Tips for working from home

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!