Let’s face it – most of us are now working from home with our kids. It’s getting bonkers out here (or, in here I should say).
But be not dismayed! The work from home moms have spoken and we give you our best tips and advice for balancing work and raising children under the same roof.
Think like a teacher
“Try to “lesson plan” your day/make a daily schedule of activities. Kids like routines.”
– Heather Eftekhari
Work in 20 minutes increments
“Kids don’t have long attention spans. I find doing tasks in 20 minutes increments helps us all accomplish more.”
– Maria Orlano
Stock up on toilet paper and activity books
“I recommend buying some new activity books like coloring, word search, mazes etc. and debut one new one per day.”
– Hilary Feldstein Ratner
And pick up some wine while you’re at it!
“Join a wine club for mama’s sanity”
– Heather Capizzi Bailey
All the snacks!
“I keep cups and snacks on a shelf that’s easy to reach so my preschooler can get his own graham crackers and apple juice in a pinch. He also helps with making his school lunches as part of his everyday chores.”
– Elena Bosch
“Sometimes I offer incentives like going for ice cream or taking away precious toys if they are quiet during phone calls.”
More screen time equals more quiet time
“I use movies as rewards for good behavior and almost always try to plan them around conference calls, especially long ones. Movies are about 90 minutes vs. 30 minutes giving me almost an hour and a half of uninterrupted focus time.”
– Elena Bosch
No job too big. No pup too small.
“There is a two-hour episode of Paw Patrol I save for times like these.”
– Joanne Martinez
Seems like even Ryder and his pack of pups are on the case to help with Covid-19.
In all seriousness, we hope you stay healthy and happy amidst the chaos. Now more than ever our kids are looking to us for reassurance.
What are some of your tips for staying positive and productive with kids at home?
