10 Tips for Working from Home with Kids

Working from home with kids poses challenges for many parents at the best of times. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust parents into a new reality that has created upheaval for many families as they try to adapt to new routines during a time of physical distancing.

I’ve spent six consecutive years regularly working from home with a sick child, and have figured out a few ways to make it work. But this situation is different.

Like many of my friends, family and colleagues, it’s been harder to find my bearings with two energetic kids at home (ages 8 and 11). With extracurricular activities on hold, schools closed indefinitely, and the uncertainty around my role in supporting my children’s education while working full-time from home, adopting a new routine during this rapidly evolving situation is tough.

To help me (and you) out, I have done some research and gathered some helpful ideas on adjusting to this new work arrangement. Here are 10 tips to get you on your way to working effectively from home with kids.

1. Establish and stick to a routine

Routines help us during times of change. If you’re an organized person like me, you may find it helpful to use a colour-coded calendar to keep everyone reminded of the daily routine. Block off work time, meal time, outdoor time, self-care time, screen time, and so on.

Establishing a routine is also about being mindful of how you spend your time. For example, schedule time to check the news from two trusted sources, so you don’t end up constantly distracted or stressed out by it.

Have young children at home? Consider adopting a more flexible work schedule that may involve doing some work outside the typical 9 to 5 window. Speak with your manager to see if this is feasible.

2. Establish codes of conduct together

Come up with some clear codes of conduct or ground rules to create a respectful, supportive and positive environment while you’re spending all this time together in close quarters. Clear and regular communication, and patience and kindness will go a long way.

If you have a meeting-heavy day, let your children know in advance and discuss what you’ll need from them to attend meetings uninterrupted. Use family time to check in with each other and practice active listening. It’s also a good time to discuss areas in the day that need ironing out to maintain a healthy, happy and safe space.

3. Define a work space for you AND your kids

Everyone needs their own dedicated work space to carry out their individual activities. Be clear about guidelines when someone is working in their space.

I let my kids know a few minutes in advance when I am entering a period in which I absolutely cannot be interrupted and for how long. Having things lined up for them to do during this time helps a lot. This leads to the next tip.

Jennifer in her home office.  Her daughter took this photo!

4. Limit those “I’m bored!” phrases

As parents, how many times have we heard our children say: “I’m bored”? Well, I have found a creative way to turn being bored into an exciting opportunity: create a boredom jar containing ideas for what your kids can do when they are bored. You can brainstorm together to fill jar with activities the kids can do when they feel bored. This is especially useful for when you need uninterrupted time as you work from home.

5. Get dressed each day

Resist the urge to stay in your pajamas. Same goes for the kids. Have them get dressed for the day just as they would on a school day. It will help you all start your day off on the right foot.

6. Stay active and practice self-care

Schedule time outdoors each day. We go for a family walk at lunch to release excess energy and help us recharge for the second half of the work day. We use this time to check in with each other.

Scheduling mini-breaks with your kids to practice self-care with you as their guide is especially helpful during a time that can feel socially isolating, anxiety-inducing and lonely. Stretching, deep breathing, spending time with a pet, listening to calming music or getting some fresh air will do wonders in terms of elevating everyone’s mood, and managing stress and anxiety.

Jennifer on a walk with her husband and two kids. 

7. Stay connected with others

Avoiding playdates and social gatherings doesn’t mean we can’t connect virtually with friends and family. Schedule time for video chats with other family members and for your kids to have ‘virtual playdates’ with friends.

Thanks to technology like Caribu, a family-friendly (free!) video-calling app, your child can have video call-ins and do interactive activities with friends.

Miss your coffee breaks with your colleagues? Chat with them on the phone while sipping your coffee from home. Video-conference with your co-workers by scheduling a Zoom meeting.

8. Eat healthy and regularly

This means avoiding frequent trips to the snack cupboard. It’s easy to gravitate towards comfort foods when hauled up at home during this stressful time.

Continue preparing balanced lunches, daily snacks of fruits and veggies, and nutritious dinners. It’s important to stay healthy and nourished.

9. Use humour with your newfound co-workers

Our family members have now become our ‘co-workers’, so try not to sweat the small stuff.

Your co-workers may leave dirty dishes out, practice poor hygiene, get in your personal space or speak too loudly. Make a joke out of it. Create fictitious co-workers who are responsible for this undesirable behaviour.

“Sally in accounting always leaves her dirty dishes around the office!”

“Bob in IT has taken my charger again!”

Humour goes a long way when we’re working in close quarters.

10. Stop trying to be perfect

You will have some “off days” where the schedule gets thrown out the window and that’s okay. If you need to let your kids watch six hours of Netflix because you’re working on a looming deadline, so be it. Be kind to yourself. Now is not the time to criticize yourself for not preparing a meal from scratch or having a less-than-tidy home. Always remember, this too shall pass.

For more tips see: How can I work from home with kid during the coronavirus pandemic?

Are there any tips we missed? Please share them in the comments below.

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