Snow days, kids get sick, holidays, long weekends…there are about a million reasons why kids miss school and stay at home. It’s fun when it’s a day off school, but unscheduled events can be quite stressful, especially if you work from home like me. I actually love having my kids home, cherish it even because I know that the time is fleeting and will be gone all too soon. However, when it’s summer vacation or a planned holiday, it’s just that: planned. When my child starts vomiting at night or unexpected weather arrives, it’s just that: unexpected. The difference is huge. When days are known, I can plan for them, work ahead, work around the break. When it’s sudden, I can’t possibly plan for it and I miss deadlines, or at the very least get behind.
That’s why working from home can prove quite challenging. While each care giver/parent has his or her own needs and preferences, here are some tips for balancing home and work that should apply for all with kids at home.
- Be sure to treat work like work- it’s not a hobby, nor is it 24/7. It works best for me to try to get my quota in Monday through Friday, though if I have to take time off during the week unexpectedly, I make up for it on the weekend. This will vary based on how you’re paid- you may need certain hours or it may be a task-finished kind of payment.
- Use a sound machine. Using a sound machine will help you tune out kid noise, as well as other distractions at home. {You can obviously still use a baby monitor to keep track of little ones.}
- Use the kids’ “down time.” I don’t like working while they’re awake for so many reasons; thus, I maximize their awake time by being present with them and I maximize my work time by giving them sleep or something special. Usually I work during nap time or after they to bed, or both, dependent upon how much time I need. I’ve found it works best to put the older kids down for naps when the baby goes down. If the older kids aren’t napping anymore, I give them room time or movie time.
- Schedule some play dates away from home or swap mom duties with a trusted friend so you each have some quality down time.
- Hire a babysitter. If your work pays enough, it’s often worth paying a fun babysitter your kids enjoy to spend a day or two with. Remember to hire someone you trust who is good with kids, not just okay with them. Your kids will look forward to a good sitter and dread a boring one.
Working from home while still being a mom can be tricky- try these tips for making it work when kids are home.