Working from home with kids: 30+ expert tips

Working from home with kids can be challenging, as they might disturb your work plan, and might not understand that you are there but yet aren't available to spend time with them - or at least not the whole day.

While the challenge is very different depending if you are a single parent, are teleworking with your partner, have access to external help or not, it seems like a few common points are necessary in any case: setup a fixed schedule, make sure you have at least a few defined work only hours, and try to work while the kids are asleep or busy with their activities.

To help you staying productive while working, we asked the community for their best tips on the subject - here are their great answers. Some might surprise you!

Have you been working from home with kids, did you manage to stay productive? What is your tip to be able to work with kids around?

Beatriz garcia: i downloaded educational apps to my phone

I’m working from home with two kids aged 3 and 6.

I’ve signed up for online learning services, and downloaded educational apps to my phone. When i need to work, i give one my phone and put the other on an old computer. Since these apps are quite interesting, it keeps them reasonably engaged. Sometimes one of them gets stuck and comes to me, or just wants attention. So, it’s not 100% interruption free, but it’s how i get the most continuous work time.

Georgette pascale: respect that you're living in the same space

My kids have always known that i work from home. I’ve done it since they were born. I started a virtual healthcare communications company, pascāle, fifteen years ago. While clients and friends are struggling to adapt to this new life and not being in a brick-and-mortar office, i’m thankful to be ahead of the curve. When my three kids got added into the mix, i knew they already have a basic understanding of my job as an entrepreneur—they have seen me take a call at an atypical hour or glimpse of my work at my home office. With that being said, i still wasn’t sure how they would react to seeing me working or how i would react to seeing them do their full school routine. But i was pleasantly surprised. This situation has created an opportunity for everyone in my family to actually see each other in action. I’ve been so proud to watch them hold themselves accountable. They get up on time; go to their make-shift workspaces around the house and get to work. It’s been great to watch kids, ages eleven, twelve and fourteen—and learn from them.

My best tip for working with kids around is to respect that you’re living in the same space. This is something the kids have been way more practical than i thought they would be. We play off of each other and are sensible about individual schedules. A lot of co-existing comes down to common sense.

Jane flanagan: have a dedicated work station, divide work hours, and keep them busy

The following are some of my tested tips on how to get work done despite having kids around.

1. Have a dedicated work station. A dedicated workstation would not only reduce distractions but also tune your mind to work. I have mad my kids understand that once mommy enters that space, there must be no disturbance. They don't mind my disappearance because of number 2.

2. Divide work hours. It's absolutely impossible to work for eight hours straight at home. Instead of trying, i divide my day into three 2-hour chunks. I work from 9-11, 12-2, and 3-5, putting in six productive hours everyday. Every break, i go check on the kids, play with them and have some fun before going back to work. My kids don't mind my disappearance as i'm sure to appear again after some time... Like clockwork.

3. Keep them busy. I cannot over emphasize the importance of this one here. Give them tasks, games, chores, fun things to do, school work, anything! This works if you apply number 2 though.

Bridget sielicki: wake up early to do several hours of work before they're awake

When it comes to being productive while working from home with kids, i always try and wake up early, so i'm able to do several hours of work before they're awake. It takes time to build up this practice, but it's so helpful to already have some work tasks completed before starting your day with your kids. When my kids were little and i was up more at night with them, i'd use nap times for this purpose. Lots can be accomplished when kids are sleeping!

I also have a designated workspace, so they know when they see me there that i'm not to be disturbed unless its an emergency. If i'm working during the day, the kids are old enough that they can keep themselves occupied while i'm close by. I even have a white noise machine that i'll turn on to help me stay focused and to clue them in that if they hear it, it's mom's work time.

Cherry lacsina: try to mimic work environment at home

Since mid-march when the stay at home orders have been in place in hawaii, i’ve been working from home. My husband is a full-time student so he is able to watch our toddler for the most part. However, because i am still nursing him, i still play an active role in taking care of our son. He constantly asks for me when he wants milk and when he wants to take a nap.

I’m thankful that i have my husband to keep him fed and entertained for the most part but since i am home, i still get distracted hearing them play.

