When Daycare is Not an Option
For all the mamas who are hoping to work from home or are currently working from home, this is for you. Unfortunately, the average household is barely keeping afloat and adding the price of childcare seems to be a sure way to sink.
Like many other women, I opted into working from home to eliminate one of the largest bills that come with working in person, daycare. I was blessed to be able to find a great position that offers the flexibility needed to be a present mom and still get a livable pay for it.
Preface
My work from home job is a form of outbound calling. It is very different from inbound as I have a little more control over my day. However, this is not to say that some of these cheat codes won’t be beneficial for other WFH positions. I hope you will find just as much use for them as I have.
The Ultimate Cheat Codes
- The Right Headphones
When I first got my job back last year, I was sent home with a pair of average headphones. There was a microphone attachment that had a long cord that needed to be plugged into your computer. Me, being used to my Airpods already knew this wasn’t going to work.
During my training my preceptor told me about the headphones she used. She mentioned that they were pricey but worth every dollar. Considering I would be home with two toddlers, I needed whatever device I could get my hands on that would minimize the sounds of two boys screaming and playing.
Let me just say, it was and still is worth every penny! These headphones have great range to allow me to walk away from my laptop without disconnecting. They also don’t pick up regular background noise and you can’t hear me chew. You can find them here:
2. Establishing a Schedule
The age of your children play a huge factor in being able to set and keep some form of schedule for them. If your child has other requirements or medical needs, you may have a little more of a challenge, however the concept is still roughly the same.
The goal is to create a routine for them as best as you can to help get through the shift. Factor in diaper changes, snack times, play/interactive time, nap time, lunch and potentially dinner as well (depending on the hours you work).
3. Using Break Times Appropriately (for interaction with kids, cooking, etc)
Gone are the days of squeezing in a quick nap on your lunch break. In order to keep a smooth-running day, you have to utilize your time as best as you can.
Having a schedule can help determine the best time to take your breaks and lunch to allow for active engagement with them throughout your work day. For my position, my hours are from 9am-6pm and I am allotted an hour lunch and 2 15-minute breaks.
I usually structure my day by taking a 15 in the mid-morning, my lunch in the afternoon, and my last 15-minute break in the evening. By doing it this way my children get direct, interactive play time with me roughly every 2 hours.
Occasionally my toddlers will take an early nap and I will save my morning break to combine with my evening break and then I get a longer time with them or have another chance to get dinner ready if I wasn’t able to during lunch.
4. Meal and Snack Preparation
I like to utilize my lunch break to prep dinner. This way when I clock out, I am only fixing a plate. This plays into having a routine/schedule.
Each 15-minute break is also aligned with snack time and a diaper change. I recommend preplanning out the snacks you intend to give for the week in advance. This way you are not using most of your time searching for what to give.
5. Safety Measures in Place
With cameras that I can speak through and a monitor on my desk, I am able to continuously keep an eye on my children while they play in their room during the time I must make my outbound calls.
You can find the link to the camera I use down below.
Their room is right next to my workstation, so they are only a few steps away if needed. I also ensure that their room is as kid proof as possible (covering plugs, securing cords, no small toys that could be a choking hazard, etc.). Additionally, when my oldest comes home, she stays with them for the last bit of my shift and is a tremendous help as my second pair of eyes.
NETVUE Indoor Camera, 1080P FHD 2.4GHz WiFi Pet Camera, Home Camera
***I know some of you may say “If the headphone work so well, why are your boys not in your room with you?” The answer to that is simple. It is not the noise I am concerned about, it is their desire to want to play with my mouse and keyboard as well as wanting to play with me. I would be unable to successfully do my job in that scenario and the purpose is to manage keeping your job while having children at home.
My boys play very well together and are great at entertaining each other when in their room. Occasionally I do have to step away for a brief minute to address whines from not sharing, but again my position is outbound calling and I have a little more freedom to step away before a call if needed. For those with inbound calls, I would consider utilizing bathroom breaks.***
Don’t forget to pin it!
Every Household is Different
WHF with children of any age is never easy but it can be manageable with the right tips and tools. This is what works for me as a mom with 2 toddlers, one of which is in preschool, and a school age child. Adjust as necessary and tell me down below how do you manage to work from home with children? Any advice for other moms?
Never forget mama, you are loved, needed, and appreciated. All your hard work will pay off.
Always, Tiffany
