Working from Home (During a Pandemic) with Kids
Did I ever think I’d pull together a blog post about working from home, with kids, during a pandemic? Absolutely not. But here we are in unprecedented times, figuring out our new rhythms and new normals.
Our leadership team has taken Hudlie health and safety seriously, resulting in many Hudlies working at home with their children. That in itself is challenging, but now many of the normal tactics for entertaining the kids aren’t options. No playdates, trips to the store to get new art supplies, or quick bike rides to the zoo. This isn’t just working from home with kids, this is working from home with kids during a global health crisis.
The good news is Hudlie parents are always open to sharing their advice and how-tos. Our #baby-talk channel on Slack is a community many of us cling to as we navigate these waters together — and instead of keeping our resources to ourselves, we want to share them with you.
Stick to a schedule.
“Be patient, block your time and plan ahead.” — Bethany Meek, Senior Recruiter
“A set schedule is a must. You might not be able to hold it throughout the day. My 9-month-old doesn’t care if I have a critical Zoom call, but we’re more organized if we start with a base. Figure out who is on parent duty at this time and who’s working. My wife and I have been trading off watching her. She’s ‘on duty’ during my critical meetings and vice versa.” — Trey, VP, Competitive Sales and Customer Success
“As difficult as it is, don’t try to multi-task. Give your kids dedicated time. Find a way to give your work dedicated time. You and your kids will be happier at the end of the day (and, in my experience, you’ll have fewer tantrums.)” — Brooke Frazier, Senior Specialist, Elite Education
Technology is your friend.
“I use Amazon Echo Routines to announce the schedule. At 11:45, Alexa announces to clean up for the next fifteen minutes. My kids (ages 2, 5 and 9) clean up and I make lunch for everyone.” — Andy Stumpf, Technical Analyst
Use all your resources.
From shows like Beat Bugs to YouTube dance parties, we’re finding (and using) it all.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- Busy Toddler
- GoNoodle
- Feeding Littles
- Taking Cara Babies
- Dr. Phil Boucher (health tips and parenting advice)
- Adventure Academy (you can customize to their grade level)
- All the virtual tours
- Kids Eat In Color
- Cosmic Kids Yoga
- Printable Liz Climo Coloring Book
- Card Games (that will turn your kids into math aces)
- All of the crafts
- Indoor Ice Baths
- This great list of indoor games and activities
- Bubble wrap. Just bubble wrap.
- Make an “indoor water table” with a cookie sheet and other things around your kitchen
- Fill your outdoor pool with leaves/sticks/other sensory items
- Make your own (edible) paint
- This nature-based resource guide
Acknowledge it’s hard.
“I’m certainly anxious to know how long this is going to last, and I think that’s where it might get hard. My husband and I have tried to be very honest with our kids about what is going on, and how that can affect other things, all without scaring them or passing on things that only adults should worry about.” — Betty Greene, Accounting Specialist
“Our son loves going to daycare and gets so much education and social interaction there. We try to keep up with the education, but he’s not getting the interaction with others his age that he absolutely loves. It’s hard seeing him frustrated, bored and upset that we can’t leave and see his friends. It’s hard on us as parents, because we aren’t getting our regular social interaction, either.” — Amber Wiebe, Senior Support Specialist
“Shutting down at the end of the night is harder. I’m used to commuting about 45 minutes each way. That was my time to prepare for work and also wind down at nights. Now I don’t have that. Last week there were multiple nights that I found myself continuing to work through projects because it was so easy to do so.” — Trey Boyer, VP, Competitive Sales and Customer Success
Celebrate the wins.
“For me, communication and feeling connected to the rest of Hudl has improved dramatically since everyone started working from home. Communication hasn’t been an issue in the past, and I’ve never had trouble being able to do my job, but I’ve really enjoyed getting to know my coworkers better via Slack with the shift in culture this has caused.” -Brooke Frazier, Senior Specialist, Elite Education
“I think this situation has helped my focus. I know that the windows of productivity are smaller so I’m heads-down during that time and eliminate all distractions. There are pockets (naps, Netflix, meals) where I can work and be (mostly) uninterrupted.” -Trey Boyer, VP, Competitive Sales and Customer Success
Give grace, and receive it.
“Hudl has made me feel incredibly supported by encouraging us to really give each other grace as we navigate through these uncharted and somewhat rough waters.” — Bethany Meek, Senior Recruiter
“Go with the flow as much as you can. At this point, it’s all about survival!” — Bailey Huls, Account Executive
“These are weird times. Don’t feel bad about bending the rules. My kid joins some of my work calls. I let her play with our iPad. We’re all just trying to figure out what works.” — Courtney Rodgers, VP, Product Management
“Knowing that we are all in this together certainly helps and leadership has done a phenomenal job of communicating updates.” — Jeff Scott, Senior Manager, Workplace Design
The biggest piece of advice any of us can give you: we are all in this together, figuring it out one day at a time and no one going to be perfect. Give yourself some compassion as we settle in to this new normal, and don’t forget to attend your virtual happy hours!
Be well,
Brooke Denker, Recruiter
