All work and no play

During this time of quarantine, everyone is doing their best to work from home and keep things running smoothly, but parents with young children have a harder time balancing work and play than parents with teenagers.

Sarah Schlueter, a mom of 3, has had some challenges getting work done while caring for children and working. With two of her three kids being under the age of six, it can get a little hectic at times.

“Challenges for me have been kids wanting to go in different directions, feeling guilty for putting them in front of the tv for too long, and kids that want all of your attention,” she said.

Schlueter isn’t the only parent facing challenges with young kids at home. Patrick O’Brien and his wife Angela have a four year old son to care for while putting in work hours from home.

O’Brien stated “Both Angela and I have full time jobs and are working from home despite the constant distractions of “Daddy, come play with me!” or “Mommy, I have a question.””

Schlueter is also fortunate to have her husband Dave around to help out when he can.

“If things don’t go as planned, I finish work in the evening after Dave gets home,” Schlueter explained.

Whereas asking a family member to assist as a babysitter used to be just fine, both families have had concerns as far as allowing others to watch their kids, even if they are family.

O’Brien said “Although both Angela’s parents are healthy but they are over 70 and we are trying to avoid placing them in a situation that could be considered risky.”

Just like the O’Briens, the Schlueters have the same concerns when it comes to their family helping out.

“But unfortunately we don’t have an extended family support system close to home. Plus, I would’ve felt horrible bringing in older family members, even from out of town, not knowing if the kids could or would spread the virus,” stated Schlueter.

Despite both families having to work from home with their young kids around, everyone manages to get their work done at one point or another.

Schlueter explained “Fortunately I have managed to get my work done, for the most part, at some point throughout the day. With this job, you don’t have to be present or working certain hours during the day (ex: 8AM-4PM), we can make our own schedule.”

O’Brien discussed being able to take time off and having flexible hours during this work from home situation.

“I am fortunate to have the ability to take time off and have been doing so…There have been many days where not as much job related work has been done; but the phone always rings and the email always gets checked,” stated O’Brien.

All in all, both families have found ways to work around the challenge and keep their kids occupied if they need to be getting things done.

“Luckily we have a fenced in backyard as well; the kids can swing, trampoline, splash in the kiddie pool, play basketball, do bubbles or chalk, all within eyesight of me working,” Schlueter said.

The O’Briens also like to make sure their son is doing something active to keep him entertained.

O’Brien explained “Colin gets some TV time and then plays with his toys while Angela and I work. Afterwards, it’s usually playing outside, working in the yard or house, going to the park, biking, etc.”

Parents have been working hard to accomplish everything they need to do in a day. Being an employee and a parent at the same time has its difficult moments, but pushing through and working hard only achieves success with these families.