Working from Home?
Helpful Tips for the Working Parent
Working and parenting from home is a delicate balance — actually it can be down right hard at times. If you are dancing to this unfamiliar beat, be gentle on yourself — you are doing better than you think you are. Here are some helpful tips to create a little more equilibrium at home:
o Start with creating a routine for your kiddos, if they have something to look forward to and anticipate, they will likely interrupt you less.
o Be flexible — if your little one needs to burn off some energy, get outside together for some play time. When your child feels connected and settled, focusing on a chunk of work will be easier for everyone.
o Utilize nap-time, and if they don’t nap adding quiet time to your child’s daily routine can afford you some work time.
o Do your best to keep “parent” and “worker” separate — having a space dedicated to work can make it easier for your little one to understand your role as a worker and keep you from sneaking a load of laundry in between emails.
o Expect that your work life will not look or feel the same being home. We can expect interruptions and some big feelings from the little ones. Reschedule a call or meeting if your toddler is fussing.
The Psychology Foundation of Canada has a 24/7: A Resource for Working Parents with strategies supporting the psychological health of working parents and their children — check it out for more tips!
