Remotely Sane: Survival Tips for Parents Working From Home

Remotely Sane: Survival Tips for Parents Working From Home

If you’re having difficulty balancing your remote job with the responsibility of caring for your baby or toddler, it’s vital to take the necessary steps to remedy the situation and avoid shirking either duty. Fortunately, there are a few easy-to-implement solutions that will help you stay productive in both areas of your life.

Separate the Workspace

Creating a space that is private and free of distractions will help you establish boundaries in your home so you can work in peace. If you aren’t able to use a separate room altogether, consider purchasing room dividers to cordon off a private area to work from.

Maintain Balance

● Rely on your support system: Although your child may not be old enough for school yet, placing them in daycare or contracting a nanny for a few hours a day will go a long way in helping you maintain a balanced schedule. If affordability is an issue, a close family member may also be willing to assist at a reduced rate.

● Plan activities: If you’re able to step out of the house during a break, take your child to the museum, on a walk, or to the park to help dissipate some of their pent-up energy. This usually leads to a nap and will offer you some quiet time in which to work.

● Independent Play: Although babies spend a lot of time sleeping, it’s possible to keep them occupied during waking hours with a mobile or playmat. Toddlers, on the other hand, usually require a bit more planning. Have a look at DIY games and exercises you can prepare on the weekends to keep your child’s hands and brains engaged.

● Quality time: If you have older children as well, be sure to include them in a part of your day in a definitive way. Since time is a constraint, you may need to multitask while doing the dishes or making dinner. Regardless of how tumultuous life currently is, be sure to use this time to have open conversations with them so they feel secure and included in the family dynamic.

● Self-care: No matter how busy you get, making time for self-care once a day or a few times a week is non-negotiable if you want to avoid burnout. Spending as little as ten minutes meditating and reflecting with no distractions at the end of each day will do wonders for preserving your mental health.

Seek Flexibility

While remote employment does save you time that would otherwise be wasted on a daily commute, you may find you’re still restricted when it comes to operational hours. If flexibility is your top priority, consider starting your own business so that you have the option to work when it best suits your schedule.

Needless to say, venturing into the business world poses its own set of challenges, so before you commit, spend some time brainstorming a few ideas and fleshing out a plan. Jot down some strategies and contemplate the branding for your business. Make a logo using a free online tool with templates you can easily customize. These processes will help you decide whether it would be worthwhile to pursue a new enterprise.

Sharing a home with kids under five is a challenge in itself, but when you add remote working to the mix, it can be a recipe for disaster. By segmenting your responsibilities and sticking to a schedule as much as possible, you’ll ensure that you handle each facet of your life with care and give every task the level of attention it deserves.

Children’s Museum of Eau Claire offers an engaging and fun space for children to learn and play together. Our interactive exhibits provide both educational and entertainment value. Find out more about us at: www.childrensmuseumec.com

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space - https://polamfcu.com/blog/working-from-home-how-to-create-a-distraction-free-home-workspace/

private area - https://wealthofgeeks.com/create-a-home-office/

affordability -  https://fairygodboss.com/articles/affordable-alternatives-to-childcare-for-working-moms

energy -  https://highchairchronicles.com/activities-active-toddler/

DIY games -  https://www.howweelearn.com/quiet-time-activites-2-year-olds/

include them -  https://www.zenbusiness.com/blog/working-moms-how-prioritize-kids-during-busy-seasons/

how busy you get -  https://gozen.com/8-self-care-tips-for-parents-who-have-no-time-for-self-care/

Make a logo - https://www.adobe.com/express/create/logo

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Author: Colleen Stewart loves giving her two kids a healthy example to live by. Her passion for community and wellness inspired her and her husband to team up with their neighbors and create a playgroup that allows the adults and their kiddos to squeeze in a workout a few times a week. She created Playdate Fitness to help inspire other mamas and papas to make their well-being a priority, and set a healthy foundation for their little ones in the process.

Image by Pexels

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