Working From Home With Kids: How To Remain Productive
A while back, working from home was a dream for many people. It meant no commuting, a more relaxed dress code, and generally more freedom and flexibility to get work done. Today, that dream has become a reality for many people around the world who are now working from home. But here’s the challenge, if you’re also trying to take care of kids at the same time, how do you remain productive? Let’s take a look at some tips.
- Get dressed for work
Getting dressed for work can help you get into the right mood for work. So, get up and get dressed like you’re going to the office. This will help put you in the right frame of mind to start working. Additionally, your kids will also see that you are “going to work” and will be less likely to disturb you.
- Set office hours and stick to them
It can be tempting to let work take over your life when working from home. However, you need to set some boundaries between work and home. One way to do this is to set office hours and stick to them as much as possible. Let your children know your office hours so they know they should not disturb you during those times. Turn off your phone or put it on Do Not Disturb mode so you’re not tempted to check it every five minutes. And, when your office hours are over, try to resist the urge to keep working.
- Take breaks and move around
Take breaks, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Get up and walk around, play with the kids, make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, check out the Red Stag casino bonus, or step outside for some fresh air. Taking regular breaks will help you stay refreshed and productive.
- Set up a dedicated workspace
Set up a dedicated workspace in your home where you can go to work every day. This might be a spare room that you can turn into an office, or it could be a corner of your living room or bedroom. A dedicated workspace will help you stay focused and avoid distractions. Ensure the room is well-lit and comfortable, and make sure you have all the supplies you need so you don’t have to keep getting up to fetch things.
- Avoid distractions
There are many potential distractions when working from home, from the TV to social media. Not to mention children who tend to be clingy when parents are home.
If you know you will be tempted to watch TV, put it out of sight. If you are easily distracted by social media, log out of your account or delete the app from your phone. And, if you need complete silence to concentrate, invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
- Set goals for the day
Before you start work, take a few minutes to plan out what you want to achieve that day. This will help you stay focused and on track. Make a list of tasks you need to do, and try to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, instead of writing “write a blog post,” break it down into “research topic, write an outline, write the first draft, edit and proofread.” Having specific goals will help you stay productive and avoid getting overwhelmed.
- Establish a routine
Children thrive on routine. If they know what to expect each day, they are more likely to behave and respect your working hours. If possible, try to establish a daily routine when working from home. This might include setting office hours, taking breaks at regular intervals, and working on specific tasks at certain times of the day.
Having a routine will help your mind know when it’s time to focus on work and when it’s time to relax. Additionally, having the routine in place will help your children know when they can disturb you and when they need to be quiet.
- Make time for social interaction
One of the benefits of working in an office is social interaction. When working from home, make an effort to stay connected with other people. Schedule regular video calls or coffee dates with friends, join a co-working space or attend networking events. Social interaction will help you stay motivated and connected and can also be a great source of inspiration.
- Give yourself some grace
Working from home can be tough, especially when you have kids. There will be days when you’re not as productive as you’d like. That’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up if you have an off day. Just getting out of bed and starting your work is a win. Remember, tomorrow is always a new day.
- Have fun
Imagine working and at the same time being able to bond with your kids- now that would be a dream come true! You can have fun with your kids while getting your job done, such as turning on some music and dancing in between tasks or even setting up a little scavenger hunt for them to do while you’re on calls.
Wrapping Up
Working from home can be a great experience if you take the time to set yourself up for success. By following these tips, you can create a productive and enjoyable home office space that works for you and your kids.
