Being a parent is hard work. Feeding them every few hours. Getting them snacks. Breaking up fights. Potty breaks. And more. Can you imagine doing all that while also working your full-time job? When the kids are out of school but you work from home, it’s misery. There’s no way around it or a better way of phrasing it. How do you entertain your kids as you work?
You can make the best of it by pre-planning, learning from previous mistakes, and knowing how to survive!
We all get the school schedule at the beginning of the year, so you can get a jump ahead of how to handle those days off.
- Take the day off
- Get a sitter
- Adjust your working hours until your partner is home (if possible)
- Tough it out and work!
If you end up with option 4 (like a lot of us do), then you need to find ways to keep them entertained so you don’t hear the “I’m bored” whine all day.
I like to set up a work station at the table. I’m in one seat while my girls are on both sides with paper, crayons, water bottles, and tablets. Make them feel like they’re working too while spending time with me.
I know some parents like to keep their homes technology free and are firm believers of the Montessori way, but dude, it’s my best friend during these days.
Disney+ is the best babysitter I’ve ever had.
You can also let them color and paint to their hearts content. Just as long as they’re not drawing on the walls or floors, let them waste paper to draw stick figures or their own colorful Pollacks.
Michaels has great craft options. I used to buy individual things to make my own kits but why give myself a headache when Michaels has them nicely packaged for you? If you’re lucky, you’ll find them on sale too.
DO NOT buy the Dollar Tree craft kits that make more than 1 craft. The quality is shit and don’t come with adhesive. Made this mistake with Valentine’s day crafting and I’ve never seen such crappy foam hearts in my life. At $1.25, really was too good to be true.
But can definitely supplement those crafts with small accent stuff from Dollar Tree like wood pieces, paint, yarn, paper, etc.
Now, you can have all of these at their disposal and I guarantee they’re still going to be annoying as hell. Screaming, fighting, and seeking attention, all while you have deadlines and meetings. So let them have a bit of freedom but to an extent. I’m not saying let them destroy the house like demons. But! If you have to, negotiate with a bribe. Promise them a lollipop or ice cream when you finish working or more video game time.
My girls love wearing dresses. I let them wear their pretty going out dresses all day. As soon as they act up or interrupt a meeting, those dresses go away.
Let them play with a toy that is usually off limits because it’s messy or loud. If it’ll result in leaving you alone for a few hours, then so be it.
Just know, that when you’re working and your kids are home, the house is a fuckin mess. You don’t have time to clean the kitchen, the sink is full, the couch pillows are on the floor, crumbs everywhere, and toys all over the place.
Just breathe through the mess and chaos and focus on work and survival. The kids are fine and happy. But it’s a lot for one person. Don’t rush your work and make mistakes. Everything else can wait until later. Do your job and make sure the kids are alive is really all you need to do.
Godspeed!!
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