Choosing to work from home isn’t always as dreamy as it’s made out to be. Sure, you can wear your sweatpants most of the day & eat a bowl of cereal on the couch as you respond to an email, but with all the fantastic upsides, if you’re a parent of a small child, there can be challenges to navigate!
Being a parent is tough work. And no matter where, or for who or how long, you work, it will take time to get into a routine that works for both you and your child.
Today we want to give you some ideas if you happen to be one of those parents that works from home. These tips should help bring some ease to your days & help with time management. And remember The Academy of Early Learning is always here should you decide child care is the best option for your work schedule, and the early education, of your child!
- Designate a play area
For safety reasons and organizational purposes, allocate a specific area in the house as the “play area”. This can be a place where your toddler feels they can really explore and tear apart to find that toy at the bottom of the basket. If your office has a glass door, you can keep the play area in the room next door. This gives you the convenient to take an afternoon conference call with the door closed while keeping an eye on your little one.
Another great reason to have a specific toy section is a way to keep everything in one, safe area. It’s baby proofed and kid-approved with items chosen for them. You can organize with plastic bins and baskets for quick pick up and storage that isn’t too difficult to maneuver as a 2-year-old. If you have older children, the boundaries don’t have to be as structured, but it’s still nice to have them in the room next door to you to look after.
- Plan your workday around their schedule
For those with young babies and toddlers who haven’t quite reached preschool age yet, you know there is never a dull moment. It may take some time adjusting certain tasks to different times, scheduling around preschool drop off or pushing something off until the next day. Some days your child may nap for nearly three hours giving you ample time to finish a project you’ve been working on and the next day they won’t nap longer than 45 minutes, waking up right before a scheduled meeting.
When you decide to work from home, be extremely transparent with your employer. Most people are understanding and know that life happens and are willing to reschedule if something comes up. Always communicate your needs and your “office” hours and relay important dates you will not be by your computer or phone.
Choosing a part time care option can also help you keep a routine and stay consistent!
- Take advantage of nap time
The sweet sound of silence may entice you to lay down on the couch yourself. Fight the urge to take a break and work through that precious alone time. You can never be certain how long it is going to last. Try to get all of the most pressing tasks completed while your little one is down for a doze so when they wake you can take a little break, feed them, get some snuggles in, help get them situated with a movie or a craft and get back to work on the minor duties.
- Consider early childhood education options
Enrolling your child in a preschool or daycare is a great way to set aside a few hours each day when they are at school where you can really focus. At The Academy of Early Learning, we have part-time care opportunities as well as full time. Each one of our classrooms is prepared with great care and attention to detail. Setting up the classroom is integral to each child’s independence and intellectual development and provides an environment that excites them to explore and develop new skills, keeping them busy while YOU’RE busy.
- Create boundaries with your working hours
We all do much better when we have a routine. Help set your child up for success by getting yourself in the right mind frame on your way to pick them up from childcare. Be fully present and leave work behind. This is not just a transition for them, but for you as well. The workweek can be busy, taking the time to breathe before walking into school will help you connect with your child & take that time to hear about their day, gather their items with a clear mind and visit with the teacher if needed.
Begin these habits right away or it may feel like you’re working 90 hours a week without a chance to take a breath. We shortly touched on the lovely benefits of working from your home office, but if you are always on your computer, receiving notifications on your phone & make yourself available for every client need, that burnout will come a lot quicker than anticipated and you will never feel fully present. Creating boundaries around your schedule from the get-go will be beneficial for not just you, but for your child and your clients will respect you.
It’s okay to make exceptions sometimes if your kiddo gets sick or you are going to be on a long vacation and need to hustle to get projects completed before you leave. Maybe you’re one of those people who likes to work a little while on vacation while sipping coffee and staring at the beach, that’s just fine too. You can totally make that call, but when it comes to the day to day normal business hours, be realistic and factor in daycare and preschool drop-offs and pick-ups, school concerts and field trips, mommy and me library storytime and play dates with friends.
- Ask for help
Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. Whether that’s with your toddler or your workload, there will always be someone to offer a helping hand. Take advantage when your mom decides to stop by early afternoon, ask her to pick up the kids from childcare while you finish up a proposal. Call your best friend and see if she can take your little one to the park because you have a deadline coming up.
Lean on your child’s teacher. While your child is in their hands they are fully taken care of. Teachers are guides who value the development of the whole child towards his/her individual potential in all areas of life. The classroom is a place where students can learn to be confident leaders and socially responsible individuals, connected to the world of learning and of people. Assess what exactly you need help with and ask. We are here to help carry the load!
- Take a break
You will need this at least once a week. Just like you schedule a meeting or time at the gym, schedule some me-time during the week. Work late one night knowing that the next day during nap time you are going to soak in a bath with your favorite book. On a minor scale, if you are working and find yourself getting frustrated or blocked, get up and take a break! Move around, find another spot to work from. Meditate for 10 minutes and take some deep breaths, make tea and grab a light snack.
Working from home can be lonely sometimes. Yes, you see your child, but you also need adult interaction. Getting out and being social is imperative to your overall health. Schedule a day to work from a co-working space and enjoy the coffee and amenities they provide. Attend your child’s preschool potluck. Try and make it to a spin class a few times a week and stay and chat with your friends afterward. You also have the availability when working from home to have friends over for lunch or meet for lunch! Schedule that in your week so you have something to look forward to.
A work-from-home parent has many perks and can be such a rewarding choice and a great decision for your family. It could give you the opportunity to be more involved in your child’s classroom and spend more quality time at home. Just like a job outside the home, you will need to set boundaries, have a schedule and a routine, but you will have the convenience of changing your schedule and routine as you please.
Whether you are just looking around or are interested in enrolling your child immediately, we are excited to learn more about you and your family! We look forward to helping you make the best choice for your big decision. We will follow up with more information tailored for the age of your child shortly and to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to book a tour, do not hesitate to call us at 508-403-0118. Spots fill up fast!