During the recent Pandemic, lots of us got used to working at home, and how to do this when our kids were also at home, whether they were ‘at school’ or on holiday. Although, I hope most of you found ways of coping with this, I thought that I would write this Blog with ideas on how to make the process run more smoothly.
It has been widely reported that a lot of office bound staff will still want to work at home, and, during summer holidays, having the kids at home whilst working from home will still be a thing. In the worst scenario, we may be back in close down again, even for a short while, so being prepared for such an event can only help with planning your time.
The main factors to plan out are:
Space
Technology incl broadband access
Resources (incl knowledge of your childs schooling)
Time
Factors explained:
Space is a factor in many city homes, where the adults compete with the children for quiet spaces to work. This is where decluttering and multi-purpose furniture comes into play. Can you replace any bookshelves/bedside cabinets with a desk with shelving, or even go as far as getting a loft bed - a top bunk with a desk and storage underneath for the kids? Is there space for a fold down desk on a wall? (links in section below). If cost is an issue, look for items on freecycle or ebay that are free or second hand. If all else fails, clear off any dining table or island, or find lap tables that can be used on chairs or sofas. Work out if you are best working in the same room as your kids or separation is key. If separation is needed, perhaps swap over to each others space every half a day or day to change it up. However you do it, designate spaces for work and make them clear and easy to set up .
Technology is next. Do you and your kids have the tools they need to work? If you are working from home, ensure that your work provides a laptop or other technology for you. This may free up any other technology you have at home for your kids. if you are struggling with appropriate stuff, check in with your school who may be able to provide some IT for your kids to school at home, or charities such as Re-boot or Re-use. Ask you work what they do with old lap-tops, perhaps they can start by donating them, or making them available for their employees kids? Check what is really needed, will a desktop work instead or a large ipad and keyboard?
As for Internet Access, again, this needs to be sufficient for all of you to work at home on video calls. Check if your mobile phone or TV package provider has offers on, talk to them about your situation and see if you can get a deal, or, again talk to your work or the school to see if they can support you - work should pay for some of your internet access if you work at home.
Resources - logins, books, stationery, planners, these are all needed for your kids and you to work from home. Be sure you know how to access your kids on-line resources, check out what is there, and if there is anything missing, please let your school know that it would be helpful. Ensure you know your kids time-tables and any homework needed. Have a wall planner - take a look at my previous Blog on planning for ideas. Can you get books on-line rather than buying physical copies, what about paper to scribble on? Make sure you have plenty of supplies including for Art and breaks.
Finally, Time. This is one of the top problems. You need to work your hours, but your kids also need support for their school work. One simple suggestion is to use the time you would have spent travelling to and from work for reviewing your childs school plans for the next day, to ensure you have everything needed, and both of you understand what is to be done. Also use this time to help your child to plan out what to do after school when you are still working and also prepare snacks together. Perhaps look at planning your lunch breaks at the same time and any breaks for you to check in on their work or break time. You need screen breaks too.
Planning planning and planning again. Think of the positive of being able to spend breaks and lunch with your child, and helping them when you would normally be travelling.
I hope that this Blog has given you some simple ideas to help with working from home when your kids are around. Below are some links for resources that may be helpful such as multi-purpose furniture, charities for IT and other resources:
