Working Virtually with Kids at Home? Follow these Tips

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Working From Home with Kids

As COVID-19 continues to change our daily lifestyles, there’s no denying that working virtually with kids at home can create many disturbances and distractions. Creating a sense of routine in your home when working remote is the key to being productive while effectively managing your kids’ learning schedules. This will not only help you excel in your career but benefit your health and well-being. Here are some tips to get started:

Set up a schedule.

Having an established schedule is always important with kids, but the rise of virtual learning has made it even more of a necessity. Depending on your kids’ learning schedule, stick to a routine that allows you to be with them during hours that are separate from your work hours. For instance, you may set up a schedule that allows you to be with your kids during the morning hours so you can work during the bulk of the afternoon. Or, you may choose to work more hours of your job exclusively during the days of the week that your kids at school. Consider different scheduling options and stick to a routine that’s most productive for you and your children.

Create a separate space.

To be productive with work, having your own space is essential for staying focused and setting boundaries between your home life and work life. Creating your own dedicated “office” area will allow you to mentally and physically remove yourself from other parts of your home so you can conduct video or phone calls with minimal distractions. Whether it’s an actual office or a makeshift space in a dining room or spare bedroom, make sure it’s an area that your children respect as your workstation. While having a completely separate space may not be possible for everyone all the time, doing so when possible will help you carve out more time to focus deeply.

Take regular breaks.

Just because you’re working from home, it doesn’t mean that breaks are no longer important. Even when you’re busy with work, it’s important to take breaks to avoid overextending yourself and experiencing burnout. Consider coordinating lunch breaks with your kids’ schedules so you can incorporate family time with them throughout the day. Also, taking periodic 10-minute breaks to check in with your family or take a breather will help to reduce your stress levels and give you a chance to regain your clarity.

While balancing your professional life with your kids’ learning schedules requires a certain level of organization and planning, it will be well worth it in the long run! The sooner you achieve a healthy balance, the easier it will be to juggle your career with your family life.