The work-from-home setup has been around for a while now, but the pandemic has paved its way to normalcy. Almost everyone who used to work in the office doesn’t have to leave their houses anymore. For working moms, this seems like a blessing.
But fulfilling daily job requirements while caring for kids proved difficult. It turns out that being at home 24/7 won’t automatically let you monitor your kids’ better. And it’s pretty obvious why; if you can’t give young children your full attention, they’ll likely do something unsafe.
That drives work-from-home moms nuts, especially if they don’t have anyone to help them. But as with any problem, there are solutions to this.
First, let’s identify the challenges in working from home, then gather the solutions.
Top Problems in the Work-from-home Setup
1. The Discomfort of Blending Work and Home
If you can simultaneously fulfil the demands of work and your children, good for you. But others aren’t as comfortable with that. For one thing, it’s difficult to say “no” either. You can’t merely abandon work to care for your child, or vice-versa. Delaying a task can make you lag behind your colleagues while focusing too much on work will sacrifice family time.
2. Distractions
Working while keeping an eye out for your kid will make you too aware of your surroundings. One small movement from the little one, and you’d be at your feet at once. This instinct is just uncontrollable, even if you hired a nanny.
3. Reduced Quality Time With Family
If your kids have been used to spending quality time with you when you’re at home, both of you have to undergo an adjustment period. It will result in little heartbreaks, such as being unavailable to play with your child when they ask you to.
4. Keeping Kids Safe and Entertained
Babies and toddlers are too young to distinguish what’s safe and unsafe yet. They tend to eat inedible things, touch hazardous objects like electric cables, and go up to heights. Working at home may increase the risk of accidents because you can’t always watch over them.
Tricks to Balance Work and Childcare Well
Set up a home office to fully concentrate on your work commitments. Doing this will let you excel in your job, as your full concentration will allow you to finish tasks faster. In turn, you can dedicate the rest of your time to your kids.
If it isn’t an option to let your kids out of your sight, take advantage of their nap times, and buy them toys that’ll keep them entertained and safe. Get them used to a quiet time as well, so that even when they’re awake, they’ll learn how to stay put while you do other work.
Setting up their toys in the middle of your office will also help. It may be distracting, but when your kids get used to playing quietly without involving you, they’ll learn that you’re not to be disturbed during that time.
Establish safety rules. Keep poison, electrical, and choking hazards away from the kids. Invest in childproofing devices to ensure that every room is safe. When they’re asleep, be sure that their faces aren’t smothered in pillows or blankets.
If you’re about to move into a new flat, inspect your unit for possible safety hazards. Ask the landlord for the EICR (Electrical Inspection Condition Report), proving that the property is periodically tested.
Don’t forget to ask for help, too. Your spouse should take part in caring for the kids. You can make a schedule that’ll allow both of you to divide your time efficiently. Or, hire a childcare provider if you’re a single mom. Balancing both duties doesn’t mean it’ll be easy, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
