Focus on your self-care as a MILSPO - Download the E-book

How to Maintain Sanity Working From Home with Kids

Twenty-twenty has really thrown everyone off their game. Not only have members of the country and the world been required to stay home to stay safe from the pandemic, but many military families have experienced delays of deployments and PCS plans. Even many military spouse entrepreneurs have felt the effects, particularly as they gear up for the next big event this year – the start of the school year and working from home.

As we begin this school year, and coronavirus not leaving anytime soon, it is vital that working parents have a plan. Although companies should be moving in the direction of being comfortable with children around, it may take a while for your employer to get on board. So having a plan for working from home is key!

Here are 5 tips for those working from home while also educating your children this year:

Dedicated Work Space for Everyone

Just because you’re not working at an office doesn’t mean you can’t, well, have an office. Rather than cooping yourself up in your room or on the couch — spaces that are associated with leisure time — dedicate a specific room or surface in your home to work. This can be an office space, a small desk/workspace, or even your car.

Depending on the age of your children, you will also want to make sure they have their own space as well. Many people choose to turn their dining room into a dedicated school work space. Whatever you choose, make sure you have the supplies you will need.

Determine When You Are Most Productive

Nobody sprints through their work from morning to evening — your motivation will naturally ebb and flow throughout the day. When you’re working from home, however, it’s all the more important to know when those ebbs and flows will take place and plan your schedule around it.

I personally am not an early morning person, and over the years I have come to realize that I am most productive in the late morning before lunch and the evenings/nights after my children go to sleep.

To capitalize on your most productive periods, save your harder tasks for when you know you’ll be in the right headspace for them. Use slower points of the day to knock out the easier, logistical tasks that are also on your plate. These smaller, slower tasks can help build your momentum for the heavier projects that are waiting for you later on.

Structure

Sit down with your kids and your spouse for a family strategy meeting. Explain to the kids, in age appropriate terms, what is going on and what you need from them. You will need to work, and they will need to do school work. And though they might not be able to have friends over or go to their favorite indoor play places, you will make an effort to have some fun together each day.

Next, it’s time to strategize and schedule as a family. If you have school-aged kids or teenagers, they will likely have a lot of ideas for how to work in each of these things. But even preschool kids can contribute. This will get them excited about the schedule and help them understand expectations. 

Post the schedule, in all its color-coded glory, where everyone can see it. Be sure to clearly mark when you need to be left alone for work. Make sure to provide guidance on appropriate activities during those times, such as screen time, movies, art projects, puzzles and other quiet activities.

If you have school-aged children, scheduling their independent work during your work time can be helpful to keep the distractions to a minimum. 

Flexibility

When you and your family make your “Work/Play from Home” you’ll need to be flexible enough to structure your work life and home life in ways that you’ve probably never done before. This may include both parents working from home and splitting the schedule down the middle, working nights after kids are in bed, working a few weekend hours here and there as needed, etc.

It is important to be flexible and understanding as you navigate the process. Communicate with your employer, discuss expectations and then follow through. 

Finally, Tap Into Resources

You may think working at home means you can skip child care, but schooling and working, even as an entrepreneur, you’ll have days when you need help—and that’s okay (as long as you aren’t under self-quarantine). Crowd source for some teenager babysitters (that are now homeschooled or on virtual school) that you trust and feel comfortable with, and consider using them 1-2 times a week for a few hours in order to accomplish items that are more difficult with children around.

If you own your own business or with to start in light of the current climate, online resources can be extremely helpful as well. The Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs (AMSE) connects Military Spouse entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to become successful in launching and growing their businesses. AMSE is an exclusive community for military spouse entrepreneurs to learn how to launch, build or scale their own business. They have both a free and paid membership available.

Not sure how to get started? AMSE and Stars and Stripes have released the Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide, available both digitally AND at military bases around the country. Go grab your copy NOW! You may even find your true calling after all!

You Are Not Alone

This year has put a lot of roadblocks and stress on many military spouses and their families. But we can get through this next school year even stronger than before. By creating a plan, allowing flexibility and tapping into the resources at our fingertips to shape our future, we can work together and get through this. Remember, you are not alone! So go find your tribe, grab that whiteboard and teacher planner, and hold on tight!

Like this article?
Share on facebook
Share on Facebook
Share on twitter
Share on Twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on Linkdin
Share on pinterest
Share on Pinterest
Leave a comment
mrs-navy-mama-noralee.png

Hi! Welcome to Mrs. Navy Mama.

I’m Noralee- a military wife of over 10 years, mother of three (soon to be 4) under 5, and lover of southern comfort food, my planner and chocolate. Military life is hard, no question.

Mrs. Navy Mama is a place where new military girlfriends, fiancees, or spouses can get tips and an honest perspective about military challenges.