Work From Home Tips For Parents
Work From Home Tips For Parents Work from home experts and newbies weigh in on the new reality for many parents A New Reality A new reality set in for millions of parents across the country this week. Working from home. And not just wearing pajama pants for your Zoom meetings and then streaming Netflix for the rest of the day, or a ‘snow day “work from home”. This is real working from home; while your kids are also at home remote learning, and oh yeah, while there’s a public health crisis unfolding all around us. Since my work from home experience has been limited to the occasional as-needed basis, I reached out to some veterans and some other newbies to get some tips and tricks and to see how other parents are handling their new reality. So, what does working from home look like in the COVID-19 era? According to US Census data, about 8 million US workers work from home, but I imagine that number will rise sharply due to the coronavirus outbreak. As a marketing associate for Beech Acres Parenting Center, my job involves writing a lot of words, crafting inspirational stories from the hard work our service providers do for families in the community, manage 7 social media channels, and more writing. Lots and lots of writing. Essentially, the vast majority of my work can be done from home. Technology like laptop computers, mobile phones, and high-speed internet coupled with software like Microsoft Teams, Google Docs, and Slack make working remotely a breeze. But working from home is not just about the technology to be able to do so, it’s about having the right mindset, establishing a routine, following a schedule and building in time to take breaks. Tips From Work From Home Veterans Liz Wharton has been working from home for nearly a decade. As a Senior Project Manager responsible for keeping teams organized and projects on-track she has learned the do’s and don’ts of working from home. In a blog post on working from home, she recommends staying connected with colleagues regularly using available technology. “Facetime/Skype are your friends,” she says. Staying focused and avoiding distractions are key to remining productive while working from home. Liz recommends, “Put your workspace in a section of your house where there are not too many immediate distractions, i.e. television, kitchen, laundry. Yes, you are home, and yes, you get more flexibility, but don’t let distractions of housework and media destroy your productivity.” Finally, she says burnout can happen at home too, make sure you are mindful of taking breaks and focusing on self-care. “If you feel trapped, take a break and take a step outside for a few minutes. No phone, no noise. Breathe in and take in the nature around you. Ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed or down. Remember you are not alone!” Having a fuzzy dog around can be an adorable distraction but it also gives you the motivation to take frequent breaks and get outside for some much-needed fresh air and social distancing. Chris Beiting, a video producer and product manager for an education company, has been working from home on and off since 2009 and full time since 2014. He recommends establishing a routine and getting dressed for work. “A routine is important, Chris says. “In order to get into the work mindset, I have to get up, get showered, and get dressed for work. Now, I don’t mean wear business casual or a suit. But I need to at least not work in my pajamas.” Like Liz, Chris recommends remaining focused and avoiding distractions. “The trick is to have a dedicated work area,” Chris said. “I’m fortunate enough that I’ve usually been able to have a dedicated room in my house to set up a home office – but even if you don’t, it’s important to set up space. Don’t work from your bed. It’s setting you up for failure.” Chris’ reality changed a bit thanks to COVID-19. Now his 2nd grader is working from home too. “My daughter has never known her dad to not work from home. When she’s been sick or just off from school most of the time she will be here with me anyway.” Ruthie is used to the work from home routine and armed with her trusty Chromebook she’s ready to learn from home like her dad. “I need to be mindful so she’s keeping up on the tasks that her school has given her,” Chris said. “Thankfully she’s 8, so there is some self-sufficiency.” Chris’ additional tips include: Creating a specific workspace Getting dressed for work (trust me it mentally prepares you for the day) Keeping your pets close to avoid getting lonely Taking advantage of technology to stay in touch Creating a daily “to-do” list Listening to music Finally, Chris said to lean into your strengths of love, humor, perseverance, forgiveness, perspective, and importantly, hope. “It’s easy to get down with what’s happening in the news. Hours seem like days with all the doom and gloom. Don’t let your fears and worries redirect on your children. They can know you have worries, but it is up to you to let them know that no matter what happens, you’re a team and you will get through this together.” Both Liz and Chris stressed the importance of keeping to your schedule, not over-working, and ending your day at your normal time. “A common problem when working from home is working harder and longer than normal,” Liz said. “It’s all about discipline and schedule.” Chris echoed this sentiment. “It’s important I end the day at 5 pm,” he said. It’s easy to get into the mode where you’re always working. And it’s even more important to have that division when working from home. So, I do my best to stop at 5 and not work evenings or weekends — unless there’s a deadline or things need addressed that can’t wait, of course.” A
