Stay-at-home orders have forced many of us to work from home and take care of our children at the same time.
I have owned my own business for the past 35 years. I raised my children while working from home with only occasional support (my husband is a pilot and is only home about 10 days/month). My children are now 21 and 19 years old.
I will not lie – it was not always easy, but balancing work and home is nothing new for me. In fact, over the years, I have coached hundreds of business owners and sales reps on how to manage both.
Hopefully, a few of the strategies I learned along the way can help you navigate these unusual times. Here are my favorite strategies organized by age group:
Children of all Ages
- Everyone needs a schedule to stay well-rested, well-nourished, and hydrated. The schedule should be discussed and agreed upon by all family members – including the children. It is hard for children to argue against a schedule that they helped to put into place.
- Children can pick up on your stress and may become stressed in turn. Take steps to manage your stress. Exercise, meditate, recite a positive affirmation, or practice yoga. Make relaxation a family activity; one of my client’s, Karen Carlson’s website, contains several relaxation products: GrandmasMagicPillows.com
Infants and Toddlers
- Routine is important for infants and toddlers. Planning the day is helpful in keeping the entire family happy and rested. There is nothing worse than an overly tired child.
- If your child is not sleeping through the night, experts will tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps. This is especially important when you are nursing because of the calories and energy it burns. So, mom, you too need to be well-rested and hydrated.
- Ask your employer if you can hold meetings during nap time or when your partner is able to care for the children. My husband and I had a calendar that we used to block off study time and meetings – staggering them whenever possible.
- Ask your spouse or partner to watch the kids while you work. Taking turns throughout the day will enable both of you to get your work done.
Preschool/Elementary Age Children:
- Your children want to be like you. I had a special “work box” in my office which was only utilized when my children were allowed in my office “to work together.” The box contained paper, a hole punch, markers, ruler, tape, stampers, an old phone, and a few coloring books.
I would assign them tasks while I worked which made them feel like part of my business. I also pulled out this box when I was on the phone. Whenever I pulled out this box, they knew they needed to stay quiet because I was on the phone.
A Place to Call Your Own
From the start, my children knew that mommy’s office was a special place. I had an open-door policy (so I could keep an ear open for them even when I had a sitter).
Just as I respected their rooms by knocking on the door before entering and asking if I was interrupting. They were also taught that they could not cross the line past my doorway without my permission.
Consistency is the key and you will be amazed at how fast they learn. I recall when my son was about five years old I asked him, “What do you do when mommy is in her office and you want to ask her a question?” he responded, “Stop, drop and roll?” 😊
When they had a question, which in their mind was extremely urgent, they had to stand at the door and hold up one finger until I was ready to answer them. Then we had to practice standing still and wait patiently for me to call on them. I recall my kids standing at the doorway jumping up and down with one finger up.
Have your children select a “special place” in your home that is “their office” or workplace. I also heard an idea to have them wear a special shirt when they are working on their school assignments. They called it “suiting up for school.”
Your children are familiar with wearing their soccer gear or leotard, tights, and dance shoes giving them a mindset that they are ready for soccer or dance practice. The same will be true with a special “homework uniform” – it will help prepare them for study time.
Parents, I still dress in work casual attire, put my makeup on, fix my hair and wear jewelry as if I were going to see clients face-to-face. I don’t feel like I am in the right mindset for work if I am wearing my yoga pants or a sweatshirt.
Tips for Single Parents
Parents, you are greatly challenged since there is not another adult in your household to share the homeschooling with or to cover for you when you must work.
- Working with your boss and the teachers is key to success. Ask if they have any virtual class time with your kids and use that time to get your own work completed. If you must attend virtual meetings at a specific time, schedule the kids for gym or art.
- Your kids need a break too. There are numerous YouTube videos of art projects (https://www.pinterest.com/craftyclassroom/homeschool-art-projects/?autologin=true) that they can follow online. You do not have to structure their entire day, let them have some free time to play in the back yard.
- Schedule your work around your children’s sleep patterns. Are they early risers? If so, schedule their homeschooling first thing in the morning and work in the afternoon. Or, do they sleep late (these are usually your middle to high school kids). If so, work early in the morning before they wake up. I can get an entire workday in before my teenager gets out of bed.
Share Your Ideas
I am sure that several of you have great ideas to share and we would love to have you add them to the comments section or send them to me at norine@NWIBusinessSolutions.com and we will share them with our followers.
Parents, thank you to those who are balancing working from home and homeschooling. You are doing an amazing job!! We are all grateful for the sacrifices you have made to save lives during this pandemic.
Thank you to the business owners who have allowed their employees to work from home versus laying them off. You are not only saving lives, but you are providing income for families.
Together, we can get through this!
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