How to Successfully Work at Home with Kids

Working from home with kids around can feel like trying to juggle bowling balls while riding a unicycle: challenging, exhausting, and sometimes downright chaotic.

If you’ve ever found yourself muting a Zoom call to soothe a crying toddler or frantically searching for crayons mid-meeting, you’re definitely not alone.

As a parent who’s been there, I understand the struggle deeply. But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, a bit of creativity, and a healthy dose of patience, you can absolutely master the art of balancing remote work and childcare.

Here’s some advice to help you thrive.

Setting Up Your Home Workspace

When I first started working from home, I made the mistake of setting up my laptop at the kitchen table.

Big mistake. Between snack requests, spilled juice, and constant interruptions, productivity was nearly impossible.

Here’s what I’ve learned about creating a workspace that actually works:

Choose Your Spot Wisely

Pick a quiet corner or room away from the main family action. Even if you don’t have a spare room, a small nook in your bedroom or living room can work wonders.

I once transformed a tiny corner of my bedroom into a cozy workspace using a simple desk, a comfortable chair, and a few plants to brighten things up.

Invest in Comfort and Ergonomics

Trust me, your back will thank you later. A good ergonomic chair and a desk at the right height are essential.

I initially used a dining chair, and after a week, my back was screaming. Switching to an adjustable office chair made a huge difference.

Minimize Distractions

Noise-canceling headphones became my best friend. They block out background noise and signal to my family that I’m in “work mode.” Also, consider visual cues like a “Do Not Disturb” sign or even a simple red ribbon tied to your door handle to let your kids know when you’re busy.

Establishing a Daily Routine

Kids thrive on routine, and honestly, so do adults. When I first started working remotely, my days felt chaotic and unpredictable. Creating a structured yet flexible schedule changed everything.

Example of a Daily Schedule:

• 7:00–8:00 AM: Wake up, coffee, quick exercise or meditation (this personal time is crucial!)
• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast with kids, morning chats, and setting expectations for the day
• 9:00–11:30 AM: Focused work block (kids do independent activities or online classes)
• 11:30–12:30 PM: Lunch break, family time, quick outdoor play if possible
• 12:30–2:00 PM: Quiet time or naps for younger kids (perfect for deep-focus tasks)
• 2:00–4:00 PM: Second work block (kids engage in structured activities or screen time)
• 4:00–5:00 PM: Wrap up work, respond to emails, plan tomorrow’s tasks
• 5:00 PM onward: Family dinner, relaxation, and quality time together

The key is flexibility. Some days, things won’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Having a routine gives you a framework to fall back on, even when life gets messy.

Effective Communication Strategies

Clear communication is the glue that holds everything together. Early on, I realized that assuming my family understood my work needs was a recipe for frustration.

Communicating with Kids

Explain your work in simple terms. I told my kids, “When Mommy is at her desk with headphones on, she’s working hard to help our family. If you need something, write it down or wait until I take a break.”

Visual signals like colored signs (green for available, red for busy) also work wonders.

Communicating with Your Partner

Regular check-ins are essential. My partner and I started having quick morning meetings to discuss our schedules, important calls, and childcare duties.

Using a shared digital calendar (like Google Calendar) helped us avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.

Communicating with Colleagues

Transparency is key. I openly shared my situation with colleagues, letting them know occasional interruptions might happen. Surprisingly, most people were understanding and supportive.

Setting clear boundaries about your availability helps manage expectations and reduces stress.

Activities and Entertainment Ideas for Kids

Keeping kids entertained independently is crucial. Here are some tried-and-true ideas that worked wonders for me:

Toddlers (1–3 years)

• Sensory Play: Fill bins with rice, beans, or water and add cups, spoons, and toys. My toddler could spend hours exploring textures.
• Busy Boxes: Small boxes filled with safe household items like measuring cups, wooden spoons, or fabric scraps.

Preschoolers (3–5 years)

• Art Corner: Set up a small table with crayons, washable markers, stickers, and paper. My preschooler loved creating masterpieces while I worked.
• Educational Screen Time: Limited use of educational apps like ABCmouse or PBS Kids provided guilt-free screen time.

School-Age Kids (6–12 years)

• Creative Challenges: Lego building challenges (my kid are nowadays into transformer inspired lego blocks), DIY science experiments, or writing short stories.
• Virtual Playdates: Scheduled video calls with friends provided social interaction and fun.

Managing Interruptions and Distractions

Interruptions are inevitable, but how you handle them makes all the difference.

Practical Tips:

• Preemptive Attention: Before important meetings, spend a few minutes giving your kids focused attention. This reduces their need to interrupt later.
• Emergency Kits: Keep special snacks, toys, or activities reserved for urgent moments when you absolutely can’t be disturbed.

Once, during an important call, my son burst into the room crying because his favorite toy broke. Instead of panicking, I calmly excused myself briefly, comforted him quickly, and redirected him to a special activity box. Returning to the call, I briefly apologized with humor, and everyone understood because most people have been there too.

Types of Work-from-Home Jobs Available for Parents

Finding the right remote job can significantly ease your work-life balance. Here are realistic options I’ve explored or seen others succeed in:

• Freelance Writing/Editing: If you love writing, platforms like Upwork offer flexible projects paying $20–$100/hour.
• Virtual Assistant: Organized and tech-savvy? Companies like Belay hire virtual assistants earning $15–$40/hour.
• Online Teaching/Tutoring: If teaching is your strength, VIPKid or Tutor.com offer flexible schedules and decent pay.
• Customer Service: Companies listed on FlexJobs regularly hire remote customer service reps earning $12–$25/hour.

Balancing Work and Family Time

Separating work and family time clearly is essential for your mental health and family harmony.

Practical Advice:

• Physical Boundaries: Close your workspace door or pack away your laptop at day’s end. This signals to your brain and family that work is done.
• Digital Boundaries: Turn off work notifications after hours. Trust me, emails can wait.

Quality Family Time:

Schedule regular family activities: game nights, movie evenings, or simple walks. Being fully present during these moments strengthens family bonds and reduces stress.

Self-Care and Stress Management

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s essential.

• Daily Breaks: Short breaks for stretching, coffee, or fresh air recharge your energy.
• Mindfulness: Even five minutes of meditation or deep breathing can significantly reduce stress.
• Social Connection: Regular chats with friends or fellow parents provide emotional support and perspective.

Final Thoughts

Balancing remote work and parenting isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely achievable. By thoughtfully setting up your workspace, establishing routines, communicating clearly, and prioritizing self-care, you can thrive professionally and personally.

At the end of the day, perfection isn’t the goal, embrace flexibility, patience, and humor.