4 Ways Work at Home Moms Can Occupy the Kids
If you’re a work at home mom, you know how hard it can be to get a little uninterrupted quiet time away from kids so you can get your work done. Here are 4 ways to create chunks of time each day where you can work in peace.
1.
Naps
One of the easiest ways to work with kids in the house is to do it while they nap. That way you’ll have the quiet you need in order to make phone calls, write emails, and otherwise concentrate on the task at hand. Scheduling naps for your child or children at the same time each day is a good way to get them adjusted to the routine so that it’s not a chore just to get them down each time. You can get a lot of work done with even just a half-hour of total undisturbed quiet. And if your children are older, don’t let that dissuade you from imposing regular quiet times. Most older kids will be happy to get time alone in their rooms knowing that you won’t be disturbing them either.
2. Structured Playtime
Most children of 4 years or older can be started on a fun activity they can enjoy while you’re working. This can be a puzzle, a model, drawing or coloring, working with play-do, or any other activity you can be confident they’ll find interesting and engaging. You can even place a little table right near your work desk so they can “work” right alongside you. Checking in with them and offering them assistance periodically will offer you a nice way to take those brief and frequent breaks we both know you don’t allow yourself enough of. Older kids may not need or desire to work in the same space as you, but the idea of getting them involved in a project they can work mostly on themselves still works great.
3. Outdoor Play
Weather permitting and provided your kids are old enough to play outside unsupervised, shoo the little ones outdoors to get a bit of fresh air for a while. This is an especially easy solution if you have a fenced-in yard. You can even ask a nearby neighbor to keep an eye out for them while you work. To keep yourself from being disturbed, give everyone a time frame. If need be, buy your kids some outdoor activities so they can be sure to keep themselves entertained until it’s time to come in.
4. Screen Time
As long as its structured, monitored, and kept to a reasonable and defined period of time, there is nothing wrong with sticking your kids in front of the TV or computer for a little while. Moderation is the key (as with most things). The kids will certainly love you for it, and you know there’s the least chance of you being interrupted when the kids are glued to a screen. TV and computers have a lot of good things to offer us and our children. As long as you are keeping an eye on what they’re watching on TV or doing on the computer and on how long they spend doing either, you all can get a lot of value out of an hour or two each day this way.
5.
4. Computer Time
Allowing your children time on the computer can be a fun way for them to pass time quietly if you are on the phone or doing other tasks. There are many educational websites and games that they play online, such as SesameStreet.com, Noggin.com and BigIdea.com.
Many smaller children will also enjoy “typing.” Open a blank document in your Word Processor and make the font large. As they get older, they will become familiar with the letters and even learn to type their name and other words.
5. TV time
On the days when your child is sick or it is too cold to play outside, consider allowing them to watch a movie or an allotted amount of TV time. Most children’s movies are kept short to keep their attention and are also educational. Find movies and TV programs that meet your approval and adhere to your morals and beliefs.
Working from home and being there for your children is one of the best gifts that you can give them. However, there are always times when you will need the little ones quite while complete necessary tasks. Use these five ideas to take the stress out of finding quiet time.
6.
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