To stay productive, i try to mimic my work environment here at home. I use our tv as my second screen and i make myself coffee every morning. When i am on zoom meetings, i close the door to filter distractions. I also stand up, stretch, and get water for brain breaks as i usually do when i was in the office. This allows me to clear my mind so i can work efficiently in the next task. Re-creating my work environment and routines at home have helped me stay on task and respond quickly to work emails.

Linda chester: create a daily schedule that's agreeable to everyone

I’m a health and fitness consultant who has been working at home for years. My two kids are grown and live on their own now, but when they were still here, we would have an established routine. This ensured that i was still productive, without sacrificing family time.

On weekdays, i would make them breakfast and get them ready for school. When they’re at school is when i do most of my work, typically from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. I do my best to get most of the tasks on my to-do list for that day done before the kids arrive so i can hang out with them before homework and dinner. If i really need to, i’ll put in an extra hour of work after tucking them into bed.

As a fit and active mom, i’ve instilled in my children the importance of staying in shape. They both play sports so most weekends we were at baseball games or swim meets.

Each family is different so i’d advise parents working from home to carve out a routine that works best for them and their kids. Work with your partner and your children to create a daily schedule that’s agreeable to everyone. Make sure to include pockets of time to cook healthy meals and do fun exercises as a family.

Lewis keegan: balance your times and give your kids an activity

If you are working from home with kids, you can follow these tips:

• Make sure to balance your time for work and your time for your kids. Children who feel neglected has a higher chance of trying to seek attention from their parents by throwing tantrums or breaking things. Make sure that you will have a designated time for your children and in doing work-related tasks.
• Give your kids an activity they can focus on while you are working. For instance, a coloring book, drawing book, or let them unleash their inner creativity by letting them craft things using clay, beads, nylon, etc. (just make sure that these are kid-friendly items)

Sonya schwartz: make time, put the older kid in charge, and adjust your schedule

Working at home has its advantage and disadvantages. I have been working at home for quite some time. I must say it’s been difficult at first but it definitely gets better. As you must have all experienced by now, it’s really hard to focus on doing your work when there’s a lot of distractions. Let me share with you 3 tips to maintain a stress-free environment around kids:

• 1. Make time for your kids. Kids are needy creatures. They always wanted you to be around. But if you spend enough time with them and ask them how much you need the quiet time, chances are they won’t bother you when it’s time for you to work.
• 2. Make the older kid in-charge. Kids enjoy being a leader of something. Use this to your advantage. Let the bigger kid act as their leader to ensure everyone’s safety and have them report back to you if anything goes wrong.
• 3. Adjust your schedule. If it’s possible, schedule working at a later time, maybe when the kids are about to go to bed.

When you get used to it becomes easier and you get to be more productive as well. Nothing is more fulfilling for a parent than working and earning while spending and taking care of the kids simultaneously.

Áine breen: set out a routine and be realistic

The saying *‘we are all in the same storm but on different boats’* is very true at the moment. Staying productive, whilst also home-schooling and caring for three kids has been quite a challenge. I found a couple of things work for me.

First, my husband and i set out a routine for every day all to ensure that we both get time to work. Next, i write out two or three things i need focus on for each day or each week. I am being realistic. I can’t do everything, so i ensure i do few things well. And finally, the most important thing for me is get outside into the fresh air, it is so important for my mind and my energy.

Omedaro victor-olubumoye: try to take advantage every time kid is busy

I have been working from home my son (three year old) and i must say it's not very easy. Here's what i do to stay productive with my son. I observed what keeps him busy and can give me some free time to do my work. I noticed when he is busy watching cartoons, kids rhymes, writing or play with a phone, i can get some free time for myself. So after breakfast, i take allow him to watch tv or write depending on what he would like to do at that time. After lunch, i ensure he takes a nap so i can steal some time to complete my work. Basically, i try to take every advantage of every time he is busy or occupied to do my work.

Noreen lace: sitting on the floor with the computer in my lap

I'm an educator at california state university, northridge and a writer. In addition to all of my classes going online, zoom meetings with students and faculty, critique partners, writing groups, is my beautiful 17 month old grandson.

