You may find working at home can come with some distractions, like wanting to play with your toddler.
Understanding a few tips may help you create and adjust to your schedule and implement new ideas to maintain a happy home life and remain productive during the workday.
Here are some tips for working from home with a toddler:
1. Start the day early
Getting up before your toddler wakes may provide some quite work time to focus on important tasks. A strong and productive start with a distraction-free morning can be especially beneficial if you know your toddler causes distractions throughout the day. Worry less about stepping away later from your computer now and then to care for your child.
Additionally, you may consider completing the hard tasks first to get them done before your toddler gets up.
2. Prepare for distractions
Plan for these distractions before beginning work.
Preparing snacks or activities can help minimize interruptions. If you have an important meeting, you may prepare for it by getting out anything your child might ask for or turning on their favourite movie. Being prepared can save you time and make your workday less stressful.
3. Encourage independent play
Your child may come to you during work asking you to play with them or complaining of boredom. To prevent this, try creating ideas that encourage your toddler to play independently. Finding activities they enjoy that don't involve your help is a helpful way to keep them occupied so you can focus on work.
Babysitting another child may not seem ideal when you're working from home, but having a playmate can be beneficial for your child and lead to fewer distractions.
4. Create a workspace near your toddler
Create a workspace near your child's play area. This limits the time you spend away from your desk going back and forth between rooms. Additionally, it allows you to multitask when necessary. Consider your toddler and play surroundings, but be mindful if you have a video conference or require quiet for a phone call.
5. Consider screen time
Screen time might be an activity you limit with your toddler. You may find it helpful to let your child use more than their screen time when you need quiet to complete your work. Consider letting your child play on a tablet for about 45 minutes so you can have uninterrupted time to complete a work task.
6. Set aside time for your toddler
You may find it beneficial for you and your toddler to set aside time for undivided attention. Similar to how you schedule time for work, it's helpful to schedule quality time with your child. Share with your child that you're going to work, but when you're done, you two can do a fun activity together, like baking, playing outside or coloring.
This way, you're giving enough care and attention to your toddler, and they don't feel left out. You can do this before and after work or whenever fits your schedule best.
7. Get yourself dressed for the day
Start your day by getting dressed in clothes that make you feel productive but are also practical for childcare. Getting dressed in the morning can help you remain accountable for your work and have a clear and professional mindset. Designated clothes for working at home can signify to yourself and others that you're in work mode.
Here are some of my photos while working from home with my toddler.
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