The reality is you cannot give 100% to parenting and 100% to working at the same time. It's impossible. And there is guilt that comes with working from home with your children - you feel like both your children and your job deserve more attention but you can't spread yourself any thinner. It's exhausting. But there are times when you have to work from home with your child, in those cases these suggestions will help.
Make a Schedule
If you know ahead of time what you plan to do with your day that makes it easier for you to let your job know how much you will accomplish in the day, and helps you plan activities to keep your kids occupied and entertained.
Set Realistic Work Goals
Be realistic when it comes to how much work you can get done. You cannot complete eight hours worth of work in the day when you have to tend to your child, make meals, put them down for naps, etc.
Utilize Naps (or quiet time)
Save the tasks that need the most brainpower for nap time, or if your child no longer naps, for their quiet period of the day. This will be the best time to get work done because you have no guilt from not tending to your child and the least distraction.
Utilize Screen Time
When I have to get work done, I have no problem allowing BabyCakes to watch TV or play with the iPad or my phone. An instance when you have to get work done from home is a great time to pull out devices to entertain your child.
Don't Beat Yourself Up
Working from home with a child is EXHAUSTING. Don't beat yourself up about not being able to get everything done for everybody, and definitely reward yourself with a glass of wine or dessert after bedtime, because you deserve it!
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