Working at home with kids is near impossible. But with a little ingenuity and a set schedule, you can successfully accomplish quite a lot when using these tips on working at home with kids.
Both my husband and I work from home quite often. This business of being an Influencer, Blogger, Writer, Free-lancer often means being at home with at two-six children running around. Anytime the kids are home that means lots of interruptions and chaos in the background, which sometimes translates to not being able to accomplish anything!
I have found some tips and tricks that help me stay on task and focused while working at home. I really enjoy working from home on the days I can. Both the kids and I have gotten into a good rhythm of working as a team.
Create a Schedule
Routines are important for kids (and adults too!). Schedules make clear to everyone what is happening and when. I like to make a quick schedule with times written down for both the kids and I.
Now that two of my kids can tell time, they update everyone on how long they have left until the next activity on the schedule.
Make time for FUN
Always make time for fun when working at home with the kids. When you give them your undivided attention for even a small period of time, they will be more willing to allow you time alone to focus on your work.
Whether it’s an impromptu dance party, throwing a ball outside, reading a book, or coloring… all of these are easy ways to show your children that they are still important to you even though you are working. And they are activities that don’t take long to do.
Install a Whole Home Wi-Fi System
We used to be limited to working in two rooms in our home where the wi-fi was strong. Or we had to limit devices on the internet to one at a time to keep from slow loading times. It was so frustrating.
We installed the Deco M5 Wi-Fi system and now I can work from any room in the house and even on our backyard patio! It’s amazing!
With the Deco M5 whole-home Wi-Fi system, I can sit in the playroom with my laptop and work while the kids are playing or let everyone on their electronic devices at the same time with no problems at all!
TP-Link HomeCare also allows me to have amazing parental controls so I can manage and monitor access of network services for all of my children by time allowance.
The Deco system is easy to install and set up. I tested it’s full capacity with every phone, kindle, laptop & iPad streaming something from the internet at the same time in different rooms, it totally handled it with no problem!
Work in small increments
Reality is you will have interruptions when working at home with children. Learn to work in small increments and break up tasks into steps that can be accomplished in shorter spurts of work time.
I had to learn that 15 minutes of solid work time is accomplishing a lot! I use a task manager to help me stay on target for getting each step done.
Involve the Kids
If you are working at home with the kids find little ways to involve them in what you are doing or give them their own tasks similar to what you are doing.
If I am writing in a notebook and taking notes, I give them a notepad and pencil and tell them to take notes. Same with photography, cooking, and other things involved with my work.
They proudly announce to daddy that they helped mommy work today when he comes home.
Take time off
Working from home often means that the work is never done because you can’t “leave work at the office.”
Make a conscious decision to put down the laptop and get out of work mode and take time off.
You can’t work 24 hours a day. Make time to enjoy your children and your family.
This will keep you refreshed and ready to get back at it tomorrow.
When I use these easy tips on working at home with kids, I actually accomplish quite a lot!
You can learn more about Deco and their amazing whole home Wi-Fi System HERE!
Happy Working,
Keikilani
Rebecca Bryant says
These are great tips. I find that i get distracted easily if i don’t have a schedule and a to-do list.
Alicia Taylor says
Scheduling is so important – and so is that wi-fi. My hubby and I both work from home. We’ve also installed some home automation to make things work smoother, as well.
Ashley says
When the kids are home for breaks, I always make sure to schedule in some fun. They know they have to let Mommy work in the morning to get to the fun!
mandy carter says
My husband and I both work from home too with kids. It has its challenging times but most certainly I love it way more the 60+ hours I used to work outside of the home. Great tips!
Milena says
Oh, I need to look into that WiFi! I could use an upgrade when I’m outside. These are great tips that work for me too!
Liz Mays says
Establishing a routine with a schedule is super helpful. I like the idea of not being limited to an office all day when you have a home wifi system.
Bree says
These are all great ideas! I’m a full time student and I find establishing a schedule and working in small increments works best! With a toddler whose full of energy, she’s always wanting my attention!
Stephanie Jeannot says
I love that you include them so that they don’t feel neglected. That’s beautiful and yet you still get work done while parenting. Lovely!
Kristin says
These are great tips with summer approaching. It’s hard to get work done when the weather is great and you just want to have fun!
Emily says
I am struggling with this right now. I have been blogging for three years, but just started doing it full time once my youngest started Kindergarten this year. So I have not had to juggle kids at home while trying to work during the day, now that they are on Spring break it has been a struggle. I will have to try some of these ideas. Summer is coming and I will need to up my organization to make it all work with the kids home.
Rose Siders says
Great tips! I can barely concentrate working at home and I don’t even have kids yet!
Jennifer says
Great tips. Some are hard for me to implement as my job requires me to be at my desk and working during my office hours of 7-4 with a somewhat flexible hour lunch. During summer, my older kids (8 and 12) get a schedule with age appropriate chores and educational or physical activities every morning, then have free time afterwards. Some days are easier than others. I had to bring on a nanny to take care of the baby as it wouldn’t be fair to my company to try to take care of an infant and maintain a high level of performance. A big misconception with work-at-home jobs is there is down-time available and it can be worked into your schedule. I definitely don’t have that luxury but I wouldn’t give up my 100% remote position to go back into an office for anything. 🙂 For people like me, the biggest help is having a dedicated office space and work hours. I treat my job like I’m in the office and no one I work with knows the difference which is why it works.
Keikilani Jackson says
It is a different scenario when you have set hours like you, Jennifer. Sounds like you have adjusted your children’s schedule to help accommodate that! You are totally right that setting hours and treating your job like a business office is crucial to accomplishing work!