The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Things are changing quickly every day, and most of us have seen our typical routines turned upside down. More and more workplaces are allowing or requiring remote work, while school and daycare closings and “social distancing” restrictions mean that whole families are suddenly spending an entire lot more time at home together.
It won’t be smooth or perfect, but there are a couple of strategies you’ll use to form your new situation a touch easier. We have real-world tips from remote workers who’ve balanced careers and youngsters in close proximity to assist you through this difficult moment.
1. Don’t expect to work at your normal capacity
Everyone is going to be less productive during this time. Being proactive with employers and co-workers and setting realistic expectations about what you can accomplish is necessary to prevent misunderstandings down the line. First, find out what your optimal working hours are going to be , when you’ll be most available, and the way much you think that you’ll get done. for two-parent homes with both partners’ reception to decide to add shifts if possible, especially if there are young children that need more attention. Breaking it up into two- or four-hour shifts apiece can ensure that each partner has dedicated time to focus. But even then, be prepared to assist out if things get tricky, especially if there are multiple children.
2. Get your focus priorities done first
“Prioritize your own workday and make sure you get to anything that requires time and focus (like writing) first because there will be interruptions and it will take longer than it should,” said one WFH mom. “Then do give your kids some time and attention. Some tasks like replying to emails or reading can be done while overseeing schoolwork. Get everyone outside for a bit, even if it’s just five minutes of jumping jacks or being silly.”
3. Stick to a Routine
Maintaining a daily routine will help everyone stay occupied and manage some of the anxiety caused by this big change. Go ahead and write out a schedule. With some schools closing for a month or more, you’ll want to build in “school” time every day, too. If your kids’ schools have set up remote learning, follow the plan and use the resources provided by their teachers. Just resist the temptation to have a screen time free-for-all.
4 . Let Kids Make Some Choices
Giving children the ability to choose some of their own activities and self-serve meals and snacks helps build independence—and allows you to get more unbroken time for work. For younger children, you’ll got to prep and package food into single servings the day before and leave them on the counter or on a coffee shelf in the fridge, while older children can put ingredients together into a meal. Similarly, while older children can pull out and put away activities on their own, toddlers will need a touch more help. Consider setting up activity stations for them to choose from. This can be as simple as opening up the bottom cupboards in the kitchen, making a pile of clean socks for them to match, or putting playdough on the coffee table.
5. Set clear boundaries
Draw your line in the sand and stick with it, Post a sign outside wherever you’re working (stairs to the basement, entry to the kitchen) so that kids can pause and reflect on whether they really need to interrupt you before entering.
Remember, there’s no one right way to get through this thing beyond “stay home/stay safe.” So cut yourself some slack. You’re doing great!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
