One of the primary reasons why parents ditch the traditional office for a work from home set up is because the latter allows them to achieve the best of both worlds – the ability to spend more time with their kids while still generating income for the family. It’s like the ideal solution for every parent’s dilemma. Imagine being able to skip the commute, save on childcare expenses, work flexible hours, and so on and so forth.
But while working from home can seem like the dream to parents who are struggling on a daily basis, this arrangement also has its drawbacks. Separating personal responsibilities from work can be more difficult because there are more distractions. It also becomes harder to stay focused, especially when your toddler is around.
So how do you stay productive when working from home with a toddler? Read on for some helpful tips you might find handy!
Talk to your partner
If there’s one person who can help make your work from home journey bearable, it’s your spouse or partner. Take time to talk to your partner about how you both are going to handle this new set up. Communicate your needs and set proper expectations. Will you be working on a fixed schedule? Or does your job allow you to work flexible hours?
Discuss these things with your partner. Let them know what help you need and when you need them to help out, especially when it comes to taking care of your toddler. Agree on schedules and arrange how and when both of you will be available for taking the kids out for a while and other important house chores.
Start your day early
If you have kids and you want to be productive, especially during the workweek, the rule of thumb is to start your day early. Starting the day early allows you to accomplish as many things as you can while your toddler is still fast asleep.
Make it a habit to get up an hour or two earlier than your child does. This will allow you time to prepare breakfast, enjoy a hot cup of coffee and organize yourself so you can be ready for the rest of your workday.
Make the most of nap time
Naptime is an essential part of every toddler’s daily routine as it plays an important role in their health and development. And because you’re now working from home, enforcing a nap time each day is even more crucial.
While your toddler takes a nap, you have to yourself about 2 to 3 hours of uninterrupted time to work. During these hours, you can focus on completing projects and tasks that require your full attention. Take advantage of these hours to get important work done. Also, be sure to fight the urge to spend these hours for other stuff like cleaning the house or putting things in order. These things can wait until later when your workday is finally over.
Create your own workspace
Another excellent way to stay productive when working from home with a toddler is having your own dedicated workspace. Having your own workstation or desk can help you manage interruptions so you focus on your work.
Find a quiet spot around the house which you can convert into a workstation or home office. It can be as simple as a desk or table with a comfy chair where you can work peacefully throughout the day. Also consider setting up a separate desk for your toddler. Give them their own space while they get busy with their toys and activities.
Encourage your toddler to play independently
Not only is independent play helpful to your toddler’s growth and development but it’s also an excellent way to keep your child busy while you get important things done.
Create a “boredom box” for your little one. This box can contain a variety of activities and toys enough to keep them occupied when they’re bored or can’t find something to keep them entertained.
To many people, doing work remotely is like living the dream but it’s not always the ideal situation when you work from home with a toddler. Use these tips to help you navigate your work from home journey smoothly and stress-free.
For more helpful parenting resources or if you’re looking for the best childcare center for your toddler, please feel free to visit Young Scholars Academy.
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