first. Not all work environments are empathetic, but if you’re lucky, your honesty can even elicit offers for support.

Video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Slack video calls have become our new virtual meeting rooms. Learning to use these tools effectively can enhance your remote work experience. Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking, invest in a good quality camera, and use a background that minimizes distractions. These small touches show professionalism and courtesy to your colleagues.

8. Take Time for Self-Care

It’s a well-known saying that you can’t pour from an empty cup. As a parent, it’s easy to put yourself last, but ignoring self-care can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even health issues.

You don’t have to book a weekend getaway to practice self-care. Simple techniques can go a long way. For example, the Pomodoro Technique isn’t just for work. You can also use it for short relaxation breaks. Five minutes of deep breathing, a quick stroll around the block, or even some stretches can refresh your mind and body.

The lines between work and home can blur when you’re working from home with kids, making it essential to set boundaries. Allocate specific times for work and family and stick to them as much as possible. When work ends, switch off your laptop and spend quality time with your family.

how to work from home with kids

How to Work from Home with Kids: The Fiber Advantage

Navigating the work-from-home waters with children at your heels can be both rewarding and challenging. However, with the right strategies in place, it’s absolutely possible to create a harmonious balance between professional responsibilities and parental duties. By designating a productive workspace, sticking to a routine, and leveraging the power of technology, you can ensure that both your work and family life thrive in unison.

And finally, to work from home, you need high-speed internet to support all your tasks. For work-from-home parents, having enough bandwidth for seamless video calls while the kids indulge in their favorite online games, like Roblox, is non-negotiable. That’s where our fiber internet services come in. It’s no wonder so many work-from-home parents rave about the consistent and fast connections they enjoy with our service.

Learn about the Race Communications fiber internet packages so everyone in the family stays connected and content. Because when you have the right support, juggling work and family becomes a little easier.