Working from home is a pleasure, but when you’ve got a handful of kids running around, it’s not always the easiest thing to do. Because remote working helps to promote family growth by allowing both mothers and fathers the flexibility they need to raise children, there are many remote employees who are working from households that contain one or more child.
While there are many joys to having children, having to simultaneously keep an eye on them while trying to focus on remote work is not one of them. Not to worry though, because despite the many challenges that come from having a home full of children, there are quite a few solutions for remote employees.
Get Out of the House and Find a Work Haven
If you have a significant other or family member who can spend time watching the kids, making the effort to actually get out of the house is a smart move. Setting up shop at a coworking space or cafe, even if only for a few hours, will allow you the space and solitude you need to get some work done.
Of course, you want to be sure to know the best spots for actually being productive. Your closest coffee shop may have the best brew and your favorite barista, but if the music is blaring and it’s tough to get a seat, it probably isn’t your best bet. Get to know your neighborhood and make a list of local spots that can be your havens when you need to get stuff done.
Make Sure You Have an Office with a Door
Not everyone who works from home needs a separate office — in fact, most of the time a desk will do just fine. However, if you’re working from a home that’s got kids running around, investing in an office space is something you should seriously consider.
Being able to set aside a room for yourself and your work (and training your kids not to interrupt you when you’re in there except for emergencies), is a great way to allow yourself the space and solitude you need to be productive. Furthermore, it allows you to have a place in your home that is fully reserved for any and all of your work-related materials. With a dedicated office, nothing goes missing.
Hire a Babysitter That Can Watch While You Work
Perhaps you don’t want to leave the house because you’re working on some design-oriented projects that really are only going to happen on your desktop. If such is the case, you still can’t be straddling the line between work and watching your kids.
Even if you’re at home, you should hire a babysitter that can give his or her full attention to your kids for a few hours while you give your full attention to your work. You’re not going to get a lot done if you’re having to constantly be checking on your little ones. Let someone else do it so you can devote yourself to your current projects.
What tips and tricks do you have for getting work done remotely with a home full of kids? Let us know on Twitter!
This article was originally published on Remote.com