I write early in the morning and late at night, as well as do as much grading and paperwork as possible. When i have a zoom meeting and he's around, i explain to whomever i'm speaking to, and i keep the microphone off until i have to speak. My grandson is interested in who i'm speaking with and occasionally comes over to say hello, but he hasn't tried to grab the computer from me or click any keys while i'm working. I've found that so many people are dealing with the same issues that it's not presenting a problem. Sometimes i'm actually sitting on the floor with the computer in my lap or on nearby step stool. This way he's not feeling ignored or neglected, which can upset children and cause them to interrupt more. While it has been an adjustment, i feel like we're on learning to deal with this new way of doing things.

Swati chalumuri: stay productive by creating a schedule ahead of each day

I'm working from home with my son and it's been successful so far. I stay productive by creating a schedule ahead of each day. Having structure is great because both of us know what to expect. Some days things do go off track and this is when flexibility is key. I'm a freelancer and work ahead on my deadlines so i'm not rushing to finish work on days when my son needs me. We also try to spend time outside and doing activities away from work and school so we can both decompress. This keeps us fresh and ready to be productive when it is time to get job-related tasks or schoolwork done.

Robert theofanis: sounds harsh, but the key is to ignore them

This one sounds harsh, but the key is to ignore them. My daughter is 3 and she frequently joins me in the home office when her little brother is napping and mom needs a break. What i've found is that by explaining that i'm going to be working and then ignoring her initial requests to engage with me, she ends up using her imagination and making up her own game. Once she's deep into her imaginary game, she'll ask a question every now and then. I'll respond by complimenting whatever she's decided to do and gently prodding her to keep going. That keeps the ball rolling and buys me more time. This doesn't work for the whole day, but it's quite effective at getting a 1 to 2 hour stretch. The only downside is that by the end of it, the room is quite disheveled.

Sarah: give each other a two-hour time block each day to focus solely on work

I'm a mom to a 20 month boy with boundless energy. My husband and i have struggled with keeping him entertained without forfeiting productive work time. Some of the things that have helped me to stay productive include extending my working hours, carving out time specifically to focus on my son, and for my husband and i to each take time blocks dedicated solely to working.

Since we began working from home, i have been making sure to be signed on to my work computer from 7am to 6pm. It sounds like a lot, but i’m not getting work done for that entire time. Having a longer than normal work day gives me the freedom to walk away to give my son attention when he needs it. My son isn’t quiet at the age where he really understands independent play, so we really need to be available to meet his social needs throughout the day. Scheduling an extended day allows me to feel comfortable walking away from my computer to make sure my son is getting the interaction he needs without compromising work time. And having a designated end time each day helps reduce some of the burn out.

In addition, my husband and i each also give each other a two-hour time block each day to focus solely on work while the other person takes care of our son. He ends up getting the focused time he needs from each of us individually and we get focused time for work.

Shawn johal: build a disciplined schedule, work space, and lean on others

Like so many parents, it has been a real challenge staying productive while working from home. Here are a few tips that i use and that have worked really well for me.

*build a disciplined schedule: *time-blocking is a habit that anyone can benefit from – especially when working from home with kids. I schedule 90-minute blocks of uninterrupted work time, then follow it up by some time family-time immediately after. I keep a 1-hour block of time for lunch with my family, then back to 90-minute blocks of work time. It comes down to setting intention: drawing a hard line between personal and professional time.

*work space:* one key tip for parents is to create a dedicated work space where they know they can focus. This helped me drastically as i created boundaries (physically) in the house between where i’m a father and husband versus where i am a business coach and speaker. Sometimes i even change my clothes to make it clear to my family and to myself that i’m entering a “work” mindset – which helps a lot!

*lean on others*: i’ve made some amazing deals with other families in my neighborhood to share the time with our kids. Some days my kids spend the whole afternoon at their house, and some days their kids are at mine. By alternating which backyards our kids spend time at, i’ve been able to schedule major calls or big meetings on days where i know my kids will be at the neighbours’ place. Leaning on other working parents has been a huge help for my productivity!

