Being your children’s teacher and your employer’s best employee

While the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, every morning you brace yourself for the inevitable; you must work from home. You then remember that schools are closed and you are now also your children’s teacher, you find yourself in full survival mode. Take a deep breath. You’re not alone.

Prior to sharing some tips, know this; working from home alone can be challenging to some, working from home with children might literally cause your plate to overflow. Not only is that OK, but it’s also to be presumed. But when the tears and curse words inevitably begin to flow, here’s a bit of help to make your day somewhat less nerve-racking.

Set clear expectations

Choose separate, designated work-spaces for every working adult in the house. This sets the expectation among your children that when an adult is in that particular space, they need to leave that adult alone unless it’s an emergency. Nevertheless, it is helpful for everyone to share the kitchen table when children are doing their schoolwork. That way, an adult is present to answer school-related questions, has open communication with colleagues and helps break up any sibling arguments.

In addition, children enjoy routine and knowing what’s ahead. Be clear about the day’s timetable. With older children, give them a voice so that the family’s daily routine works for them, too. Remember that this is stressful for everyone.

In order to minimise noise and interruptions, equate your work to their schoolwork and remind them of how irritated they are when they’re trying to do their assignments and a parent is being disruptive.

Furthermore, children need to learn to entertain themselves. Suggest quiet activities if it’s raining, such as puzzles. Teach your children how to access and listen to podcasts and audiobooks. Provide easy access to LEGOs and board games.

However, know they’ll make mistakes. They’ll forget, they’ll lose their patience, they’ll get into arguments and they’ll break rules. For some children, this situation can be a little scary. Show some understanding so as to avoid resentment.

Ask for help

If you live with a partner, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Many employers are being very flexible with their work-from-home policies so take advantage of that. For instance, both you and your partner could shift your work hours so only a few coincide. You and your partner, equally, deserve uninterrupted work time.

Also, don’t forget that engaging with people outside your home is still possible thanks to technology. FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom allow children to engage with their friends, grandparents, aunts, and uncles virtually. Entire board games can be played with someone controlling the board and everyone else dictating their moves.

Leave the house

If walks are still allowed where you live, take your work to a local park and sit on an empty park bench. Also, consider your front porch or balcony. Physically leaving the house and getting some fresh air can do wonders for the mind.

Practice gratitude

When things are tough, it can be easy to despair. Often, a simple list of three things you’re grateful for can do wonders for your mental health. It may look something like this:

• My job
• Nurses, doctors and hospital staff
• Technology

Working from home with children can work. Every family is different and we are living in unprecedented times. Find what’s best for you and those you love. Show your children, through your actions, the importance of a balanced life, filled with work and school, time together as a family, and time for individual passions. But above all, be kind to yourself.

You’ve been asked to accomplish the seemingly impossible. You’re trying. You are enough. This is temporary.