How to Achieve a Work-Family Balance With Kids at Home

How To Achieve a Work-Family Balance

With Kids at Home by Janice Russell

With companies rapidly switching over to remote positions, many parents are now juggling remote work with full-time childcare. If you find yourself at home, feeling pulled in too many directions, don't despair. Follow these tips and give yourself time to adjust; before long, your family can settle into a lifestyle that is both enjoyable and productive.

Prioritize Self-Care

You might feel selfish prioritizing yourself with family at home, but the benefits of self-care make it a necessity, not a luxury. It can give your immune system a boost and can also protect your mental health, reducing your risk for anxiety and depression.

To make sure you are taking care of yourself, prioritize your diet and sleep. Try to avoid processed foods; instead, consume fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, and whole grains. Also, aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night because studies show that sleep is your body's best defense against both physical and mental disease. Sleep and diet are equally important for children, and if they watch you prioritizing these things, they can learn by example.

It's also a good idea to shower and get dressed in the morning. While it might feel tempting to wear pajamas all day, it can leave you feeling less alert and, in turn, hinder productivity.

Work While Your Children Sleep

When you are working from home, your employer still expects you to be productive and complete assignments. To accomplish these things, you need uninterrupted time to focus, and with young children at home, this can be challenging. If you establish a sleep routine for you and your little ones, you can make a point of getting up before your children. This early morning time allows you to settle into the rhythm of the day and get a head start on your workload. It's also a great idea to work when your young children nap, and if evenings are a productive time for you, that can work as well.

Think About Your Office Needs

Balancing work and family obligations can present a challenge when you can see and hear your children while you are trying to work. It's better to establish a set workspace inside your home which can guarantee you the peace and privacy you need to stay focused and productive. You can use this private space when your children are sleeping or are otherwise safely engaged.

If your work involves using the internet, make sure you don't overlook online safety. Install cybersecurity software that can protect you from identity theft and safeguard your computer from outside attacks.

Enjoy Time With Your Children

Parenting during the pandemic presents new challenges but also creates unique opportunities. The new family dynamic gives everyone a chance to take stock of what's really important and to enjoy the gift of shared time.

Take advantage of being home all day by scheduling your work in short, focused bursts with built-in breaks you can spend with your children. By creating a schedule of breaks, your kids will know what to expect and can look forward to these planned moments of togetherness.

Try to schedule an outdoor break with your children every day. Being in the open air gives everyone the chance to exercise, decompress, and let off excess steam.

Other great activities are snuggling, playing games, working on puzzles, and reading aloud. Reading to your child is especially beneficial. Not only is it a great bonding activity, but it also increases your little one’s intelligence and imagination.

While having everyone home together might initially feel more chaotic and less productive, a happy balance is within reach. By adopting a few changes to your routine, you can find the peace and calm you need to be productive in your job and effective as a parent.

- Author Janice Russell can be reached at janice@parentingdisasters.com.