The WFH Survival Guide for Parents of Toddlers and Babies 

by Naomi Johnson

Being a work-from-home (WFH) parent is a tall ask. You have to juggle work with parental duties, doing your best to keep your clients (or boss) and family happy. It can be stressful, overwhelming, and sometimes even cause parental burnout – a state of constant physical and mental exhaustion. 

If you’re struggling to cope on account of your full plate yourself, don’t worry. You can be a good parent while still succeeding with your work duties. The key to success is organizing your time, energy, and space and learning to make the most of your day. Here, Holistic Home Office offers survival tips for remote-working parents of toddlers and babies:    

Create a schedule with your partner  

Creating a schedule can help you master your day, not to mention give you a much-needed sense of control over your life. You can allocate time for baby care, work, and chores – and still have some me time afterward. You should work with your partner to create a shared schedule. You can divide your chores and baby care duties equally. Having a routine is also good for your child – it gives them a sense of normalcy and structure, helping them feel more settled in. Modern Work At Home Mom offers an example schedule that’s worth checking out for ideas.   

Set up a private, productivity-boosting workspace  

Your workspace has a massive impact on your work output and quality. If you work in a cramped corner where you’re constantly being interrupted by your partner or child, your work is going to suffer. Setting up an interruption-free workspace is more than worth your time. It can help you get into “work mode” quickly, boost your focus, and get more work done.  

Find creative ways to keep them busy when you work  

Keeping your child constructively occupied can give you hours of uninterrupted work time. Some suggestions are educational screen time, independent play, indoor games, puzzles, lego building, and dress up. Learning toys are a classic, effective option. They can capture your child’s attention for a long time and teach them something too.  

Before purchasing learning toys like play kitchens or building blocks, you should look at online reviews to check safety recommendations, materials used, and price. The goal is to ensure you get safe, non-toxic toys for your toddler to enjoy.  

Shower your child with love and attention  

Last but not least, don’t forget to spend quality time with your baby or toddler. Not only is this essential for their development, as First 5 California can confirm, but it also fulfills their need for attention from you. If they feel you’re always going to be available for them, they’re much less likely to be fussy and interrupt you when you’re working. Also, having the opportunity to spend time with your child is one of the best parts of working from home – you should take advantage of it while you can!    

Actively stress-bust and look after your mental health  

Juggling work and childcare can cause stress levels to build up. It’s crucial you let off steam every once in a while to remain upbeat and avoid burnout. Having a good self-care routine with activities like meditation, nature walking, reading, and playing a musical instrument can help you manage your stress levels. Comfortable clothing is also key, especially for moms of babies and toddlers. Make sure your wardrobe includes comfortable yet stylish clothing for new moms. Look for comfortable clothes that don’t sacrifice style, including stretchy and lightweight leggings, pajamas, and a nursing bra, available from a trusted source (check it out for more info). 

If your job is causing you excess stress or you’re stuck in an unfulfilling career trajectory, the only practical solution might be a career switch. You could opt for an online degree to pick up the skills you need to advance your career or change your job while still looking after your child. For example, an education degree furnishes you with skills in instructional practice, learner development, and knowledge of the specific subjects you need to be a successful teacher.   

Conclusion 

Scheduling can help you make the most of your day and have enough time for childcare and chores. Self-care is how you ensure you have enough gas in the tank to stay the course long-term. Remember that you’re not alone on your journey – you should ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed, whether that’s from your partner, family, or a professional (like a babysitter).  

Image via Unsplash 

The Holistic Home Office blog provides valuable information for anyone interested in building a spiritually inspired free enterprise. Read more engaging articles today!