The first step is recognizing that working from home with children is difficult. Apart from setting up an office/corner/hiding area to function from, there are a few more things you can do to balance work and kids successfully.
Try Be Single-Minded When Possible
When you work from home and have small children, every moment you can concentrate on just one thing seems like a mini-vacation. Take advantage of times when you have the luxury of focusing on one thing. That doesn’t mean squeezing as much work as possible into your naps. Just drive while you’re behind the wheel. Stay present while you’re assisting the kids with their schoolwork. Put your phone aside while watching a movie. You’ll feel less overwhelmed during the chaotic moments if you’ve been able to recharge during the quieter ones.
Decide What You Want to Let Go Of
You can’t do it all… and that’s perfectly ok! Instead of losing hair over trying to complete all your work and family duties, choose something which you’re ready to compromise on (as long as it’s not sleep). Allowing the kids to put their clothes away, getting takeout most evenings, or letting the dishes sit in the sink for a while are all examples of this.
Communicate With Your Employer and Co-Workers
You’re not alone in your struggle to learn how to work productively from home. Inform your employer about any issues you’re having while trying to juggle work and children. By making management aware of your challenges, adjustments can be made to your workload and schedule without compromising your productivity. Another good tip is to reach out for practical advice and emotional support from co-workers and friends who are in the same boat as you.