Working remotely is a big change for many, especially for parents who have toddlers or babies. From managing naptime and meals while juggling your job responsibilities, it can be hard to find a system that works. Luckily, there are a few strategies and products that can help make your life a bit easier, such as buying a new mini crib to keep your baby close. Use this article as a survival guide to help you manage your parental duties alongside your day job.
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The transition
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the workforce in major ways: More people than ever are working from home, and office buildings around the country sit nearly empty. For working parents who have young children at home, remote work can be both a blessing and a challenge. On the one hand, your need to pay for childcare may disappear, but on the other, you’ll be responsible for juggling the dual roles of being a parent and a remote worker.
One of the best things you can do to seamlessly transition to working from home is setting a schedule for you and your family. A schedule will help establish some normalcy for you, and you’ll eventually be able to settle into a routine that will help you maintain productivity at work while also fulfilling your child’s needs.
When your child is awake, it will likely be difficult to maintain total focus on your work. This is why it’s crucial to capitalize on naptime: schedule your important calls and save complicated or difficult work tasks for the hours when your baby or toddler is asleep. If your child isn’t ready for a nap, some quiet time in their crib with a few books or toys could give you a bit of spare time to focus on work.
A big challenge for some remote working parents is maintaining focus. It can be tempting to drop a mundane work task and fold some laundry instead, but you’ll likely be less productive if you keep multitasking throughout the day. Set aside time for chores so you aren’t inclined to step away from your desk in the middle of your workday.
Along with chores posing as a major source of distraction, your child will also challenge your ability to focus. To help mitigate this, remember these tips: utilize the “mute” button while on work calls in case your child decides to yell for you in the middle of your meeting, and consider creating some “do not disturb” signs with your kids—as long as they’re old enough to understand what that means.
Finding ways to focus
If you’re struggling to make it all work, consider investing in items that will make remote working a little easier. For example, if your baby’s nursery is far from your office and you’re concerned about naptime, you could get a portable mini-crib that you can place near your desk. It’s a good idea to find a crib that’s easy to move around and one that has an adjustable mattress.
Other products you could consider are a baby carrier, a laptop that will allow you to work in different areas of the house, or a baby swing that you can put your child in while you work.
Take some time on the weekend to put together a playtime box for your little ones. If your preschooler can sit still for an hour, offer a newer book or a toy you’ve been saving or even let them watch educational programming. For your baby, try to offer tummy time with a playmat nearby.
Remember that it’s also important to prep lunches and snacks ahead of time so that everything is grab-and-go. The more you plan ahead, the easier it will be to navigate your new normal.
And don’t forget about self-care and focusing on what matters to you. Find ways to relax like taking a hot bath in the evening or spending a half-hour each day doing yoga. And if you’re looking for ways to improve your career prospects, make time for that as well. For example, earning a degree in business has many useful applications, and quite a few online degree programs allow you to work at your own pace so you can still care for your family while you learn.
Sometimes, there’s only so much you can do on your own. So if you need some extra help and support, make sure to connect with Nannies and Kids United for experienced babysitters and nanny service.
Managing your responsibilities as a parent while working from home will take some time to figure out, but this guide should help you get started. Be sure to set a regular schedule for yourself, and try to maintain focus by avoiding chores while you work. Take advantage of naptime, but be flexible in case your child needs you in the middle of an important meeting. And remember to look into products that can help you manage both roles more easily such as a portable crib, a boredom box and work-appropriate casual wear to allow you to handle your duties with more focus.
https://nanniesandkidsunited.com/healthy-lunches/
Writing Credits: Janice Russell from Parentingdisasters.com
janice@parentingdisasters.com
