The Covid-19 pandemic has forced people all around the world to work from home, leaving them to juggle both their careers and family commitments. Without access to schools, childcare and support systems, looking after kids and working from home can be incredibly challenging.

Children may need your attention when you’ve already committed to completing work tasks and things don’t always go to plan. Here are a few tips that can help make this new way of working a little easier.         

1. Establish a Routine

We all thrive on routine so it’s important to set out a daily structure or timetable for the whole family. Make sure you are adding plenty of free play and reading time for the children.

2. Communicate with your partner and other people in the house.

Make sure you discuss the workload with your partner and if you are both working parents then establish how your working days are going to run alongside childcare. At the start of each week, mark out the hours you need to be at the computer, and any other commitments you might have such as conference calls or meetings, then agree who will look after the children at these times.

3. Use technology to your advantage

With children at home during the traditional work and school week, parents are expected to be professional entertainers and teachers as well as being at work. If this is the case for you then why not use technology to your advantage. There are loads of apps and games which are both entertaining and educational as well as lots of TV shows and streaming services to keep the kids busy.

Here are just a few:

• BBC Bitesize has a range of learning and revision tools whether your kids are in primary school, secondary or over 16.
• Your child may need to stay inside but that doesn’t mean they can’t get nature savvy by becoming Naturenaughts, with the Natural History Museum.
• With everything from songs, craft recipes, and multi-cultural teachings, Big Eyed Owl [CJ(M1] is a great resource for 5-7-year-olds
• Conquer crosswords, sort your way through different sounds or ace anatomy with Crickweb's 250+ lessons for kids aged 4-11
• Kids from reception to key stage 4 can flex their number skills with Mathletic’s free 48 hour trial.
• Teach provides a range of curriculum mapped videos conveniently arranged by subject and age-group with materials for early years students all the way up to secondary school
• Young scientists can ignite their curiosity by visiting the Science Museum online which provides inspiring stories, videos, 3D models and fun activities to try at home: 

4. Have a designated workspace

Some parents might not have the option of a separate space, but if you do, creating a place to spend your working day can help boost productivity and focus particularly if you can close the door.

It’s also really important that you stay safe and avoid unnecessary pain, strain or stress by remote working. Take a look at these basic principles to apply to your home office space which can help you feel better and work better! [link to pdf showing safe working environment]

5. Focus on the positives

Now more than ever, maintaining work-life balance is key to a healthy lifestyle and for enjoying time with your children. Be kind to yourself and don't blame yourself if you think that they watch TV too much. Keep in mind that these are extraordinary times, everyone is in the same boat and not everything has to be perfect.

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Read more about how to stay physically and mentally healthy in the wake of Covid - 19