9 Ways Experienced Work-from-Home Parents are Making It Work

Truth time: We’re several weeks into this COVID-19-driven “new normal” of balancing professional responsibilities with young children and homeschool from the kitchen table. And, unless you’re equipped with super powers, this scenario is fraying the nerves of even the most level-headed working parents.

Many of us jumped into the first week of stay-at-home orders with intentions of establishing color-coded family schedules to maintain normalcy for school-aged kids. However, as the duration of this situation evolves, and the reality of juggling a full household with work becomes clearer, we’re weighing in with the real scoop on how Approach’s working parents are carving out time to tackle it all.

Approach Marketing was an early-adopter of the virtual workforce—going 100% remote back in 2010. Launched during the Recession, we turned the traditional agency concept on its head to ditch costly overhead while giving senior talent the flexibility to continue growing careers they love from home. It’s been a win-win ever since. 

While the hiatus of school, daycare and camps has presented a new challenge, our team is used to setting - and succeeding with - non-traditional schedules that allow us to deliver on client promises. 

So, I’ve partnered with my colleague Becky Olson to offer other parents these nine tips for getting through each day in a way that keeps everyone sane:

1. Try working in shifts.
   If your spouse or partner is also home during this time, set and agree to a shift schedule built around your meetings or most productive times of day. For instance, Becky’s husband is an early riser who is able to kick off the day. She then works afternoon into evening while her husband plays with the kids outside and feeds them dinner. Shifts can range in time from 30 minutes to several hours.

2. Create a nightly plan.
   Pull up calendars for the next day and determine how the shift schedule needs adjusting to accommodate calls, meetings and priority projects. Like most working parents, my schedule often changes quickly and clear communication is key for everyone in the family.

3. Consider relaxing kids’ schedules.
   While many kiddos are used to waking up early, this time is starting to feel more like summer break with later bed and wake times. Becky’s kids like to spend more time with her after her workday, which means quieter morning hours to accomplish key household tasks while her kids sleep in.

4. Embrace screen time.
   Of course, we all know screen time should be limited under regular circumstances. But, let’s face it – these are highly irregular times. From Disney + to games and learning apps, screens are our (guilt-free) golden ticket right now.

5. Curate inspiration from influencers.
   Instagram is ripe with time-buying ideas and activities from parents like @dayswithgrey and @busytoddler. Each night I take a few minutes to gather supplies to keep my kids occupied during my busier times the next day.

6. Unlimited bath time works wonders.
   My kids are now taking up to two baths a day, which they mostly use to play with different toys – like Legos – or practice some of their swim class moves. To pull double duty, I set up a work space on a stool and use this valuable time to cross more off my list.

7. Train kids to use a timer.
   Younger kids can’t really grasp the difference between 5 minutes or 45 minutes, so I set an audible timer or use red and green signs on my office door. This helps my kids know when I’m truly available and gives me much-needed privacy to get stuff done.

8. “Work with mom” time.
   My kids feel important and like they’re helping me when they get to join me in the office. I created a work space for them with highlighters, a hole punch, tape, Post-It notes, and coloring pages for times when I’m able to multi-task.

9. Establish together time.
   Night time in Becky’s house is for watching movies, family dance parties and backyard camp fires - and this is something everyone looks forward to at the end of a busy work and school day.

We’re all in this together and would love to hear some of the ways you’re juggling the visible and invisible load right now.