The way that many people work has changed over the past year or so, with more of us now working from home at least part of the time. For some parents, this is a welcome change. But others may be concerned that work will overwhelm family life, or that family life will get in the way of work. Here are some tips for keeping things balanced.
Whatever your situation – whether you’re asking your employer if you can work from home, or whether your employer is asking you to work from home – it’s important to discuss everything thoroughly and come up with a solution that everyone can agree on. For more information on your rights when you’re working from home, visit the ACAS website.
How to work from home effectively
Tip #1: Stay flexible
There’s no magical system that will work for every family, so try different options to find one that works for yours. Even when you find your own special method, try to remember that it won’t work every time and some days will be tougher than others. However, if you’re a little flexible, you’ll soon find a way that works for both you and your kids, where everyone is getting things done most of the time.
Tip #2: Find your own quiet corner
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a spare room they can use as an office. But if you can, try to set aside somewhere in your home to be your work area, and let the kids know that this is a no-go area for them. Make sure you can sit comfortably – this guide from the Health and Safety Executive will help you set up your space safely. If you don’t have the equipment you need at home, talk to your employer about this. It’s up to them to ensure you can work from home in a healthy, safe way, as this page from ACAS explains.
Tip #3: Protect your time
Working from home doesn’t mean ‘being at home to deal with everyone else’s deliveries and chores'. Make sure everyone in your family knows that your work time is for work, not to put a wash on, cook lunch or run errands!
Tip #4: Me time
When you’re working at home it can be easy to lose track of time. So remember to factor in breaks, for example, for lunch and exercise. You could even set an alarm on your phone to remind you.
Tip #5: Set clear boundaries
When you work from home, the boundaries between ‘at work’ and ‘not at work’ can blur, and you can start to feel that you need to be available all the time. But being constantly in ‘work mode’, ready to deal with work situations, isn’t good for your mental health, so even if you are working more flexible hours, make sure you agree with your employer when you are working and available, and when you’re not at work.
Tip #6: Get outside
It’s important for your wellbeing to get plenty of time outside. When you’re working from home you often have no reason to go out. But it’s very important that you spend at least a little time outside during daylight hours, as this can improve your mental and physical wellbeing.
Tip #7: Stay warm
It’s easy to get a bit chilly in the winter months (and even in the summer months!), especially if you’re trying to keep the cost of heating bills as low as possible. Instead of having the boiler on 24/7 you can make sure you have a cosy jumper on and remember to keep the doors closed in the house. You could even make yourself a hot water bottle and sit with it on your knee! This will make a big difference and stop you reaching for the thermostat.
Tip #8: Change your work space back to a home space when you're not 'at work'
If you work at the kitchen table, try clearing away your work when you’re finished and putting a cloth, some flowers or a fruit bowl on the table, or doing something else to make the space look different, like switching on some fairy lights or LED candles. This will help signal that work is over and now you’re ‘back at home’. It can also help to pack the things you use for work away into a box so you don’t have to look at them when you’re not on work time!
Tips for working from home with kids
In an ideal world, the kids would be safely out of the way at nursery or school or with friends and family while you’re working from home. But in the real world, that doesn’t always happen! So whether your plans have been derailed by illness, weather, inset days or anything else, here are some tips for coping on those days when you find yourselves all stuck at home.
Tips for working from home if you have a baby
Working from home with a baby can be an incredibly difficult task. You’re already probably running on less sleep than you’re used to and your little one will need round-the-clock care. Now, on top of all that, you’re having to juggle work too. Here are a few tips specific to babies that might help you be a little more productive.
Tip #1: Take advantage of naptime/bedtime
Naptime can be a great time to get those more difficult tasks completed. Every baby will have its own pattern when it comes napping, but whether they have frequent short naps, or longer naps less often, these precious moments of quiet can be a great time to focus. However, if this is still proving to be difficult, and if you’re able to, try to hold off on doing more complicated tasks until the little one is in bed.
Tip #2: Enjoy the little moments
Your baby won’t be this small and cuddly forever, so it’s important to enjoy the little moments. Taking a quick break to get a little snuggle can really give you a little boost when you might need it most.
Tip #3: Wear that baby
If it helps you get time in front of your laptop, and your baby enjoys a little snuggle time, use a sling or baby carrier to keep them close to you while you work. Chances are, your colleagues will know that you have a baby, and if you have any video calls scheduled, your colleagues may delight in getting the chance to see your little one.
Tip #4: Multi-platform tools
If you are able to, look into working on multi-platform tools like Google Docs. This means that you can easily swap from the laptop to your mobile phone in the event you are trapped under a suddenly sleeping baby.
Tip #5: Dealing with crying babies
Dealing with a crying baby can be an emotionally draining experience for any parent, especially if you are unsure why they are crying in the first place. You can check out our why is my baby crying? page for some excellent tips on how to soothe your little one.
Tips for working from home with a toddler
Working from home with a toddler can sometimes be a particular challenge for parents. At this time in their lives, toddlers are able to communicate with their parents, but not completely understand the world around them. These extra tips might be able to help you deal with this wonderful, but challenging, period in their development.
Tip #1: Take advantage of naptime
At this stage, your kids may be having longer, more regular naptimes, and you can use these to your advantage. For example, this might be a great time to arrange that important conference call.
Tip #2: Enjoy the little moments
Your kids are more likely to be more settled and play happily and quietly after they have had some quality time with you. So taking some time out regularly throughout the day to spend with your child means you’re more likely to get peaceful moments in between to concentrate on your work.