Levy keep a schedule and work after they are asleep

I worked at home, while my two girls were running in my house, yes, a bit weird and strange time, but i kept on couple important things:

• 1. Keep a schedule: breakfast time, lunchtime, tv time, learning time, free playtime. All of these kept the girl knows what to do and allowed me some time to manage meetings etc.
• 2. Work after they are asleep- for better concentration and less stress during the day.

Elna cain: work in small blocks of time while they play with their toys

I work from home as a freelance writer while my twins are at school.

However, now, my twins are home while i work.

To still stay productive while i work from home i create expectations and a schedule. It's simple, but effective. My twins are in first grade so they understand when i go into my home office that i am working. As a family, we come up with activities my twins can do on their own like playing just dance, painting, drawing, or making songs on the piano. I'm able to work during this time and when i'm done a few hours later, the rest of the day is dedicated to homeschooling and spending family time.

What worked when my twins were younger was the pomodoro technique. I would work in small blocks of time while my twins were next to me playing with their toys.

Geninna ariton: manage a schedule around the kids schedule

I have twin boys aged 3 and they are in constant motion every single second. But i was lucky enough to have them in a routine. I am also lucky that my husband has flexible working hours so we managed a schedule around the twins’ schedule. From the moment the twins wake up, my husband is in charge of them. That’s anywhere from 7 am onwards. He is also the one making our breakfast, so i have a sort of undisturbed working morning. Then i take over during lunch, as he needs to go to work. After the twin’s lunch, they go take a nap, which allows me at least 2 hours of working time again, enough to wrap up everything. Of course every day is not the same, sometimes the twins will be running around the house, and my husband can’t keep them occupied in their playroom for long. But still, the schedule is enough for me to be able to work at least 6 hours a day.

Mira rakicevic: the ultimate tip is to stick to the schedule

The ultimate tip for staying productive and keep kids busy while working from home is to stick to the schedule.

Kids thrive when they have a predetermined schedule and regularity during the day. Working parents should organize kid’s schedules to align with their activities - nap time can become a good time for online meetings, tasks that need greater focus.

Furthermore, parents can practice the pomodoro technique for greater focus. The idea is to work on the task for 25 minutes while resting 10 to 15 minutes. Parents could use the resting time to play a board game with their kids, or become involved in their play. This is how they can become engaged in their play, spend quality time, and decrease the questions such as “when will you play with me?”.

Jonah ulebor: find a good source of educational material

A lot of parents have told us that they like using our online tutoring service because not only do the kids seem to love the interactive nature of the lessons, but it also gives them a chance to get on with some of their own work!

Having to cope with teaching young children from home, whilst also having to do your own work, is obviously a really tough balancing act. By offering them a virtual learning session we've been able to help with part of that burden - whilst at the same time educating the children that have enrolled in any of our maths, english or science classes.

I'd recommend to other parents that they find a good source of educational material which encourages interactive learning, and if you are able to spend time with them then have a go at reversing roles now and then. You could try giving them a piece of information to read and then teach it back to the parent - this can be a fun one and it helps to make the child feel more involved with the learning process.

Marina avramovic: set a clear office-space and define boundaries

My best tip for anyone working from home with kids is to set a clear office-space and define boundaries. So when the office door closes, which is currently our small basement, they know not to bother me. At first i did try to work in  pajamas   in bed as they say, but it didn't work too well since the kids didn't take me very seriously. They saw me working from home as a fun time, interrupting my work mercilessly at the start.

So i decided to go back to my routine and simulate going to work, from the moment i got up out of bed. I get dressed, but instead of going to work, i go to our little basement, which i set up as my temporary office. There i sit and work, and when i'm on lunch break i go upstairs to join the family. It took some time for them to adjust, but now they understand that i'm actually at work. So far so good, and i've been able to steadily work throughout the past month.

Rebecca: set strict working hours when they're sleeping

When it comes to working from home with kids, the mission can be more complicated, right? My two kids are wonderful and all but especially during these trying times, my patience has been tested time and time again. One of the best things i've done for myself is set strict working hours when they're sleeping. This means being at the computer early in the morning and late at night. Sometimes i'll catch a few emails midday but that's about it. Is it ideal? Not at all. I miss having those hours to myself, but it's much better than battling it out with them when they want my attention. This method isn't for everyone, nor is it for me every, single day. But, it is my new attempt to making the best of both worlds happen.

