How To Effectively Work From Home With Kids And Stay Productive

Working from home is here to stay. The system has been proven effective over the pandemic and beyond, with many finding no reason to give it up. Straits Times has reported that two in five workers in Singapore would refuse to take a job if they’re not allowed to work from home. 

Parents, in particular, find that it helps them spend better quality time with their children. However, it does come with its own set of challenges. To be successful in both the home and workspace, mums and dads need to learn how to manage to work from home with kids. 

When done right, work-from-home setups help improve job output while encouraging work-life balance. Work-life balance has become more of a priority for many employees who #SEEKBetter. If the pandemic brought anything good in the world, it's highlighting the importance of making time for the more meaningful things in life, especially the family.  

The same Straits Times article reports that 41 per cent of Singapore workers said they would rather be unemployed than feel unhappy in their jobs, while 52 per cent answered that they would quit if their jobs prevented them from enjoying life. 

Benefits of Working From Home for Parents

1. Time saved on the commute 

Whether you use public transport or drive, chances are you have to account for a little extra time in your schedule for travelling to and from your office. It may require you to wake up a little earlier to avoid missing your meetings, making you spend less time with your family just to get to the office promptly. 

2. Additional savings from reduced expenses 

Not going to the office usually means you pay less. You don’t pay for gas or transport because you don't leave the house anyway, and you’re less tempted to go out to a nearby coffee shop or restaurant with your colleagues during breaks. Your savings can go to other necessities like groceries or the kids’ school needs.

3. Improved productivity 

Because you don’t come to work tired from your commute, you have an easier time focusing on the job and getting things done. You can also have the freedom to pause when you need a moment to collect yourself or even to play with your kids. You have better control over your schedule and can optimise your time.

Research from Ergotron states that while remote employment increases an employee’s hours (likely due to the increased downtime), it also promotes balance, which prompts them to work smarter.  

4. Less office noise 

While being with your officemates is fun, sometimes being around them can lead to too much chatter and distract you from doing your job. Being at home in your own space can be quieter and make you more productive because you don’t feel tempted to talk to your seatmate all the time. 

5. Flexibility 

Perhaps the most crucial benefit of WFH is the versatile schedule. A flexible work arrangement can enable parents to manage their work schedule and make more time for housework, errands, and school runs. 

Working from home has its perks. But working from home with kids also presents many challenges. If you don't address these properly, they might distract you and make you more unproductive. Here are some situations that many working parents have encountered while on WFH arrangements and how you can deal with them:

Solving the Challenges of Being WFH Parents

1. The problem: Kids think it’s your day off. 

Because you’re in your home clothes and are at home, your children might think it’s a weekend and would want you to attend to their every need. 

The solution: Establish a routine. 

Creating structure for your children can help you all get through the day smoothly. Set up an alarm at the same time every day, and make time for breakfast, lunch and dinner with the kids. Remember to explain to your children that you have work and that they must let you have time to get it done. It makes them realise that you're not on a break. 

2. The problem: Your work area becomes a playroom. 

Children’s vivid imaginations can make a playground out of anything. If you work in an open space, say your living room or kitchen, they might take that as an open invitation to hang out with you and play by your side, which can be a major disturbance while you’re trying to finish a report. 

The solution: Have a dedicated home office. 

Ideally, your workstation should be in a quiet area with some privacy and a door. It is necessary when you have to be on the phone or go on conference calls frequently. Keep the door shut to signify that you’re busy at work, and remind everyone in the house to knock before they enter your office.

3. The problem: Work calls get disrupted. 

Many of us remember BBC Dad and how he went viral because his kids came rushing in as he was on live television. Today, most of us are BBC Dads in our workplaces, and Zoom calls have been interrupted by many kids who just want to play. 

The solution: Set boundaries. 

If you don’t communicate with them, your kids might not understand the difference between office time and playtime. Schedule a playtime period, so they know when you can come out of your home office and spend time with them. Tell them when you’re about to step in to have a meeting and that you shouldn’t be disturbed. If feasible, try to book significant calls while your kids are napping to avoid the possibility of being disturbed altogether. 

4. The problem: You have to make time for school. 

As Singapore advocates for the blended learning system (which combines online tools with physical classroom methods), younger students need the help of their parents to guide them in the home-based aspect of school. 

The solution: Divide and conquer. 

Manage your work schedule so it doesn’t coincide with your child’s online class. If your partner is working from home as well, share the school responsibilities with them so that at least one parent is available to support your child’s education. The same thing applies to when your kid needs to be in face-to-face classes or has special events in school. Let your office know you need to make time for school-related needs. 

5. The problem: Between work and family time, you don’t have time for yourself. 

It can be easy to fall into the motions of accomplishing all your tasks and not make time for yourself. The result, despite all those accomplishments, can be severe burnout and stress. 

The solution: Take a break. Make sure you schedule breaks throughout your work day that are just for you. “Leaving” work at the same time daily helps you remind yourself that you do have something more than just office work, and it's time to log off. You can also use your vacation leaves to recharge your mind and body. Remember that if you don’t make time for yourself, you won’t be able to make time for everyone else.

Working from home can be very beneficial for many individuals, especially parents who want to be more present in their children’s lives. There are challenges, but they can be dealt with by properly communicating your needs with your employer and with your children. 

If you feel that working from home makes you feel better about yourself and your life, then #SEEKBetter. You should choose a job that enables you to do so. Being dissatisfied with your work arrangements can make you resent your work and may impact your well-being and mental health. 

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