10 Tips for Working from Home with a Toddler
Are you working from home but struggling because you have a toddler, baby, or child?
It can be tough, but in this post, I’ll give you the best tips for successfully working from with a toddler.
I started a business when my baby was an infant, so by the time she was a toddler my business was in full swing.
It was a lot to juggle, but the reward of having my own work aside from caring for my family was and still is very fulfilling.
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What I found most enjoyable about being able to work from home is what it did for my brain.
Let’s face it, as much as I love being a mom, some of the tasks can seem mundane and endless. Preparing meals, doing laundry and dishes, and changing diapers can get monotonous.
However, if you have a passion for your work, you can fill your mind with those things while completing the not-so-exciting daily tasks.
Here are my best tips to make it all work so that you and your toddler can have a happy, productive, and rewarding day.
#1. Get up/go to bed at the same time every day
You’ll be refreshed and ready for the day if you stick to a sleep schedule.
According to the sleep doctors at Harvard Medical School, “Keeping a regular sleep schedule—even on weekends—maintains the timing of the body's internal clock and can help you fall asleep and wake up more easily.” Furthermore, you’ll feel refreshed and energized all day long.
How much sleep do you need? The CDC states, adults need 7-9 hours sleep per night while toddlers 12-14 hours of sleep per 24 hours.
Be sure you and your child are getting enough sleep (and naps!) each day.
Take advantage of your toddler’s nap and sleep time to batch projects and get your work done.
#2. Create a daily schedule
Having a daily routines helps you set priorities for the day, schedule the tasks you need to accomplish, and provides time for you to balance home and work life.
Not only that, having a routine will benefit your toddler as well.
In a post from PetitJourney, they point out that a daily routine creates a calmer household. So much is changing in a toddler’s development, the stability of a routine provides a constant they can count on. PetitJourney says the benefits don’t stop there.
Routines also gives toddlers confidence, independence, healthy habits, and the opportunity to get excited about what’s ahead.
My favorite point PetitJourney mentions is that routines allow you to develop special rituals with your child such as reading time before bed, playing a game with your spouse, or watching a favorite tv show.
#3. Shower and dress
Working from home, there are definitely days where we all just want to stay in our pajamas. Make a point of getting up before your child wakes to shower and dress.
By getting dressed right away you’ll feel prepared for anything the day has in store for you.
Once your toddler is awake things don’t slow down, so give a morning routine to care your yourself before they wake up.
#4. Set three goals you want to accomplish
Productivity is taking small steps forward each day to achieve your goal. What are your three top work goals for the day? Write them down and schedule time to accomplish them.
#5. Eat a healthy breakfast
Nothing will help kick off the day than a healthy breakfast. It’s a great time to bond with your child, provide nourishment for both of you, and allow time to talk about the plans for the day ahead.
#6. Stow away at least half of your child’s toys
It may seem like keeping all of child’s toys out will provide hours of entertainment. However, for a toddler, it’s overwhelming. Instead, put the majority of them out of sight. Rotate them every few days and it will be as if they have all new toys to play with.
You’ll find your toddler has longer playtime with each toy giving you a little time to respond to emails, make phone calls, or check off a few items on your to do list.
#7. Don’t leave the TV on all the time
The experts tell you don’t make the TV a babysitter. I agree with that because you don’t want to leave the TV running all day long.
However, you can make the TV work in your favor and provide shows that are entertaining and educational for your child.
Choose a show or shows they like and add it to the daily schedule. You can let your toddler know when they can expect their favorite show will be on TV. For example, “after your nap, Dinosaur Train will be on TV!” or “we’ll go for a walk and then you’ll watch Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.”
#8. Take breaks throughout the day
If you’ve been working in an office and now work from home, your break is probably at lunchtime. However, studies have shown that if you work in 30 minute bursts (it’s about the same time as a child’s TV show). Then and then take a short break, you’ll be more productive.
#9. Be flexible
At the beginning of this list, you made a schedule. As much as we would all love to stick to a perfect schedule without any bumps in the road, it’s unrealistic with a toddler.
There may be a temper tantrum, extra time needed to read one more book, put them down for a nap, or just time to cuddle your little one.
#10. Swap child care time with spouse
If both you and your spouse work from home, make child care a team effort. You’ll both be able to get more done and keep your toddler entertained if you coordinate your schedules and support one another.
Do you have any tips for balancing work life with a toddler? I’d love to hear! Let me know in the comments below.
