How to Stay Home and Work from Home with Young Kids

If you are like me, you’ve struggled the last couple weeks trying to work in a space that you have to share with your kids. Many parents are left juggling what could be defined as whole other job; teacher/child care provider. It’s a lot for someone new to it who never intended to stay at home with their kids but it’s also a lot for stay at home parents who have had resources stripped away; playgrounds, museums, malls, libraries...social interaction with your friends and family! We’re up against a new reality that very few (if any) have ever experienced. I’m by no means an expert but I’ve found some ways to help me balance. Here are my tips for creating a happy and productive work space AND play space co-work with your young kids.

Improve space for kids 

Create a clear and open space and here’s how:

  • Kids in corners. Place child sized shelves desks, tables and chairs in corners of room. The goal is to try to leave a clear middle space for them to inevitably tumble, roll around and play with toys.

  • Use open shelves to display toys neatly. Ditch the bins that they have to rummage through. You want toys out and visible so they can find them and engage with them without your constant support. They can’t play with what they can’t see!

  • Trim the toys. Only keep as many toys that can neatly sit on open shelves and tables. The other toys can be stored away which leads to...

  • Rotate toys. When the kids start to get restless, overnight switch new toys on to shelves and store the ones they have grown tired of for a day in the future.

  • Independent activities. Have activities and materials set in baskets or trays so your child can independently play with them. This could include a jar of crayons and paper next to it. It could be a glue stick and stack of colorful tissue paper and paper.

  • Keep order. Use small or medium sized shallow storage bins or trays to categorize kid toys and supplies.. That’s where those items live and teach your kids to put them in those places when done

  • Create a quiet nook. This space will be a place for the kids to go and do quiet work like reading a book or working in a workbook. It can be as simple as some pillows on a floor and a bookshelf nearby. I love these types of pillows against a wall.

Improve space for adults (to attempt work): 

If you aren’t lucky enough to have an office or if your kids aren’t old enough to be in a room alone unsupervised then these tips may be for you!

  • Consider working while standing. You could get a standing desk our just a tall table. I’m not sure what it is but when I’m standing the kids assume I’m busy.

  • Backpack the baby. Babies want to be close but having a baby curled up in the front isn’t always the easiest to work around so if they are old and big enough use a back carrier or wrap and back pack them.

  • Go mobile. You will inevitably be going from here to there tending to your kids all day so try to sneak in some work in the transition times. It’s potty time? Read a couple emails. Snack time? Answer those emails. Breastfeeding? Type some notes.

Improve space for everyone

  • Play music. Try to pick something everyone can enjoy and not just “kid music”

  • Open the windows. Light is crucial especially since we are all spending more time indoors.

  • Frame their art work. It can help decorate the space and a wonderful tribute to your kids creativity.

What sort of things have you done to harmoniously co-work with your kids?

Bethany Ramsey