Lots of you want to know how to balance working from home with your kids being home. I'm a mom-prenuer who works from home mom, with a 4- and 7-year-old. My 4-year old attended preschool for two days a week this year, and he'll do three days a week next year. My 7-year-old goes to elementary school. I probably spend two hours or less on the phone for work, during the work day. During school breaks and summer time, I utilize a lot of tips in the article below. I hope this helps you find ways to keep little ones busy while you work!
Hire some help!
Have you considered an in-house nanny/babysitter during certain "busy" times for you? That way you wouldn't have to pay daycare prices and take extra time from your work day commuting to a day care facility. You could find a local teenager or college student with infant/CPR training, or maybe from a verified website, such as care.com. By hiring an in-home helper, you could get work done, still be around for emergencies, while giving your kiddos the attention they need!
I used to be an in-home-nanny for a 3-4 year old. His parents both worked from home in their offices, while I essentially hung out with the child. I would prep meals for the child and take them to parks or for walks around the block ... or sometimes just stay and play around the house. I was in college during that time, and I believe they paid $15/hour via personal check at the end of each week. I think that would be more than fair rate for someone just to be an extra set of eyes while you work from home.
Get some outside time!
If your schedule allows (which, it should!) take a break with the kids -- a quick walk (or bike ride) around the block. If you have a fenced in backyard, you could hang outside with them for 15 minutes and play catch, soccer, etc. Get their blood flowing while soaking up some vitamin D. It's the same concept as being at school -- they get recess everyday to let some built up energy out -- they should get the same at home.
Take Breaks
With your 10-15 minute breaks, surprise the kids and have a stuffy or pillow fight! Go outside with the kids for a little bit and run around in circles to tire them out, and get your blood flowing. Do a quick project with them. Show them that you are here for them, you love them and give them that attention kiddos need.
Capitalize on naptime!
Utilize naptime for your most important tasks that need quiet and focus. Schedule meetings or calls during this time. If your kids are too old (or just don't nap), try to implement a set quiet time instead, where they can each sit in their rooms and play quietly with their toys, or read a book.
Work flexibility
If you have flexibility in your work hours, try waking up earlier and/or going to bed later. This will give you time to get your work done before/after the kids are in bed. If your spouse is available to tend to the kids during certain times, schedule your busy work for those particular times.
Keep a school-like routine
Kids thrive on routine - especially the younger ones. Have a routine schedule for each day so that your kids know what is coming, are comfortable with the plans, and don't get overwhelmed with under-stimulation. For example, when my kids wake up, they get to watch a morning show and eat breakfast. After breakfast, they brush their teeth and wash the eye-boogers and drool stains off their faces. Next, they do workbooks to keep learning while out of school, followed by backyard time (recess) before it gets too hot. They then come inside for some lunch. They usually play with toys in their rooms for a bit after that and read a book or two. Naptime/quiet time is next! They wind down and watch a show in the dark while I make calls and focus. If they can't fall asleep (or haven't spent enough energy), they sit quietly and read. After nap/quiet time, they wake up and have a snack. We go for a quick walk or bike ride around the block. Screen time is next (with approved apps, and they cannot download without our approval). By then, I'm usually done working and can do whatever we want to do together, like crafts, games, etc.
Establish boundaries
Let your kids know that while you're in your office, or dedicated workspace, there is no play in this zone. If you have an office door, consider helping kids create a red stop sign and a green "go" sign. When you are in a meeting, put the stop sign on the door. If you have time for interruptions, place the "go" sign on the door.
If you aren't able to have a dedicated office, teach your kids there is an "invisible" bubble around your computer. Help them to understand that this is your quiet zone and cannot have toys or loud voices here. Always remember to tell them how appreciative you are that they are respecting your work time, and that they are helping you do your job better.
Have a backup plan
Kids are spontaneous, sometimes they don't want to follow routine and have other plans in mind. Have an activity box ready for just this occasion. Fill the box with new things (or things they haven't seen in a long time) to create the added excitement and interest. We like dollar store puzzles, books, toys, activity books, arts and crafts, science experiments or art projects that don't require parental supervision.
Bribery - yikes!
There are definitely extraordinary instances where you have a call with your boss or a very important client, and your kid just isn't having a great day, doesn't feel well, or won't listen to you. We all do what we have to do in certain circumstances, don't deny it. Tell your kiddos that you'll take them for ice cream later, if they can please stay calm and use their quiet voices during your call. Or, better yet, use something that you were already going to do. For example: "If you kids play nicely and quietly while I finish this phone call, we can could dinner together, tonight!"
Playdates
Plan to have a friend/family member come over and play for a couple of hours. Set out some snacks and drinks, and they'll be too busy playing with each other to even bother you!
A few key things to note: things will likely never go as planned, 100% of the time. Remember that when the kiddos keep "bothering" you, it's because they need attention, and that's the only way they know how to show it. Try to remain calm in instances where you may otherwise feel like you want to explode.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, your employer would replace you in a heartbeat. You literally make your kid's heart beat. <3
