The confinement decreed by the COVID-19 pandemic forced many families to adapt to a new situation: combining work from home with children without school. Beyond that long quarantine, the truth is that teleworking is an increasingly widespread labor trend.
It entails many advantages such as flexible schedules, comfort at home, it reduces distractions that occur in the office and you do not lose the time that you would normally spend traveling to get to your place of work. In addition, it is an excellent tool to reconcile family and work life.
However, this also presents a challenge for productivity and organization when there are children running around the home. Either because of holidays without school or vacations, or because he has not been able to go to class due to being sick. Children demand their parents' attention without being aware that they are working, even from home. To find the balance between spending time with the little ones and attending to their needs, and carrying out your work successfully, there are some tips that will be of great help.
Communication will be key to making your children understand the importance of your work. Especially when they are older and understand more clearly what you tell them. Explain to them what your work consists of and tell them that you need their help to be able to concentrate.
When they demand your attention, negotiation comes into play. Tell them that you can play with them when you finish a certain task or that if you go to fulfill their request now, then they will have to give you a specific time to work.
The organization is your best ally. Guideline optimized schedules taking into account the hours in which you will be most productive without distractions. For example, getting up before the normal time your children usually wake up. Also, take advantage of nap time, going out to extracurricular activities or times when your partner, grandparents or a friend can take them to the park.
During those periods, try to avoid other distractions like looking at your phone or doing chores. Make the most of them so that it doesn't hurt you so much not to be 100% when the children interrupt you.
In order for children to let you work, they must be entertained. Propose them different games so that they have fun and can alternate them as they get bored.
You can also try involving them in your work by sitting next to you to paint, read or do homework. The television or the tablet are a support resource whose use you should limit to certain times of the day.
Finally, you have to hone your patience and flexibility. Empathize with how your children feel and be flexible in handling work and parenting. Don't get frustrated if you have to interrupt a certain task to spend time with the children, and don't feel bad if you think they're getting bored, as this will encourage them to be independent and develop their imagination.
