Working from home with kids is a tricky beam to balance on. There are clear upsides, of course—getting to spend more time with your younger kids and never missing a child development milestone. But there are also difficulties to contend with. After all, the words “work” and “kids” don’t usually mix well outside of school and daycare. 

For parents who work remotely and are trying to take care of kids while actually getting work done, we’ve outlined practical tips for parenting with confidence in this digital era. To create a supportive home environment and successfully navigate the challenges of having a remote job, consider our top four tips on how to work from home with kids.

The Current Landscape of Working from Home with Kids

According to one survey, an overwhelming 94% of caretakers felt that the flexibility to work from home would help them to be a better parent. And it’s true; being able to adjust your schedule to accommodate your child's needs as a working parent can make a world of difference.

However, balancing work responsibilities with the demands of childcare is no easy feat. Distractions are everywhere—and it can be tempting to try to multitask, splitting your focus between work and family. 

The key is to find a balance that works for your unique family situation. 

Step #1. Creating a Kid-Friendly Home Office 

Offices tend to be full of not-so-kid-friendly objects, like scissors, staplers, and normally harmless supplies (like pen and paper) that kids somehow find a way to turn into hazardous dangers.

So, for caretakers working in a home office, it’s often necessary to make a clear distinction between the “home” and “office,” creating dedicated spaces for both. You might try this by using:

• Flexible furniture and seating – Choose furniture that is sturdy and avoid any sharp edges or unstable pieces that could tip over easily. If possible, opt for a room with a door that you can close when you need uninterrupted work time.

• Organizational solutions – Use shelves, drawers, and storage bins to keep your work materials and supplies neatly tucked away and out of reach of the curious hands of your little ones. Label your storage solutions clearly so you can quickly find what you need without disrupting your workflow—and to serve as a visual reminder for the kids to keep out. 

By being intentional about your home office setup—and even involving your kids in the process—you can foster a sense of ownership and respect for each other's spaces and boundaries.

Step #2. Establishing a Realistic Work Schedule

Especially when working from home, it's tempting to pack as much as possible into your schedule. But even small inconveniences can quickly lead to parental stress, burnout, and a sense of constantly falling behind.

To stay balanced and flexible, consider these pointers when establishing your remote work schedule:

• Have structured work and break times – Children are creatures of habit. So in building set routines for work and play, your kids may better respect your work sessions, knowing that a break time will come eventually. 

• Incorporate learning and play breaks – Set aside specific times each day for educational activities, such as reading together, working on puzzles, or exploring interactive learning apps. You can also encourage your children to engage in creative play, such as drawing, crafting, or imaginative storytelling.

• Hire a babysitter –  There is no shame in hiring a babysitter or helper during the hours you have to work. In fact, having a helper on hand during your working hours is highly recommended as you can have uninterrupted time to focus in your office while the babysitter can be spending quality time with your little ones.

Integrating these types of breaks into your remote working schedule can help your kids develop important skills while also giving you some much-needed mental space to recharge and refocus.

Step #3. Effective Communication with Family 

Good communication is often the bedrock of strong relationships, and this especially applies when working from home. Everything is important—your work, your partner, and your kids—so by communicating at every level, you ensure that everyone is on the same page and feels both heard and respected.

Setting Boundaries and Expectations

One of the biggest challenges of working from home is the blurred line between work and personal life. It can be all too easy for your younger kids or other family members to think that just because you're home, you're accessible at any time for anything.

 It may be necessary to have an open discussion with your partner and children to explain: 

• Your work schedule
• The importance of your job
• Why you need uninterrupted focus time

One way to communicate that you’re working is to utilize visual cues. This could take the form of a small stop sign hung on your office door or laptop or a particular pair of noise-canceling headphones that signal to everyone you’re in work mode.  

Step #4. Utilizing Educational and Engaging Activities

While it would be lovely if our kids could keep themselves entertained during work hours, the reality is that they often need to be given some direction. To that end, consider incorporating educational toddler activities into the daily routine. 

Slumberkins’ free caregiver resources are a great start—themed around valuable life lessons and social-emotional skills. Our Confidence Collection, for example, features books and coloring page activities to keep your kids engaged while nurturing seeds of self-confidence.

If you’re working with a babysitter, make sure they have all the resources and tools they’ll need to keep your little one entertained. Books, puzzles, and games are all great resources for your babysitter to use with your child.

Interactive Learning Games

In addition to traditional learning materials for younger children, consider introducing interactive learning games and apps into your child's daily schedule. 

There are countless digital resources available that make learning fun and engaging, including: 

•  Math and language games 
• Virtual science experiments 
• Challenges that teach critical thinking skills

Look for age-appropriate options that align with your child's interests and skill level, while also setting clear guidelines around screen time to ensure a healthy balance of digital and offline activities.

Quiet Time and Solo Activities

Designating periods of quiet time for solo activities is another effective strategy for keeping kids engaged while you work. Encourage your children to spend time reading, drawing, puzzling, or engaging in sensory play activities like play dough or kinetic sand. Consider rotating their toys and materials periodically to keep them interested. 

Self-Care Strategies for Parents 

Working from home with kids can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. So, no matter how busy things get, remember that you need time for you. 

By taking the proper time to prioritize self-care, you can help prevent burnout and rejuvenate your mind.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Take short breaks throughout the day to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, reducing stress and improving focus. As part of your daily routine, try incorporating a few sessions of: 

• Deep breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Gentle stretches 

Try to find moments of calm amidst the chaos, even if it's just a few minutes of quiet reflection.

Balancing Work, Family Life, and Personal Time

Just as you set boundaries to keep the younger kids from interrupting work, it’s also important to set boundaries between work and personal time.

When your workday ends, disconnect from work-related tasks and fully engage with your family. Prioritize activities that bring you joy and help you recharge, such as hobbies, exercise, or socializing. 

Remember that taking care of yourself helps you to be a better parent and a better professional.

Slumberkins: Your Partner in Harmonizing Work-Life Balance

It’s true—working from home with kids is very much a two-way street. Yet, for the creative and diligent caretaker, creating a harmonious environment that supports both your professional goals and your family's well-being is possible.

At Slumberkins, we understand the challenges that working parents face, and we're here to help. Our carefully crafted collections are designed to support children's emotional growth and development while also providing educational and fun activities that keep kids entertained and focused.

Visit Slumberkins today to see which Snugglers, storybooks, or other resources are the right fit for your family.

Sources: 

Flex Jobs. Survey Finds Job Flexibility Significantly Improves Health, Personal Relationships. https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/survey-flexible-work-mental-health/

Everhour. Master Productivity and Efficiency with Home Office Organization: Best Tips & Insights. https://everhour.com/blog/home-office-organization/