Guest post by Janice Russell from ParentingDisasters.com
Photo via Pexels

It’s hard enough to stay focused working at home without kids underfoot. But if you have a baby on your hip or toddlers running around your house, getting work done from home can seem completely impossible. How do other parents manage? No, remote-working parents don’t have superpowers, although it may seem that way sometimes. Through a process of trial and error, you too can learn how to work productively with young kids at home. Here are some tips to help you thrive as a work-from-home parent!

Find Fulfilling Work

It’s impossible to be productive when you hate your job. If you’re feeling unmotivated or unfulfilled in your career, it might be time for a career change. Look into new roles that would better suit your skills and interests. 

If you’ve always wanted to be a teacher, consider going back to school and earning an online teaching degree. Online degrees are great for parents because they enable you to work at your own pace. Keep in mind that you will also need to get a teaching license in your state in addition to earning your teaching degree. While each state has different requirements for teaching certificates, you will typically need to complete a background check, pass entrance exams, and submit your transcripts.

 Leverage Time-Saving Tools

Whether you’re a business owner or employee, you can make your remote work easier by leveraging time-saving tech tools. Freelancers, for example, can use online accounting apps to automate bookkeeping and client billing. You can even find invoice templates to help you create professional invoices featuring your business name, logo, brand colors, and any other important information you need to include. Just choose a premade invoice template and customize it with your business branding for a polished and professional look!

Design Your Office for Productivity 

A dedicated home workspace is essential if you’re working from home full-time. As you set up your new office, try to implement a few features that will aid your productivity. Invest in a comfortable chair and a desk that’s big enough for the type of work you do. Set up a file system and install shelving to keep clutter stored away and off your desk. If your desk is always littered with notes, get a bulletin board where you can tack them up. Balance The Grind also suggests bringing some of the outdoors inside with potted plants and landscape paintings.  

Schedule Your Time Carefully

When you have kids at home, you’ll need to schedule your workday strategically. See if you can organize your work around your children’s schedules. For example, if your toddler always naps around the same time every afternoon, schedule your most mentally demanding work during this time. What to Expect explains that most toddlers nap for 2 to 3 hours during the day! Leave other tasks, like answering emails, for those times when you need to multitask work and childcare.

Keep Your Kids Occupied 

While you should be able to get a good chunk of work done while your little one naps, you’re likely wondering what to do about the rest of the day when they’re awake. The trick is to have a variety of entertaining options available to pull out when you need a distraction. Coloring books, sticker books, sensory bins, busy books, and even an empty cardboard box can keep young kids busy for a long time. Set up these activities in your office so you can monitor your kids while you work. You can even use a baby playpen to ensure your little one stays out of trouble when you have to take your eyes off them. 

Working from home with young kids is far from impossible. As you overcome daily challenges and figure out what works best for you, staying productive will become easier and easier. Most importantly, remember to cherish these days at home with your kids. They’ll be heading off to school before you know it!

Are you looking for ways to memorialize your children’s younger years? Check out White Loft for heirloom keepsakes including handmade child growth charts and custom month markers!