Managing It All: Working Remotely with Small Children

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Daisy Jones contacted me and volunteered to present an article on my Tuesday blog. I find this to be a very good article and I hope you will enjoy it as well.

If you are a parent of a baby or toddler, you already know it can be difficult to work from home while taking care of a little one. Babies and toddlers are very hands-on, making it tricky to keep up with work. Below are some suggestions that can provide you with a stepping stone of what to do next to help simplify your life.

Develop a Schedule That Works for Everyone

Start by creating a schedule that takes into account the needs of you, your child, and your work. Establish firm times for waking up and going to sleep. Nap times are crucial for little ones and can allow you to get work accomplished.

Don’t forget to include meal times and breaks in the schedule, too. While imperative for your child, you should also plan on refueling and getting away from the computer screen when possible. Sticking to a routine is healthy since children know what to expect, and it can help your day run more efficiently.

Get Outside Help When Necessary

You might not be able to do everything on your own. Getting outside help is perfectly acceptable. Start by figuring out how much help you need. Would your child be better off at daycare, even for only a few days a week? Can you afford a nanny, or do you have a parent who wouldn’t mind taking their grandchild for a little bit?

Other areas where you could seek outside help include having a housekeeper come in and ordering from a meal planning and delivery service. This allows you to focus more on work and spending time with your family.

Consider a Change in Jobs

If you are having a hard time balancing your remote job and your child, it might be time for a career change. Perhaps you need something that is less demanding, pays more, or both. Take a look and see what types of potential jobs are in your current field that you might be interested in.

If you’d rather do something else altogether, consider pursuing a degree online that will allow you to change your job. Some degrees make it possible to work at your own pace, allowing you to stay with your current job while taking care of your children.

Find Activities That Are Safe for Small Children

Try looking for activities that your baby or toddler can do that will hold their interest, even if it’s just for a short time. Toys such as musical instruments, puzzles with large pieces, and stuffed animals or dolls with no small parts are all good ways to keep them entertained. Even children’s books with lots of pictures might be a good idea.

Try putting out a couple of these toys while you are working. That way if one item doesn’t catch their attention, they can easily move on to something else.

Although you might find it difficult to manage your little one as you work from home, it can be done. Take the time to plan and stick to a schedule so you can ensure a beneficial setup for you and your child.

Bio:

Daisy Jones is the proud mom of three wonderful children who are growing up way too quickly. She’s currently a stay-at-home parent so she can soak up as much time with her kids as possible while they’re still little.

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