How to Manage Kids and Pets While Working from Home

Working from home could be a great way to enjoy more autonomy, make your own schedule, and be able to take care of your kids and pets. But if you share your home with children and pets, it can be difficult to find the focus and silence you need to get things done for your job. So can you create the most effective balance and manage your kids and pets while you work at home? Continue reading for a few helpful tips.

Take Care of Your Pets Before You Settle Down

Before settling down to work, make sure your pets are fed, given fresh water, and taken for a walk. You may also decide to do things like clean your cat’s litter box before starting your day, or save it for the end of the day and create a routine in that manner.

The keyword here is routine, as animals will easily establish and follow one that you’ve set. If you fail to establish a routine for activities like taking your dog out for a walk or feeding your pets, they’ll probably end up bothering you at odd times throughout the day instead.

Make playtime something pets can enjoy in the evening, for example, so they don’t expect it any sooner. In this way, they can settle down with you while you work and keep you company instead. You can also check out My Pawson for more helpful tips from other pet owners on how to keep your pets calm and happy throughout the day.

Have Your Own Workspace

Like pets, your kids will gladly pester you all day to get your attention, but setting up a designated workspace could be one way to show them that you mean business. Instead of carrying your laptop everywhere as you feed your kids and give them whatever attention they’re craving, let them know that you’re going to the office room, for example, to get work done. And, like pets, fulfil their needs before you head off to work so that they have everything they need to stay occupied while you work. For young children, this can be tough, but older kids should understand the boundaries.

Establish Specific Work Hours

It’s also a good idea to set up a schedule for your work, especially if you freelance, so you can put in a certain number of hours each day without overdoing it and without work life getting in the way of your personal life with your family.

Your kids will understand that you need to work, for example, from 9am to 4pm every day, so they’ll respect the fact that you need a quiet workspace to focus and get things done. Once you’re finished for the day, you can then devote all of your attention to your loved ones without any interruptions. But if a full-day work schedule doesn’t work for you, such as if you have small children, work while they’re taking naps and take breaks throughout the day to spend time with your little ones.