Angelo sorbello: kid's schedules fluctuate, so stay on the move

My tip to staying productive while working from home with kids is to be adjustable.

Kid's schedules fluctuate, so stay on the move. Start a little earlier than usual before they wake up; work when they are napping even if you usually would take lunch; work after you put them to bed; and tend to your children if they need it, even if you have work to do.

Your kids can not keep you from your work 24/7 and, even if it’s early in the morning or late at night, you will find time to get work done. Tend to your kids (as you should) and adjust yourself to get your work done when possible. It may cut into your sleep time (or tv time) but unprecedented times cause for unprecedented schedules.

Stacey oaks: give them outdoor active time and enlist help

Working with kids at home can be difficult, but there are a few approaches i have found helped me:

• 1. First, make sure they have a schedule. What happens when kids don't have a schedule? They bug you. And bug you. And bug you. A schedule gives kids a framework for their day, and it also gives them purpose. Create a schedule in 30-minute increments for the entire day. Include exactly how much and what type of screen time they get and (ideally) spread it out in small chunks throughout the day. Give them a timer to make it more fun. Include learning expectations. (my kids had reading and math assignments during the summer, just to keep their brains from turning to mud.) Include chores. Kids complain about having to do chores and brain work, but they'll thank you later. My grown kids have. I found that it takes about two weeks of putting up with complaining, and then kids start to accept what they have to do. Stand strong!
• 2. Set up some stations for times when they've finished what's on their schedule and need to be kept busy. Each station can be a different kind of activity that works for many days in a row. Obviously, it depends on the children's ages, but salt dough, perler beads, sand and water sets, etc. can be stations that tend to keep kids happy. Coloring, listening to music with big dj  headphones   (or something that makes the child feel cool), puzzles, etc., are all great options. These stations can be left up as long as you need, and you can switch up the contents to keep things fresh. I'm telling you, a few minutes of effort in this area will buy you so much time to yourself for working.
• 3. Give them outdoor active time. If you have a yard, make sure every day has scheduled outside play. You'll be amazed at how much better they stay occupied once you've worn them out! If you don't have a yard, make time to run around the block with your kids or find some way (maybe a babysitter) to get a good dose of outside play. I swear by this. Once they're physically exhausted, they'll be more willing to sit and do brain work, etc. In fact, my suggested order of activities on their schedule might be something like: 1) chores, 2) outside play, 3) brain work, 4) screen time, 5) stations.
• 4. Enlist help. Swap working times with a spouse, neighbor, or family member. If you work at different hours, it's easier to cover the kids. Do hold your partner accountable to contribute time to helping the kids get the attention they need.

Eugene romberg: schedule your day before you go to sleep

The best tip for working from home with kids: as a parent who has been working from home even before, it was always difficult to stay productive towards the end of the day. After i drop my kids off at school, i have a range of 4-5 hours where i can work within my office without interference. However, now that my children are around me 24/7, i have learned how to stay productive even when they need attention from you. My tip is to schedule your day before you go to sleep. For every 3 hours i work, i allocate a one hour break to hang out with my children. See, i believe it is a great time to teach kids functional skills, and for that 1 hour break i plan on helping my kids learn something new. Cooking, art, music or even trivia can inspire and get their minds going. This is an easy way to pace yourself with your work and it also gives you an opportunity for quality time with your children. If you do this once a day or even twice a day, you will be impressed with how much they have learned from you or your spouse.

Schimri yoyo: three things i utilize are breakfast, boredom and boundaries

Working from home has its advantages. The minimal driving and exposure to dangerous elements can lead to  lower rates for insurance.   While telecommuting can mean lower premiums, if you have kids, it can also mean lower productivity.

Three things i utilize when working from home with kids are breakfast, boredom, and boundaries.

Breakfast: i make it a priority to help my wife to prepare breakfast for my kids in the morning. This allows me both to have some quality time with them at the start of the day and to remind them that when breakfast is over “daddy” will be working.

Boredom: as in, don’t allow it in your children’s schedule. Keep them occupied with age-appropriate activities such as reading, writing, playing outdoors, dress-up, watching movies, or playing video games. The busier they are, the more productive you’ll be.

