This post may contain affiliate links meaning I earn a commission if you use those links. Please read my full disclosure policy for more information.
Over the last decade companies have begun to realize that an employee doesn’t need to be on site to perform their job they can perform the same if not better if they work at home.
Working from home is a necessity for some people. With the rising cost of childcare, working from home is the only option for some parents. Plus, there are added perks of no more getting up early, fighting traffic or dealing with office gossip.
If you’ve ever tried to work from home with kids, you know that you must have a plan set up. Taking care of children is a full-time job within itself. Kids do not know how to entertain themselves you must show them how to do that. Giving your children the proper environment while you work will make it easier.
Working at home can be a glorious experience and it’s full of opportunities to be more productive and get your best work done while maximizing as much income as possible. When you add children to that factor things can get stressful and challenging very fast.
Children have no filter they don’t care if you need to make a phone call or you have a deadline for a project at work, when they need something from you they need it right then and there.
Learning to juggle the work at home parent life can be done. It’s like holding 10 bags of groceries in one hand, a baby in the other hand all while getting a snack for your toddler. How you balance your desire to be with your kids and do a good job for your career is up to you. It is possible if you are flexible.
One thing I have realized is some days go smooth while other days are epic fails of me getting no work done.
Of course, kids would love it if you would play with them all day however that’s not realistic when you’re a single mom trying to make a full-time income.
Just like with anything new you must talk to your children and explain that mommy needs to work. Repetition and conditioning your child to understand when it’s mommy’s work time versus when it’s play time.
Sometimes I invite my toddler to help me when I am doing shipping, she loves to be mommy’s little helper.
Kids thrive in a structured environment. When they know what to expect they behave better. Have you ever noticed when your children are acting up it’s usually because they are tired, bored or out of routine?
Here are some strategies that can help you have a better work and family life and getting more done throughout the day.
1. Create A Designated Play Area or Space In Your Home.
Having a set play area for your child is very important. You want to ensure that the play area is right where your work area is, so you are still able to monitor your child and be available if they need you.
The space should include any of the activities that you’re going to have the child do while you were working. It could be as simple as the dining room table you’re working at the table and their coloring at the table.
The area should always be close to where you’re at. It should never be in a separate room or separate area of the home.
You still need to be able available in case your child needs you.
2. Puzzles or Crafts That Will Stimulate and Occupy Your Child.
Puzzles, crafts, art projects, painting, chalk, coloring can keep kids occupied for hours.
Arts, crafts, puzzles are all great things kids love. Since these are independent activities, children should be able to do most of the set up and clean up on their own. If you have a smaller child under five you would want to set the activity up for them.
Children learning how to be independent and play on their own is a great skill to teach them at a young age. Encourage their artist side with crayons and paint.
Getting them excited about what their doing will drive their attention easier. Maybe their aunt’s birthday is coming up and you set them up to work on making her a birthday card. Kids love to be creative; we just must provide them the tools and space to let their minds develop.
3. Toys
Seems obvious, but some parents think that giving your child toys while they work can cause guilt. Toys are not a babysitter; they are to keep your child occupied for a certain amount of time.
Toys are tools to parents in times of need to entertain the child. Don’t feel guilty you need to pay your bills as a single mom, so your child needs to be entertained for that window of time.
Educational toys can help your child learn problem solving skills, conflict resolution cause and effect.
Toys help develop their fine and gross motor skills.
Toys nurture their creativity and imagination.
It’s important for your child to be stimulated while you’re trying to work it keeps their mind stimulated and allows you to get what you need to get done. There are alot of toys out there that teach children a lot of different skill sets.
4. Scheduled Outside Play Time
Having a set play time outside allows your child to get fresh air and exercise. The more wiggles the kids get out the more you will be able to work later.
If you are not able to go outside due to the weather, then you can take them to the library for 45 minutes or the mall play area.
This doesn’t have to be an everyday occurrence.
My toddler only goes to preschool 3 days a week the other 2 days she is home with me. I always try to get her out of the house at least 1 of the 2 days that she is home with me. After we drop my oldest off at school, we will head to the library for story time or to pick out some books. Afterwards we head home and I get to work.
To Sum It Up….
Things happen and sometimes you’re not able to work at the time you want. One of the benefits of being a work at home mom is the flexibility. You will have to work around your children’s needs.
As a mom you should always plan for situations like that because inevitably, they will happen.
Sometimes children don’t want to play by themselves they’re having a bad day and they need some extra comfort from mommy. It’s our jobs as moms to provide the nurturing and caring environment for our children. So, if that means you’re not able to work at that scheduled time a lot then don’t.
We have to handle our mom responsibilities first then find a time later in the day to get your work done. Maybe you wait until the kids are in bed and you work until late in the morning.
You will need to learn and adjust your schedule accordingly for the day. Stuff comes up or happens, it’s mom life.