Tip #3: A little undivided attention can go a long way
If your toddler is trying to get your attention, there’s a pretty good chance they aren’t going to stop until they get it. Try to find time to put down the work and give your little one the attention they need and deserve. After a little undivided attention from you, your toddler is much more likely to get on with some independent play – and let you get back to the laptop.
Tip #4: The favourite toy
If your little one has a favourite toy that they just can’t get enough of, then try keeping this for those 'must concentrate' moments. Chances are, they’ll be happy to get their number one friend, and you’ll get some much needed time to focus on work.
Tip #5: Prioritise and schedule
If the kids are around, you’re not going to have as much time to dedicate to work, so it’s important to use this time wisely. Make a list of key tasks that you need to get through each day and try thinking about what important tasks you can do during quieter periods.
Tip #6: Teamwork
If you have a partner living with you, and you're both working from home, try to agree a plan between you of when to spend time with the kids. This will mean that you’ll have time for work while the kids are also getting some much-needed attention from your partner and vice versa.
Tips for working from home with young children
Once they reach school age there’s still plenty you can do to keep kids occupied if they’re at home with you. From getting them to help around the house to scheduling virtual playdates, here are a few extra tips to help you out.
Tip #1: Mix it up
Keep things fresh, new and exciting by mixing up activities with your kids. You can switch between options such as screen time, games, puzzles and arts and crafts to keep them occupied while you get time to concentrate on work. And if you have time for a quick break, you can even join in!
Tip #2: To-do lists
To-do lists can be a great way for you to keep on top of work duties, but they can also be a great way to keep your kids occupied and engaged. Get them to make their own to-do lists filled with everything from playing different games to tidying up and even helping around the house. If your kids aren’t quite able to write yet, why not get them to draw their to-do list instead?
Tip #3: Virtual playdates
Outside of school hours, scheduling virtual play dates can be a great way to keep the kids occupied while you try to do some work.
Tip #4: Movie time
One great way to keep the little ones occupied during an important call or task you need to complete is to put on their favourite film. Yes, you may be watching it for the millionth time now, but it’s a good chance to keep the kids settled when you need it most.
Tip #5: Set expectations and rewards
If you have something important you need to concentrate on, or a call you need them to be quiet during, then explain this clearly to your child. They won’t always listen to you of course, but if they do, make sure you praise them for doing such a good job. That way they are more likely to keep doing this next time.
Check out our page on behaviour for more tips on this.
Tip #6: Divide and conquer
If you have a partner, try to divide the day between you so that you’ll have time for work while the kids are being entertained by your partner and vice versa.
Tips for working from home with pre-teens
At this age, you don’t have the opportunity to fall back on the long forgotten ‘nap time’ but there are still a few things you can try to help your day go a little easier.
Tip #1: Mix it up
Keep things fresh, new and exciting by mixing up activities with your kids. You can switch between options such as screen time, board games, jigsaw puzzles and arts and crafts to keep them occupied while you get time to concentrate on work – and if you have time for a quick break, you can even join in! They may also have homework to do, so make sure you factor in time for that.
Tip #2: Haven’t you always wanted a Personal Assistant?
As your kids are a little older, there’s no reason you can’t get them to help lighten your load and ease the pressure. Need someone to sort your paperwork, take notes for you, or perhaps help tidy around the house? Problem solved! The kids will also feel like they are helping too.
Tip #3: To-do lists
To-do lists can be a great way for you to keep on top of work duties, but they can also be a great way to keep your kids occupied and engaged. Get them to make their own to-do lists filled with everything from playing different games to tidying up and even helping around the house. This will make them feel independent and useful, which is great for boosting their confidence.
Tip #4: Communication fun
Sometimes kids are just bursting to tell you something or ask you something – and it doesn’t matter if you’re on an important phone call! So to stop getting constantly interrupted, give the kids another way to communicate when they have something they just have to tell you or ask you. For example, you could give them a pile of post it notes, or create a suggestion box. That way, you can look at their ideas and questions together when you’re time and have a proper conversation about them.
Extra tips for dealing with multiple children
If you have more than one child, then it’s likely that they’ll start arguing at some point during the day – usually just when you are trying to do something important! Here are a couple of extra tips to help with those moments.
Tip #1: Private space
If you can, try to give each of your children their own private place where they can calm down and play with their own things. It’s helpful to keep a box here with some activities you know help to them relax. When they start getting cross with each other, get them to go to their own space and play.
Tip #2: One to one time
If possible, try to spend a little quality time alone with each of your children – it can really make a difference. If they’re a bit older, you could ask them what they’d like to do with you during this special one to one time. From reading a little of their favourite book, to doing some drawing together or playing a board game, this is a perfect chance to chat to them and make them feel special, meaning they are less likely to get as wound up during the day.
Tip #3: Let older kids take charge
On the whole, older siblings don’t want to be stuck looking after wee ones all day. But if you ask them to set aside a bit of time each day to spend with their younger brother or sister, this will help them feel more important and independent. For example, they could read to them, help them with their homework, play a game or watch their favourite film with them – even if they’ve already seen it a hundred times!
Encouraging children to play on their own
What with work, childcare and all the other responsibilities of parenthood, you may well feel that you're spinning a lot of plates. If you're worried that in the midst of all this you’re not playing with your child enough, Marguerite Hunter Blair from Play Scotland has some great tips for helping your child enjoy playing on their own, so the time you spend together can be special and super fun.
Being a parent is the best job in the world, but it can also be one of the most stressful. There will be days when it all feels a little too much. To help you manage the challenges ahead, Parent Club has some tips on coping with being a parent and keeping calm with your wee one so you can build a rewarding relationship together.