Michelle Anguka
Parenting during a pandemic is no walk in the park. From meltdowns in between (or during) work calls, to interrupted meetings for the sake of another juice box, kids have added a whole new set of responsibilities to the traditional work day. So, how should working parents cope?
We asked members of our Chapman community to share their best tips for balancing working from home with parenting. Here’s what they said:
Set Time Aside for Yourself
Take care of yourself. Find a few minutes before your kid wakes or after they go to bed to do something you enjoy that’s completely unrelated to work. Free apps are available to help you meditate, work out, read or learn a new craft or language. Don’t look at it as trying to be more productive, just finding time to be you, not parent or be an employee.
Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself. Sometimes after a long work day, we’re tired and don’t have enough energy to play with our little ones. Take some time to unwind. Read a book, scroll through social media, take a nap and then play with your little one. You’ll fee more refreshed and more patient after taking time for yourself.
Let go of the Guilt
Be okay with screen time. There’s plenty of great learning apps or programs that your kids can benefit from. ABC mouse is a great one.
No shame in using TV and snacks to distract your kid(s) so you can get work done!
Establish Clear Boundaries
Have a space of your own and make sure the kids have an area that they have designated to them as well and a daily schedule. Have a clock and schedule on the same wall that they can look at to know what they should be doing at that time of the day.
Set up a “working station” for them to do special crafts at a desk or table across from you when they want your attention during work hours. Save TV time, movie time and time for puzzles for when you are on conference calls. Give kids a scavenger hunt, including chore activities and holiday-themed activities, to do all over the house.
I have discovered that a comfortable and solitary workspace is key for both myself and my two children! We’re all in separate rooms and have created our own work spaces which I believe has helped us alleviate distractions and has helped us focus on our own work.
Take Breaks
Schedule short breaks! I have been scheduling mini breaks between meetings to run outside for a bit or play a short game so they don’t feel like they have been watching a screen all day. It also helps me make sure I take breaks myself.
I have two daughters. My biggest tip is to keep engaged with them throughout the day. I am finding that even though we are at home with them, it is easy to get in the zone with work and easily disengage from our surroundings. It’s healthy to take time throughout the day, take small breaks and play (take a walk, talk, etc.) with them.
Be Flexible
Lower your expectations for you and your kids.
Be flexible. The kids are feeling this stress differently, but they feel it too. A ten minute “cookie and cuddle break” can calm you both and buy some peace.
Don’t apologize or feel embarrassed when your kid pops into a meeting or makes noises. This is real life and everyone will understand.
