I'm a work-at-home mom. My kids are 4 and 8. I'm having a tough time balancing work and motherhood. My little one doesn't understand that 'Mommy needs to work' and my older one wants me to drop everything when he walks in the door, but it's not always possible. What can I do?
Because you’re physically present, kids naturally expect a work-at-home parent to be available. Younger children lack the skills (patience, the ability to keep quiet) that allow us to easily juggle their needs and our work responsibilities simultaneously.
Some possible tactics:
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A designated office space (preferably with a door) visually shows that you can’t be disturbed. Your older child will understand it, but a closed door is not always an option with little ones.
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Have your 4-year-old “pretend” she’s like Mommy and set up a workspace for her. She can color, read or type on her toy computer just like you and be close.
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Restrict phone calls to ‘child-free’ time. Your 4-year-old is probably more likely to interrupt you when she sees and hears you paying attention to someone else than if you’re ‘just on the computer’. (Why not me, she thinks).
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Ask for their help with simple tasks. They may feel productive or bored; in the latter case, you can at least feel you tried to include them in your work.
Arrange your schedule, if possible, to be free for a half hour when your 8-year-old comes in from school. It’s a very important time to reconnect and hear about the peer-part of her day. Let her know it’s a ‘break’ for you as well, and she likely won’t resent your returning to work as much as if you seem annoyed by her interruption. She’ll move on and so can you!
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