Boundaries: establish clear boundaries for your children and for yourself to avoid distractions and procrastination. Schedule lunch breaks and 15- to 20-minute breaks for check-ins or “conference calls” with your kids to satisfy any cravings for attention.

Kerry wekelo: have a dedicated sitter while you are working

I have been working from home with my 2 children for 15 years. Here are a few of my tips.

• Have a designated sitter in the family or switch with your significant other to schedule coverage for your children while you are working.
• Set expectations with your family. Let them know that you are reserving time to work and need minimum distractions.
• Create a work schedule for your core hours. Having a structure in place gets everyone on a routine.
• Set up a dedicated space in your home free of distractions. A space reserved for working helps get you in the mindset of the day. A table or desk is best for this and lets children feel that they are in an office space, not in a play space.
• Determine communication strategies with each team and your children. Older children can hand you a note while you are on a call.
• Add movement to your day. Without the usual office distractions, it can be hard to remember to take breaks. Movement, even if just for five minutes or at your desk, is important to schedule into the workday.

Encourage your children to join you in movement.

Michael brown: the most important thing is to keep them engaged

I work from home with two young children. I have a 7 year old boy and and 10 year old girl. I give them things to do to keep them busy. It helps to give them something to look forward to after my working day is done. I often tell them i will bake something with them or watch a movie with them when i am finished working. I also set them up with things to do where i can watch them. They like to draw, paint and create things so i set a table up outside of my office and let them make things. It is also important to include them in my breaks. I often take them outside and walk through the garden or let them help me make lunch. The most important thing is to keep them engaged. I have also made sugar cookies and frosting in the past and let them decorate the cookies. I find activities that involve art work the best. Sometimes i let them watch movies as well. I have set pretty firm limits so they know not to bother me unless it is important.

Amy schweizer: most importantly, cut yourself and your kids some slack!

Working from home with kids in tow is not for the faint of heart, but it is possible to be a successful with a few tools. First things first - get a paper planner. It is impossible to keep the 109389.98 tasks that are required of you in both realms in order without it. And an added bonus - it frees up so much mental space! Next, if at all possible, get a babysitter for once or twice a week with set hours. You can schedule meetings, appointments, and phone calls during this time without disruption. If a babysitter isn't an option, this is the time to crank on the tv. and break out the good snacks. You know, the ones the kids always want but that aren't necessarily good for them. This guarantees you 20 minutes without interruption. Call away! Last but not least, automate as many things as you can to save yourself time. Picking up groceries on the way home from school drop-off versus taking all of the kids into the grocery store after school when they are tired, cranky, and hungry is a game changer. Most importantly, cut yourself and your kids some slack!

Summary points to work-from-home successfully:

• 1) get a paper planner. Will help you be organized while freeing up precious mental space!
• 2) hire a babysitter for set times each week. (if no babysitter, turn on the tv and break out the good snacks!)
• 3) automate to save time (ie. grocery pick up vs. shopping in store with kids in tow)

Nikola baldikov: do not isolate yourself for the whole day

Technology and education are two major preoccupations for many parents, and with those worlds colliding, many of us are struggling with both the practicalities and more philosophical issues.

It is essential to set some kind of 'natural' boundaries, without making your children feel additionally stressed of the whole situation. Make it clear that you need quiet space for a specific period of time during the day. Also, you shouldn't forget to take your meaningful breaks. Do not isolate yourself for the whole day, communicate with the children, ask them whether they need any help or attention for school work or whatever it might be. Plan your day wisely and take the benefits of being at home.

Alexis haselberger: communicate, experiment, iterate, repeat to improve things

• Plan like your life depends on it (spoiler: it does!)
• Create a schedule that shows when each person in the family is in meetings/in class and post this schedule in a prominent place where everyone can see it. You may need to update this daily. This way we all know when not to interrupt each other.
• Ditch the guilt around screen time. If all else fails and you are about to go into a big meeting, give them a device and don't feel guilty about it. This is about survival.
• Communicate, experiment, iterate, repeat. Every day talk about what worked, what didn't and what you'll do tomorrow to improve things for everyone.

