5 Tips to Help Parents Work From Home Effectively
Written by: Debra Abraham, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise
Trying your best to answer a business phone call while your toddler screams for attention. Just as you start typing an email, your kids start arguing. Chaos? Pretty much.
And on most days, you wear so many hats till you are confused about which role you play. Dad? Mum? Leader of your team? A productive team member? The demon of multitasking rears its big ugly head, and though at one point in time, the ability to multitask was seen as a 'superpower' to take pride in, now it is just drudgery, and you would prefer to focus on one task at a time.
How do you cope? Here are 5 coping techniques to help parents stay sane while they work from home.
1. Personal acknowledgment of your struggles
It is completely okay to say that you are struggling and need help. Rather than living in anger, frustration and resentment, accept that the situation is not making you feel at peace with yourself to function at an optimum level. We do not need to prove ourselves as being superhuman and master jugglers of life and work. Acknowledge that you are struggling and learn to ask for and accept help when extended to you.
2. Reassess your tasks
Can some of your tasks be delegated or made easier using technology? Do you need to engage help? If there are too many tasks on your plate, try to re-evaluate which tasks can be outsourced, even temporarily, to give yourself some breathing space.
3. Prioritize your tasks
List down your daily tasks and schedule. Remember to include playtime with your children, a certain time during the day where you can give them your undivided attention. This is vital for their well-being and your bonding with them. Remember to schedule in 'me' time—some time for yourself to catch your breath and rest. Even 15mins of time for yourself during the day will help you keep your sanity. Tick off the tasks as you complete them. This will give you a sense of achievement and keep you motivated.
4. Plan out your workspace at home
Take turns with your partner to attend to the kids. If that is not an option and both of you need to work simultaneously, a high table for laptops may avoid gadget grabbing by your kids. Setting up a "work table" for your kids besides your workspace may help too. Layout stickers, craft material, colored paper, etc., and allowed them to be creative with the material. You can even assign them daily projects to work on to keep them busy as you work.
5. Communicate your struggles and find solutions
Be in constant communication with your partner or a trusted friend so that you have a listening ear. Try to find a solution to the issues you are facing and be solution-focused in your conversations. You may have to keep trying various methods until you find ones that work.
Though work from home arrangements provide many benefits, there are stressful situations that parents may experience.
Stay positive and find the best solutions that work for you and your family so you can all stay happy, fulfilled, and thrive together.
Debra Abraham, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Debra Abraham, the founder of Rockstarz Performing Arts Studios, has been coaching students of all ages to find their identities and be empowered through music. She leads a team of skilled instructors to provide music education in a nurturing & student-centered environment, allowing them to express themselves boldly. She is currently working on building her online singing community. She believes in empowering people to pursue their dreams, free themselves of limiting beliefs, and inspire others through their journey. She aspires to inspire small business owners in mindset & personal development, which will lead towards positive transformation of themselves and their businesses.
