{"id":3000011477,"date":"2020-03-25T16:30:30","date_gmt":"2020-03-25T20:30:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wework.com\/ideas\/?p=3000011477"},"modified":"2020-09-03T05:53:26","modified_gmt":"2020-09-03T09:53:26","slug":"tips-and-resources-for-juggling-work-and-parenting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wework.com\/ideas\/professional-development\/creativity-culture\/tips-and-resources-for-juggling-work-and-parenting","title":{"rendered":"Tips and resources for juggling work and parenting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n


This story was originally published on WeWork Labs’ content platform, Insider<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As families navigate these new waters, and the stress that comes with having exponentially more to do during the day, we’ve summarized some helpful tips<\/a> and resources<\/a> that may be useful when it comes to balancing work with educating and caring for children. As these two worlds have collided over the past few weeks\u2014and continue to fuse for the near future\u2014maintaining a peaceful coexistence can be difficult at times, but it’s not impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Designate an area for your \u201chome office\u201d\/adjust your workspace<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You definitely don\u2019t want to completely isolate yourself from the children if no one else is around to tend to them, but the kitchen table won\u2019t serve as the optimal workspace, either. Search for a well-lit area in your home, preferably a spare room with a door, that will enable you to organize your files, stay on task, and minimize interruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Work the graveyard shift\/become an early riser<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because hours have been lost during the day to other distractions, tack on work time at night and in the morning when it tends to be quieter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Be realistic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

They are kids, and they demand attention. They can’t be expected to sit for hours at a time while you work. Assign time to be with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Plan ahead<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If possible, take control of your schedule by establishing your own internal deadlines, because you never know what each day will bring when you have kids in the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Create a to-do\/activity list<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some semblance of structure and a routine are what kids need. Provide them with a schedule much like the ones they have at school. Ideally it’s a daily ritual that combines educational activities and tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

6. Offer incentives<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Set goals for your children to keep them occupied. If they successfully meet the target, offer them a reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Give it a rest<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kids still driving you up the wall? Rid yourself of any internal guilt and take a break. Take them on a bike ride, have a fitness competition, watch a movie, bake cookies, go for a walk, or simply play catch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Pat yourself on the back<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Balancing children and a full-fledged workload is beyond difficult. Regardless of how you wind down, make time to pamper yourself on occasion to avoid burning out and crashing into a mental brick wall from work overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These activities offer engagement opportunities for children as they hang at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Museums, zoos, and aquariums<\/h3>\n\n\n\n