9 Tips to Successful Remote Working with Kids

August 22, 2022 Stan

At Relationship One, we work fully remote, and whether you’re new to working remotely or you’ve done it for years, it can be challenging. Add kids to the mix, and it can feel impossible.

I have three children under five and a nanny that comes during the day to care for them. Navigating working from home with kids and a caregiver is difficult but not impossible. Below are a few tips that have helped me stay focused and productive.

Designated office hours

Because I have a nanny coming into my home, I’m always very clear about my office hours and my schedule for the day. This helps her to plan the day with the kids and respect the times I’m unavailable. It also helps me plan my week and create a schedule that all my team members are aware of.

Designated office area(s)

Set up a designated office area(s) and use them solely for working, and if needed, have a couple of different areas. I find it helpful to have one area where I take calls and another where I do admin related tasks. Be sure that this area is for work related tasks only and that kids are told not to touch anything in this space.

Stay neat and organized

Keeping my space and the area around me clean and organized is very helpful. Since my office and my home are one in the same, this can sometimes be difficult, but it really helps me stay focused and removes excess stress.

Use noise-canceling headphones

With multiple people at home, it can be difficult to focus. This can be the case even if my kids are playing nicely and the caregiver is entertaining them. From hearing them giggle to misbehaving I find myself wanting to engage, so noise canceling headphones have been a lifesaver. They can mean the difference between a distracted half-focused afternoon, and an efficient one.

Get outside

I find it helpful to get outside during my designated break times. Going for a run/walk helps me to refocus and re-energize. Also, if possible, I find it helpful to work from my patio or porch. Fresh air can work wonders on a cluttered mind.

Create time blocks on your schedule

I find it helpful to block times during my day to complete tasks. This helps me stay accountable, productive, and focused. And if you must do timesheets, it helps to track your time as well 🙂 Ask your children and the other caregiver to imagine that you are not home during those times.

Avoid distractions

When you can finally focus and have quiet time, try to avoid distractions. Resisting the urge to text and check social media will really help you stay focused.

Work after “normal” work hours

There are days when I’m in and out of the office due to my kids/nanny being sick or having appointments. During this time, I always make myself available to my team, even if it’s after hours. I also try to do tasks that I’m able to do after the kids’ bedtime. As often as possible, I try to work ahead to avoid last minute work.

Expect the unexpected

Some days, nothing will do for your kids except some “mama-time”. It’s very important to have open dialogue with your manager about these times and how it may affect your day. There are going to be those days your child may be on camera or there will be extra noises during a meeting. Three years of pandemic have helped this to not be a problem or distraction for clients and other team members, but it always helps to level set expectations so that others know you are aware and are already planning for the unexpected.

Remote working with kids is challenging, but it is very doable, and I really enjoy the flexibility it offers. I hope some of these tips will help you in your journey ahead. Looking for remote opportunities? Check out our opportunities!

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