Before the pandemic forced us to stay home and work and the kids to remote learn, I was traveling for work and the kids had their afterschool activities.
The next thing I know, I’m told to stay home and school was cancelled. Watching the news, it didn’t look like this would be over soon.
While I was coming to grips with what was happening in the world, I had flashes about what our new normal would look like.
I pictured the perfect setting. Me working in my bedroom and my kids homeschooling in theirs. No interruptions and no distractions. Everyone getting their work done.
But I was wrong.
Instead there were technical issues, kids fighting over devices and longer work hours than when I was traveling.
Something had to give.
My Top 3 Tips For Working From Home While The Kids Are Homeschooling
I admit because I thought working from home with the kids in the house would be no deal, I didn’t feel the need to prep for what was to come. That it would be a breeze to ease into this new normal.
Instead it took us a couple of months to get used to our new schedule. And in between the many trials and errors, I discovered three things that made working from home while the kids where homeschooling more productive.
1. I Synced Up My Work Hours With Kid’s School Hours
Syncing up my work hours when the kids are online homeschooling has helped me get my work done. There are less interruptions and distractions because they are just as focused on their work as I am with mine.
This has been most beneficial when I’m holding remote meetings with my team.
2. I Set Up A Private Work Area While I’m Working From Home
I don’t have a home office so my dedicated workspace is the kitchen counter or my bedroom. Meanwhile my youngest is set up in the dining room. This way, I can keep an eye on her to make sure she’s paying attention but still have my privacy to take calls or hold team meetings.
3. Get My To-Do List Ready The Night Before
This was most important. Knowing what I was going to do the next day helped me stay on task and get more work done. Winging it has never worked for me when I was working from the office. I don’t know why I thought it would work while working from home!
Wrapping Up
So those are the three things that helps me get more work done in this new normal of ours. I’m sure we all have our own hacks and whatnot to keep us productive. If you have any tips to share, tell us in the comments!
Don’t forget to share this post with other working moms and dads!
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