Remote working can seem like the height of convenience and flexibility, and for some it is. Of course, it’s not as if this working style variant means you can do whatever you like when you like, as tasks have to be completed at the right time, and you may have people to answer to, like clients or the company you work for.
Moreover, if you’re a parent, well, you don’t need to be told exactly why and how staying at home isn’t the same thing as relaxing at home. It’s also easier to be distracted when your children come home from whatever schooling they’re old enough for, and so it’s good to set up a worthwhile plan to make sure you can stay focused.
Never fear, because in this post we’ll discuss some tips for successfully working at home as a parent, and how you can avoid difficulties in the long run when doing so:
Set Up a Routine
When working from home as a parent, one of the most essential starting tasks to take care of is to set up a schedule, and make sure it’s ironclad where it needs to be, and flexible at points too. In doing so, you can decide on precise working hours and plan out your daily efforts. It might be especially useful to have a timetable in place so that there is a sense of structure and habit. Remote work sounds like a luxury, and sometimes, yes, you can work into the evening, but when you have other responsibilities it’s good to have that structure to rely on.
Have a Dedicated Working Space
It's smart to establish a dedicated work space for this effort. In order to do this, a desk or work space might be set up in a peaceful section of the home. You might use a spare room, or set up a desk in your bedroom for now. If you have a home office, consider adding a lock to the door inside, one your children can’t reach, so that you can have that privacy when you need it (especially during Zoom or Teams calls).
Talk to Your Employer
Be candid with your employer if you have one. Don’t worry, it’s unlikely that you’re the only person with children trying to work a remote job in your company. They know they might need to be flexible, or can at least hear out a request you might have.
This can involve talking about any flexibility or scheduling needs you might have, as well as detailing any difficulties or worries you need to think about. Perhaps working from 3-4 is going to be tough because you need to do the school run, but you can work until 6 to compensate. You might be able to find a decent agreement with that effort in mind.
Establish Boundaries
It's so essential to create a separation between work and family life. Setting designated work hours and ensuring that family members are aware that these times are not to be disturbed are two examples of how to do this. In order to prevent burnout, it's crucial to schedule regular breaks and set aside time for self-care too. It’s easy for us to say - but try not to be everything at any one time. Schedule times to focus on one particular task. It will help.
Include Your Kids In The Process
While working from home as a parent can be difficult, it also gives you the chance to involve your kids in the work. You can designate an area for them to work in where they can complete projects, homework, and other tasks. By including children in your work schedule, you may also teach them responsibility and time management skills.
Taking Care Of Remote Work Security
Working from home as a parent might pose security risks, so it's very wise to take precautions to safeguard your personal and professional data. This entails using a safe and encrypted network, protecting your devices and accounts with passwords, and keeping in mind recommended measures for internet security. This guide on work from home cyber security is a fantastic place to start.
Furthermore, it's crucial to make sure that your home office is physically secure and that private information is not exposed. If your employer gives you security software or instructions, be careful to follow them, and if not, take the initiative to secure your information and the information of the firm.
With this advice, you’re sure to curate tips for successfully working at home as a parent.