Survival Guide: How to Master Remote Working With a Toddler
Written collaboratively with Joyce Wilson from Teacher Spark, who worked as a teacher for decades. She believes knowledge is the key to a more successful and fruitful life.
Working from home with toddlers and babies should be considered an extreme sport. Kids demand round-the-clock attention - and parenting while juggling calls, an overflowing inbox, and tight deadlines is no joke. However, the work-from-home life has become the new normal for many parents across the U.S., and as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is expected that this remote work-life is here to stay.
At Nurtured Pediatrics, we believe that it is possible to stay productive while parenting from home. Here’s how.
Work Mode Is Different From Parent Mode
Remember, you’re acting out two very different roles in one space. While your little one might be surprised to see you put on multiple hats simultaneously, it is essential that you keep work separate from family. If it’s after-hours, put on your parenting hat and give it your all. Refrain from multitasking or cleaning up after your toddler when you’re in the middle of that critical conference call. You’ll do neither job justice if you try to do them simultaneously; not to mention, the guilt of underperforming can be brutal. The best way to set boundaries is through physical separation. Create a working setup that is separate from the rest of the house. When you’re in the workspace, try to tune out those toddler voices - this will help you stay productive (and sane) in the long run.
Plan (For Interruptions)
Our biggest advice would be to plan. Create a schedule with set office hours. Contemplate who’s watching your child when you’re working. Who’s cooking? How many hours do you plan to work? One of the greatest benefits of remote work is flexibility - so capitalize on that and set your schedule. You have the liberty to push assignments around to bond with your little one because, after all, this time with your toddler is special.
At the same time, remember that with kids, nothing can be set in stone. All it takes is one little boo-boo or a slightly delayed meal for the cries to begin (perhaps even screams and tantrums). Even the best-laid plans may go out the window - so plan not just for your schedule but also for interruptions. Set up cues that your baby associates with ‘work time’ - for example, tie a red ribbon to your workspace or create a sign (for older kids) during office hours. And remember, you can always end a call and reschedule if something comes up - your coworkers understand the realities of working from home just as much as you do.
Keep the Kids Entertained
The longer your kids are entertained and kept busy, the more time you can eke out to get some extra work done. Try not to plop your kids in front of devices to quickly shut them up - the Spruce reports that too much screen time can turn them into ‘iPad zombies.’ Instead, leave them with their favorite toys or television programs, or set up playdates for socialization. Nurtured Pediatrics therapist will tell you TV > iPad AND, do what you need to do if you are feeling like you’re in survival mode. Then, make a different plan for tomorrow — it doesn’t have to be perfect it just needs to be done!
You can also keep an eye on them by setting up a designated play area in your office - check out this article by the Decoist on design tips. Running after babies and toddlers can be exhausting (especially the crawlers!) so make sure you’re dressed comfortably and functionally. For most parents, an oversized, soft shirt or dress paired with comfortable leggings is the way to go when you’re trying to keep up with the kids.
Working from home gives parents the best of both worlds - quality bonding time with the young ones while bringing home the money. Balancing work and family doesn’t need to be exhausting, tiring, and impossible. While it will come with bumps along the road, remote working is the perfect opportunity to thrive - both at home and at work.