Mary koczan: stick to a routine, prep snacks, and practice patience

It’s challenging enough to meet deadlines at work. But, remove that limited-distraction environment, throw a kid or 2 into the mix, and it can become overwhelming. The juggling act between being a full-time employee and parent has been difficult, yet rewarding. Here are a few things i have found that have helped during this time.

• Stick to a routine. Keep the same wake-up time, nap time, and bedtime for your child. This helps keep everyone on the same page and provides pockets of time for uninterrupted work.
• Prep snacks and meals the night before. Take one less stress out of your day when you prep meals ahead of time. This way, you don’t have to scramble to figure out what to make while trying to keep an eye on your child and work at the same time.
• Practice patience. Accept the fact that there are going to be good days and bad days. It’s not the end of the world if your child sings a disney song during a conference call. Likewise, you can make up those 15 minutes during the workday to create a quick art project with your child.

Jason davis: block out time after they go to sleep and before the day

My tip for working at home with kids is to block out time after they go to sleep and early in the morning before the day has really begun to do your deep work.

During those times, i have longer periods of uninterrupted concentration. During the day, i'm able to have meetings and do smaller tasks, where it's not as big of a deal if i get interrupted. My kids are 3 and 6 years old, so of course it depends on how old your children are, but overall i'm doing my best to manage constant interruptions by adjusting what work i'm doing to their schedules.

I also make sure to let my kids know when it's okay to come into my office and when it's completely off-limits by putting a sign on the door. While they've still managed to come in during a few of my meetings, the sign on the door works most of the time!

Marty basher: organize work stations for each family member

Set important boundaries. While this is a great time for families to relax a bit, some boundaries are crucial to keep everyone on track and productive. While extra tv and technology time is totally acceptable at such a challenging time, it’s still ideal to have healthy limits. This will make it easier when schedules go back to normal and to help keep your kids happy and motivated. It’s well-documented that too much tv and technology affects a child’s mood and sleep. It’s also essential to talk openly to your kids about what you need to accomplish each day working from home and what’s expected of them. Make sure they understand that your job requires you to get a certain amount of work done each day and you need their help. Make a sign for your office door that lets them know when you can talk to them (such as “do not disturb”) or create a hand signal (thumbs up—ok to talk or thumbs down—you’ll have to wait a minute). They need to know that you’re not always going to be able to be interrupted every time they come to you.

Organize work stations for each family member. Just like an office or classroom, each person should get their own designated work area. It’s the most practical and productive way to actually get things done. You may or may not have a home office set up already, if not, now’s the time! Seek out a quiet place where you think you can get work done and take phone calls if necessary. It doesn’t have to be an entire spare room that’s all decked out, it can be as simple as a desk set up in your bedroom or even closet, depending on your space. Attempting to work from home with kids has its challenges so be prepared for interruptions and plenty of breaks. As for your kids, doing schoolwork from the kitchen table works for some kids but not all of them. You’ll have to decide if this is possible with your family. If not, it might be beneficial to give each child their own space to do some learning. Some kids prefer their bedrooms, others are fine curled up on the couch, while others may need a desk/table to fully function. Find a spot each child feels good about getting some work done and tweak what doesn’t work. Set each child up with the tools they need such as a tablet or laptop, writing utensils, paper and art supplies. If your school didn’t assign work, a simple google search will help you land on educational websites and apps to get you going. There’s a plethora of information and offers available to new homeschooling parents right now.

Jenifer joy: first: be there

Especially during these scary times, your kids need to know you’re there for them, no matter what. Your undivided attention helps them feel safe and secure. When talking to a child, look directly into in their eyes and listen closely to what they say, preferably without holding anything (such as a phone) in your hands.

Don’t wait for them to bring it up to ask how they are. By regularly checking in, you can get a sense of their understanding, can validate their feelings, and correct misperceptions. Save money on prescriptions and freely dispense hugs—your onboard “combination love potion, muscle relaxant, and tranquilizer,” as stated in the durable human manifesto. To make it a no-brainer that there will be plenty of time and space for face-to-face contact and hugs, establish no-tech-use areas of the house and time periods, at least at meals and bedtime.