Make Working From Home Work For You as a Parent
The pandemic feels like a weird fever dream at this point, but years later many of us are still working from home because of the changes that came from that time. And while there’s no denying there are lots of benefits to no longer having to commute, there are challenges too- especially when you’re a parent! The day can easily turn into a mix of laundry piles, cooking and cleaning along with your work deadlines and even with the best intentions, it’s hard to give your full focus to either side when everything’s happening in the same space. You might be feeling it even more at the moment with the school summer holidays in full swing if you have your kids at home with you. But small changes to how the day is set up can make a big difference, and if you’ve reached a point where you need to make some changes to your setup to give your productivity or mental health a boost then it can be done. There are things you can help you get through work without constant interruptions and keep the home running without feeling like you’re on call every minute, and over time, those changes can mean less stress and more energy for the things you actually want to do.
Create clear work zones
One of the hardest parts of working from home is feeling like there’s no separation between work and home. Even if you can’t dedicate a whole room to your office, it’s so worth setting up a little area that’s just for your work. A corner with a desk and chair that’s only used during work hours can help signal to everyone in the house, and to yourself, that this is the time to focus. Keep that space free from household clutter so your brain doesn’t get sidetracked by laundry baskets or breakfast dishes sitting nearby. It doesn’t have to look like something out of an interior design magazine. It just has to be practical and consistent.
Use time blocks instead of multitasking
Trying to do everything at once almost always leads to getting less done. If you’ve ever tried to answer emails while cooking lunch and keeping an eye on a toddler, you know how quickly it can fall apart. Time blocking is about setting clear windows for different types of tasks. That might mean checking emails only twice a day or deciding that household chores get done after lunch, not in between meetings. It also means being realistic. If you know the kids get restless mid-morning, plan your most focused work for earlier in the day or after they’ve gone to bed. You might also find it helps to create “buffer” slots in your schedule that allow for interruptions, so you’re not constantly running late for everything. These windows can be a lifesaver if your work involves client calls or deadlines that can’t move, because you’ll have some breathing room built in instead of relying on everything going perfectly.
Get the kids involved
Depending on their ages, children can help more than we sometimes think. Younger kids can have their own work time alongside you, whether that’s drawing, puzzles or building something with blocks. Older kids can help with small household jobs, freeing you up for work tasks. This isn’t just about keeping them occupied. It’s about showing them that work and home both take effort, and that everyone has a role in making things run smoothly. It’s also easier to ask for quiet when they understand there’s a reason for it.
Set realistic expectations
It’s tempting to aim for the same output you’d have in a quiet office. But if you’re balancing calls, deadlines and snack requests, something has to give. Setting realistic expectations means looking at your week and being honest about what’s possible. If you can only get four hours of deep work done on certain days, plan for that instead of cramming in an unrealistic amount and ending the day feeling like you’ve failed. If you run a business from home, it can be even harder to separate work and home life. You’re probably switching between client emails, making lunch, sorting laundry and trying to squeeze in time for marketing or new ideas. Getting outside help for the things that take up too much time can make a big difference. For example, a digital growth strategy agency can take over the planning and strategy for reaching new customers so you’re not trying to figure it all out late at night. It means you can focus on the parts of the business you actually enjoy, and still have the energy for everything else going on at home.
Batch errands and chores
One of the big time drains when working from home is getting pulled into “just one quick thing” around the house. Putting laundry on in between calls seems harmless until you’re folding clothes during your work time. Batching errands and chores together at set times keeps them from spilling into the rest of the day. You might decide that household tasks happen before 9am or after 5pm so you’re not constantly switching between work and home mode.
Keep a visible plan
A calendar or simple to do list somewhere everyone can see can make life easier. It could be a big wall planner in the kitchen, a whiteboard, or even just a notebook left open on the counter. Write down work calls, school runs, kids’ activities, and anything else that affects the day. If the kids can see you’ve got a meeting at 2pm, they might think twice before interrupting unless it’s urgent. You can also add their plans so they can check for themselves when it’s time for football practice or when a friend’s coming over. It means you’re not trying to remember every single thing and hoping you don’t forget. The more you get out of your head and into one spot everyone can see, the easier it is to get through the day without constant “what’s happening next?” questions.
Look after your own energy
It’s not selfish to make sure you’re getting enough rest, food and downtime. When you’re balancing a career and a family, it’s going to be draining and take a toll mentally (even if this is everything you ever wanted and more!) Don’t let yourself get to burnout levels before you take some time to yourself, even a few minutes each day for relaxation or some fun can stop it getting to that point. Maybe a relaxing bath with some nice bath salts, bubble bath or pampering products could be your go-to, rather than saving these things for some imaginary situation in the future and letting them gather dust. If you’re into exercising then a change to move your body will definitely make a difference, it could be going for a jog or a dog walk every evening to clear your head. You could even take up a hobby, something from home like a craft is good if you dont have the time to fit in a class. Have a think about what would make you feel genuinely happier and try to do more of that.
