Balancing Work & Family- Tips for Working From Home with Kids

Aug 26

Working from home with kids can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle—it's challenging, exciting, and at times, downright chaotic! As a virtual assistant, business owner, and stay at home mom, I know the struggle of balancing client calls while keeping your little ones entertained (and out of mischief). But fear not! With a bit of planning, creativity, and a good sense of humor, I’m going to help you create a harmonious work-from-home environment that works for everyone. Here are some fun, practical tips to help you navigate the wonderful world of remote work and parenting.

1. **Create a Flexible Routine (Because Life Happens)**

Structure is important, but so is flexibility. Establish a loose schedule that includes work hours, playtime, and rest. Kids thrive on routine, but let’s be real—unexpected things will pop up (like an impromptu puppet show or a sudden meltdown). Make room in your day for these surprises by keeping your routine adaptable. Remember, it's okay if things don't go exactly as planned. Another thing that I have found extremely helpful (especially for my toddler) is setting a time first thing in the mornin for intentional, direct, engaging interacting with him. I’ve noticed if I give him undivided attention first thing when he wakes up and play with him for a while, the day goes MUCH smoother!!

2. Set Up Kid-Friendly Work Zones

Create a special work zone for your kids near your workspace. Stock it with activities that keep them engaged—think coloring books, puzzles, or quiet toys. This way, they feel included in the “work” environment without interrupting your flow. Bonus points if you label it their “office” and let them join in on “meetings” with their teddy bears! For us, we have a little table that stays tucked away underneath my desk that is referred to as their “desk.” My son also loves to set up his little Leap Frog “computer” and work while mom works!

3. Incorporate Fun Breaks

Take short, playful breaks throughout the day. A quick dance party, a game of hide-and-seek, a quick walk outside or a 5-minute stretch session can do wonders for everyone’s mood and energy levels. These moments of fun not only break up the monotony but also help your kids feel like they’re part of your day, making them less likely to seek attention in less productive ways. We do a lot of “lap” breaks in our house where I pause what I’m doing and we just run laps chasing each other around our kitchen island!

4. Leverage Naptime and Quiet Time

For those with younger kids, naptime is your golden hour! Use this time for tasks that require deep focus, like writing reports, sending emails, or hopping on important Zoom calls. For older kids, establish a quiet time where they can read or engage in a quiet activity while you knock out some work.

5. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Let’s be honest—sometimes, screen time can be a lifesaver. Utilize educational apps, kid-friendly videos, or interactive games to keep them occupied when you need to focus. There are countless apps designed to engage kids in learning while also giving you a few precious moments of quiet. I know the struggle on wanting to just through the TV on to keep them entertained and distracted. I do this more often that I would like to admit, BUT try and use to your advantage and play things that are engaging and educational so they’re learning while also being kept busy!

6. Involve the Kids in Your Work

Haha, I often refer to my toddler as my “executive assistant.” He LOVES jobs, so I try and give him little jobs whenever and wherever I can to make him feel like he is apart of what I am doing. When possible, let your kids help with age-appropriate tasks. This could be as simple as sorting papers or “helping” you with your schedule by moving magnets on a calendar. It’s a great way to keep them busy and makes them feel like they’re contributing to your work.

7. Communicate with Your Clients or Colleagues

Be upfront with your clients and colleagues about your home situation. Most people are understanding—especially in a post-pandemic world where remote work has become more common. A quick heads-up that you may have a little “guest star” on your video call can go a long way in setting expectations.

8. Embrace Imperfection

Working from home with kids is far from perfect, and that’s okay. There will be days when everything runs smoothly, and others where nothing goes according to plan. Embrace the chaos and give yourself grace. Remember that your kids are learning from you about how to handle challenges and adapt to new situations. After all, you are avoiding those ridiculous day-care costs by staying home with them! Just remember that there are pros and cons when working from home with the kids!

9. Find Your Tribe

Connect with other mommas who work from home. Whether through online communities, local meet-ups, or even virtual coffee chats, having a support network can make all the difference. Share tips, vent about your day, or just have a laugh—it’s always nice to know you’re not alone in this journey. More times than not, you’ll find that every other work-from-home mom deals with the exact same challenges!

10. Celebrate the Wins

At the end of each day, take a moment to reflect on what went well—no matter how small. Did you manage to finish a report while your toddler napped? Celebrate it! Did you successfully negotiate a snack swap instead of a meltdown? That’s a win! Did you remember to to do that intentional, one-on-one time or take a few breaks or make the kids lunch? Those are big wins if you ask me!! Recognizing these small victories can help you stay positive and motivated.

Wrapping Up

Balancing work and family life while working from home is an ongoing, extremely challenging process, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can make it work. Remember to keep things light-hearted, prioritize what’s important, and above all, enjoy this unique time with your kids. After all, these are the moments that make life interesting, memorable, and oh-so-worthwhile. Your kids are only little once! You only have one opportunity to raise them right so be as engaged with them as you possibly can. And remember, beautiful chaos is better than no chaos in my opinion!

So, go ahead and conquer the day with your little ones by your side—flaming swords, unicycles, and all!

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