The Ultimate Guide to Juggling Work from Home and Childcare (Without Losing Your Sanity)

You don't have to join the circus to be a professional juggler

LIFECHILDRENHOME WORKING

Suzie Jacobs

10/7/20243 min read

working from home with children
working from home with children

The Ultimate Guide to Juggling Work from Home and Childcare (Without Losing Your Sanity)

Hey, superhero moms! If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the thick of balancing work, childcare, and trying to find five minutes to yourself. Working from home with kids is like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while riding a unicycle—challenging, sometimes chaotic, but definitely doable with a little practice and a lot of humour. Here’s a fun guide to help you navigate this wild ride without pulling your hair out (too much).

1. Embrace the Chaos (and the Interruptions)

First things first: Accept that chaos is your new normal. Kids will interrupt Zoom calls, and that’s okay! We've all seen the video of the kid wandering into the room during a live news broadcast—it's a rite of passage now. When your little one bursts into your "office" to ask for a snack (for the 10th time), just smile, mute your mic, and roll with it. Remember, you're not alone—everyone is navigating this new work-life-kids mashup together.

2. Create a Flexible Schedule (Because Rigid Ones Will Break You)

You might have started with a colour-coded, minute-by-minute schedule, but let's be honest, kids don’t follow agendas. Instead, opt for a flexible routine. Plan your day in blocks rather than strict time slots. For example:

  • Morning Block: Breakfast, playtime, and independent work (for both you and the kids)

  • Midday Block: Lunch, a bit of screen time for the kids, and some focused work for you

  • Afternoon Block: Naptime (for them), power work session (for you), and a short outdoor break

This way, you can adapt to the day’s surprises (like impromptu puppet shows) without feeling like you’ve fallen off track.

3. Master the Art of Distraction

Need 20 minutes to finish that report? Time to bring out the big guns: the special toys, the craft supplies, or that one TV show they can’t resist. It’s all about strategic distractions. Save the most engaging activities for when you really need to concentrate. And don’t feel guilty about a little screen time—consider it your work-from-home lifeline.

4. Involve Your Kids in Your Work (When Possible)

If your job allows, let your kids "help" you. They’ll feel involved, and it might even keep them occupied. Need to send an email? Let them "type" the first few words. On a conference call? Give them their own "important papers" to "review." Who knows, you might even spark an interest in what you do—future junior business partners, perhaps?

5. Give Yourself (and Your Kids) Some Grace

Not every day will be a win. Some days, your work will get done, the kids will be happy, and you’ll feel like Supermom. Other days, it’ll be a struggle just to keep everyone fed and relatively clean. And that’s okay. Be kind to yourself and remember that you’re doing your best in a challenging situation. Cut yourself some slack, celebrate the small victories (like getting through a meeting without anyone spilling juice), and know that you’re rocking it, even on the tough days.

6. Tag-Team with Your Partner (If You Have One)

If you’re parenting with a partner, tag-team as much as possible. Split the day into shifts where one of you works while the other handles the kids. Even if you’re both working, taking turns can help you each get some focused work time. Communication is key here—make sure you’re on the same page about who’s "on duty" and when. And if your partner is working outside the home, set clear expectations for their involvement when they’re home, too.

7. Prioritize Self-Care (Seriously, Do It)

It’s easy to forget about yourself when you’re juggling so much, but self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s sneaking in a quick workout, reading a few pages of a book, or just taking 10 minutes to breathe deeply in a quiet room (okay, maybe the bathroom), make sure you’re recharging your batteries. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Balancing work and childcare from home isn’t easy, but you’re stronger and more capable than you might think. Every day won’t be perfect, but with flexibility, a sense of humour, and a whole lot of love, you can make it work. So, take a deep breath, give yourself a pat on the back, and keep doing what you do best—being an amazing mom and a rockstar professional. You’ve got this!

Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash