Working from home with children

Last updated: 22 May 2020

In these extraordinary times more people than ever are balancing working from home with caring for children.

Currently there is no government guidance for this unprecedented situation that millions of parents are experiencing, but after consultation with members in this position we have collected some anecdotal advice on strategies worth trying:

  • Be realistic about what you can achieve – both with yourself and your employer
  • Communicate clearly with the children you are caring for so they understand when you’re working and not as available
  • Plan a fun activity to do each day and build your work plan around this
  • Stay positive – try to keep things in perspective and keep a sense of humour!
  • Don’t compare yourself with others
  • Have a planned routine for each day and the week that everyone follows
  • Get as much sleep as you can – you need to take care of yourself to take care of others
  • Honesty is the best policy – if your best laid plans have been unavoidably changed by childcare be honest with your team and manager and reshift the deadline.

Have we missed anything?

If you are caring for children whilst working from home please get in touch if there’s something you think we should add to this.