Is navigating parenting and working from home a challenge for you right now? I know transitioning from the classroom to the virtual world is a game changer.
I’ve been working from home for the last 3 years running my online music education business. My boys are now 10, 7, and 5, but I started working from home when they were 7, 4, and 2.
I’ve been asked and have seen so many questions around working from home, so I wanted to give some tips and tricks that have worked well for me. I hope you’ll find this information helpful as you navigate this new
work from home journey.
Give yourself grace
There aren’t any perfect days, just like when you’re working outside of the home. Sometimes your focus will be more on the kids, sometimes it will need to be on your kids and that’s ok.
Also, know that you will lose your patience sometimes and will need to ask for forgiveness from your kids. It’s all about giving yourself grace, knowing you’ll mess up, and remembering that each day will be new. There are no PERFECT days.
Let your kiddos know when you need to work (if they’re old enough to understand)
Yes, it’s ok if they have a lot of tech time right now. Yes, it’s ok if they’re coloring or reading and you’re not right there with them. Yes, it’s ok if they’re playing in their room, the backyard, or once again on technology so you can get work done. This DOES NOT make you a bad parent.
There will be times during the day where you’ll need to work. Let your kids know ahead of time when this is, and let them know that sometimes you’ll need to work during times that aren’t on the schedule too. Just communicate upfront about what things will look like now, and your kid will begin to learn the new routine.
Plan activities ahead of time for your kids to do while you’re working
Remember all that lesson planning you’ve been doing all year? Now is the perfect time to plan for your own kids as well. The night or week before, come up with activities your kids can do during the day while you’re working.
This can be a craft they can manage on their own, an activity book, building something with LEGOs, dancing to Go Noodle, or whatever else you come up with. As the parent to your kids, you know what they enjoy and like to do.
Know that there will be a lot of interruptions
It is normal to have a million interruptions while you work. When you realize this, it will help you so much knowing that yes, this is normal. Think about your students in your classroom and the interruptions that happen and multiply that times 10.
You’re so used to having interruptions from the intercom, unexpected phone calls, students talking out of turn, a fire drill that came out of nowhere, and so much more. Remember to use flexibility just like you would in your classroom.
Work when your kids aren’t awake
Wake up before your kids do, during nap time, and work when they go to bed. I can’t tell you the amount of podcast episodes that have been recorded, blog posts that have been written, lesson plans that have been created for my membership site, and other work that has been done at 4 or 5am. Yes, that sounds crazy and who wants to get up that early? But, you’ll quickly find that it’s impossible to fit it all in while your kids are awake, so do the majority of your work (if you can) while they’re sleeping.
Also, you’ll probably find that you’re going to need to work on the weekend now too and at night. Of course, you’ll have times you need to login during the day or meetings you need to attend online, but any planning or working on your virtual classroom can be done at different times of the day than you’re used to working.
Stay consistent and be patient
Just like when you had to find your groove as a teacher in the classroom, you’ll eventually find a system that works for you now too. It just takes time, consistency, and patience.
Eventually your kids will get it and fall into their new normal. Please hear me when I say that your kids will get the new routine and are ok if you’re not entertaining them the whole day. Playing by themselves, having room time, and giving them learning games on the tablet are ok.
Your work load will look different each day
Some days I have more work to do than others, but it all balances out in the end. When I’m present with my kids, I’m present. No computer, no social media, no texting.
The same will go for you. Some days you’ll have tons of planning and teaching to do, and other days you’ll notice you’re not needing to work as much. This is normal and will be an adjustment for you, because you’re used to working the same amount of hours each day.
Let go of that parent guilt
Spending time with your kiddos as a work from home OR work outside of the home parent is about
quality over quantity. Don’t sit there and count the amount of time you’re spending with your kids, but just make sure the time you are spending with them is quality.
Involve them with what you’re doing. My kids ask questions about my work all the time now and know about podcasting, websites, and what a blog is. They love to watch me work and have been known to make an appearance on a FB live or Zoom call and no one cares.
Be clear about your expectations with others
Let others know (administration, co-workers, your students) that you have kids and that unexpected interruptions may happen. Let them know that you might have to stop what you’re doing to talk to your child, or will need to get back to them when you can if you miss a call or chat.
Set a schedule
Set a schedule if you can. When I write things down, it helps me so much. I’m now homeschooling my kids too and having a schedule has been a life saver.
The preschooler got a new workbook, so he can “work” right along with his brothers when they do school work. They have tech time (including watching a virtual zoo field trip, doing a science lesson with Bill Nye the science guy, or doing something like Prodigy math) and when they do tech I do tech. I realize with babies this will look so much different. But, it is possible to make it work.
Communicate with your spouse (if you’re married) what you need
My husband is working from home right now and usually works in an office. Most of the time I’m working from home, and he’s not… yes, even in the summer.
What we’ve done this week is trade off when we need to. He’ll be with the kids with his laptop open, and then I will. We have a conversations about what we’re needing help with, when our meetings are, deadlines we need to meet etc. This has helped alleviate the stress we’re both feeling so much. We still eat dinner together as a family together and always make this a priority when we can.
Find quiet time for YOU
When you’re working from home WITH the kids there, finding space and quiet time is hard. Having that calendar in place and knowing when I need to work, and when I need to pour into my kids and husband, will help me see when I can pour into myself.
Take the time each week (notice I didn’t say each day because this isn’t realistic) to pour into yourself. Tell your family that this is your time and it’s important to you, without feeling guilt around saying that.
Work in a quiet spot and get creative
Find a quiet spot when you’re working when needed. I recorded a podcast episode and did a Facebook live from my closet the other day. That was the only spot I could find that I could close the door and block out the noise.
Yes, that really happened and does happen more than you know. Learn to just go with the chaos and be flexible with this. You might work from a bathroom, a pantry, the laundry room, a closet, or from your bed at night. Your office might not look like an actual office right now and that’s ok.
I want you to realize it’s ok to have more than one passion. You love to teach, yet also love your kids. So, like I said, you’ll be devoting more time to one or the other depending on the day, or even the hour. It’s all about giving yourself grace, taking breaks from it all when you can, and knowing that you’ll find a routine that works for you and your family.
Have you found a system that works for you when it comes to working from home? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media as you share this post.
Also, I’d love for you to share this post or any of the resources on my website with a friend or colleague who you know NEEDS to see it.
P.S. Are you feeling frustrated or stuck as an elementary music teacher? Check out these free resources to help you teach elementary music with confidence!
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