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Working From Home with Kids: Home

Information to help parents working from home with small children from LaShel Gipson

Resources To Help Working Parents

Create A Schedule

Tip 1: Create a Schedule -  it's Important to have office hours

•How many hours do you hope to work that day?
•What can you accomplish while your child is coloring in the next room?
•Be sure to have an agreement for how many hours per day  you should log while telecommuting.

Separate Parent and Business Roles

Tip 3: To separate mentally from the rest of the house, set up an office/kid free area

If possible, create a 'kid free zone' that helps you detach from the rest of the house and focus on work

Seek Extra Help

Tip 5: Access Resources for help with child care

•Older kids, partner, aunt/uncles, or trusted neighbors.
•Pool your resources with several other working moms and hire one babysitter to watch all your children at the same time.

Capitalize on Naptime

Tip 2: Take advantage of naptime for staying productive

•Whether your kid sleeps for 1 or 3 hours, use this time to finish assignments that require your complete focus and concentration.
•If for some reason your child isn’t tired, they can have quiet time instead.

Plan for Interruptions

Tip 4: Do Not Disturb

•Give your child a nonverbal “Do not disturb” when you need quiet time.
•If you have an office door, tie a red ribbon on it when you’re not to be bothered.

Keep Kids Entertained

Tip 6: Try to integrate playtime into your day

If you give your kids a little quality time, then you may be able to get 2 hours to work.  Set aside a few cool toys that your kids can play with, or arrange playdates.

John B. Coleman Library
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 519, MS 1040, Prairie View, Texas 77446
Physical Address: L.W. Minor St. / University Drive, Prairie View, Texas 77446
Reference: (936) 261-1535, Circulation: (936) 261-1542
Email: askalibrarian@pvamu.edu

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