For those with children, one of the biggest challenges of Covid-19 is being able to work from home with them nearby. The younger ones suck up all of our energy and are able to distract us better than anyone else (yes, it’s practically a superpower). And while it’s true that remote work has become a reality in recent weeks for most people, it’s also true that it’s not so easy to actually do it. With kids out of school, working at home may not be a bed of roses. Therefore, it’s necessary to plan and adapt!
The first, and perhaps the most important thing, to do is to keep kids informed (without alarming them) about what’s going on in the world. With a speech appropriately suited to their age, parents must also explain to them the need to stay at home and that the situation is temporary. The isolation period is not a vacation period, the week continues to be the working week and the only difference is that now everyone is at home. So everyone will have to work!
It’s also crucial to establish schedules. In this way, everyone will be better organised and meet more goals. There has to be time to study and to work, but also to be with the family and for the kids to play. After all, if there’s anything good to come out of this period of forced isolation, it’s the opportunity to be together with those we care about most.
A daily ritual must be created for the whole family, which must be followed to the letter. It will be easier to maintain order that way! In the morning, everyone should get themselves organised as if it were a normal work / school day. They must get up early, have breakfast and then, yes, start working. A study schedule should be established for the kids, so that they don’t miss a beat, and during that time, there can be no unnecessary interruptions. As for the work space at home, it must be adapted to the needs of each family. If possible and productive, everyone can work at a large table. If not, you can choose to separate yourselves throughout the house.
But beware! It’s important to realise that your workplace and your home are very different places and that, if there are children around, work will inevitably be affected! Whenever you feel that work isn’t flowing, stop to take a deep breath and to relieve your stress. Then, yes, you can resume your activity with more energy and determination!
Finally, and since kids will spend less time working than adults, it’s essential that they stay occupied. Our suggestion is that you frequently ask them to prepare a play, a song, or some handicrafts to present to their parents.
