Working from home with kids can be a challenge, especially during lockdowns or school holidays. You want to be productive and focused, but you also want to make sure your kids are happy and engaged. How can you balance your work and family responsibilities without losing your sanity?
The key is to plan ahead and have a variety of activities ready for your kids that don’t require much parental supervision or intervention. Of course, you should always check on your kids regularly and make sure they are safe and comfortable, but you don’t have to entertain them every minute of the day. Here are some tips and ideas on how to keep kids entertained while you work from home:
1. Set a routine and expectations
Kids thrive on routines and boundaries, so it’s important to establish a clear schedule and rules for your work-from-home days. Let your kids know when you will be working, when you will be available for them, and what they can and cannot do during that time. For example, you can use a sign on your door, a timer, or a visual chart to indicate when you are busy or free. You can also involve your kids in planning the day and setting the rules, so they feel more invested and cooperative.
2. Provide a designated play space and materials
To keep your kids entertained while you work from home, it’s essential to have a variety of age-appropriate activities prepared for them. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Art and crafts: Provide your kids with a designated space for art and craft projects, including materials like paper, glue, scissors, markers, stickers, etc. You can also give them some prompts or challenges to spark their creativity, such as making a collage, a card, or a mask1.
- Games and puzzles: Provide your kids with some games and puzzles that they can play independently or with their siblings or friends online. You can choose board games, card games, memory games, word games, etc., depending on their age and interest2.
- Books and audiobooks: Provide your kids with some books and audiobooks that they can read or listen to on their own or with you. You can also encourage them to write or draw their own stories based on what they read2.
- Toys and playsets: Provide your kids with some toys and playsets that they can use for imaginative play, such as dolls, cars, animals, Lego, etc. You can also create some scenarios or themes for them to explore, such as a camping trip, a zoo visit, or a superhero adventure2.
3. Incorporate some screen time
Screen time is not necessarily bad for kids if it is used in moderation and with quality content. You can use screen time as a reward or a break for your kids after they finish some other activities or tasks. You can also use screen time as an educational or creative tool for your kids by choosing some apps or websites that offer learning games, videos, podcasts, etc., that are suitable for their age and interest3. Some examples are:
- ABCmouse: This app offers a comprehensive curriculum for kids aged 2-8 years old, covering reading, math, science, art, music, etc.3
- Khan Academy Kids: This app offers fun and interactive lessons for kids aged 2-7 years old, covering math, reading, writing, logic, social-emotional skills, etc.3
- Scratch: This website allows kids aged 8-16 years old to create their own games, animations, stories, etc., using coding blocks3.
4. Involve them in some household chores
Another way to keep your kids entertained while you work from home is to involve them in some household chores that are appropriate for their age and ability. This way, you can teach them some life skills, responsibility, and teamwork while also getting some help around the house. Some examples of chores that kids can do are:
- Sorting laundry
- Folding clothes
- Putting away toys
- Dusting furniture
- Wiping surfaces
- Watering plants
- Feeding pets
- Setting the table
- Washing dishes
You can also make chores more fun by adding some music, rewards, or challenges4.
5. Schedule some quality time with them
Finally, don’t forget to schedule some quality time with your kids every day when you are not working. This will help you bond with them, show them that you care about them, and make them feel more secure and happy. Some examples of quality time activities are:
- Reading a book together
- Playing a game together
- Cooking or baking together
- Going for a walk or bike ride together
- Doing some yoga or exercise together
- Having a picnic or movie night together
I hope this blog post has given you some useful tips and ideas on how to keep kids entertained while you work from home. Remember that working from home with kids is not easy, but it is possible with some planning, preparation, and patience. And don’t forget to enjoy the precious moments with your little ones along the way! 😊
