In this post, we dive into the details of working from home and how it affects many parents worldwide.
The past three years have changed the work landscape as we know it. Some
employees went remote in early 2020 and never returned to the traditional
office. The remote work model is popular for those whose jobs allow it.
Parents especially favor remote work for convenience. Does working from home
make parenting easier? Let’s explore the pros and cons in this guide.
|
| Photo by Pixabay |
Does Working From Home Make Parenting Easier?
How Working From Home Makes Parenting Easier
Remote work has increased in many industries over the last several years. A
2023 survey shows
91% of employees have positive experiences
with remote work. Here’s how working from home can make parenting easier.
Flexibility
Many work-from-home jobs allow flexibility in working hours. This feature
benefits parents who need to take their kids to school and pick them up every
day. You can build your work schedule around your kids’ doctor appointments
and other daily activities.
Flexibility is a significant part of remote work. A 2022
survey finds 87% of employees
take flexible working arrangements when an opportunity arises. It’s hard to
find the same flexibility when you work in an office an hour away from your
kids.
More Time at Home
When you work from home, you get more time with your kids. Remote work means
the only required commute is from your bed to your computer, allowing you to
avoid rush-hour traffic.
Time at home is essential, especially if your kids are elementary-age or
younger. Remote work allows you more bonding time through games, cooking,
homework help, or other activities.
Easier Relocation
Working from home means you don’t have to live in the city. You can move
wherever you think your family fits best. That could be in New York City, the
Chicago suburbs, rural Kentucky, or wherever you please.
You can even move specifically for your kids. Suppose you want your child to
attend a particular school for its renowned academics. Working from home
allows you to move closer to that institution and make life easier for your
family.
Working From Anywhere
When your company says you can work from anywhere, take advantage of the
opportunity. Parents working from home have an easier time taking their kids
on trips.
You don’t need to request time off if you can take your workstation
on the go. Imagine
working on a cruise ship
and going to the spa afterward. You can combine work and leisure and let the
kids have fun.
Some employers fear productivity dips when their workers work remotely.
However, that isn’t the case. A 2021 study finds
67% of remote workers were more productive
than they were in the office.
How Working From Home Makes Parenting Harder
Working from home has several advantages. However, there are drawbacks as
well. These disadvantages demonstrate why parents may have reservations about
remote work.
More Distractions
Kids and working at home mean multitasking throughout the day. Thus, you’re
likely to face distractions. Imagine you’re a manager leading a team meeting
and your child interrupts you suddenly.
Young children don’t understand they shouldn’t talk to their parents at
particular times. Older children, like teenagers, are easier to manage because
they know better. However, toddlers and babies need almost constant attention,
making it harder to balance work and childcare.
Internet Issues
Modern technology allows you to work from home but it can be a liability when
you add numerous devices to the router. Your internet likely has a bandwidth
restriction, so working from home becomes more difficult when you have
children.
Your kids likely have computers, gaming consoles, and other devices linked to
the internet. The bandwidth depends on your internet service provider (ISP)
and location, but your download and upload speeds can quickly become
compromised with too many devices fighting for bandwidth.
Blurred Boundaries
Many remote employees enjoy working from home and are more productive.
However, is there such a thing as too productive? Working from home blurs the
boundaries between work and home — causing problems in parenting and home
life.
Before remote work, most people left their job in the office and came home to
relax with their kids. Now, some remote employees find themselves working
longer hours because they can’t escape their office. Working overtime like
this
increases stress at home
and can strain relationships with your children.
Making Work From Home Easier With Kids
Remote work can be challenging for parents — especially with young children.
Here are a few ways to make it easier.
Establish a Routine
First, establish a routine. It may take getting used to, but you should teach
your children there are specific times when they can and cannot interrupt you
at work.
Take Breaks
Routines are essential, but you should still take your allotted daily breaks.
A 2022
study shows 39% of employees
rarely or never take breaks. Taking a few minutes with your child throughout
the day goes a long way.
Set up a Home Office
Reducing distractions is easier when you have a home office in a designated
room. Teach your children that the office is for serious matters only. Your
children will be less likely to distract you in this room than in the kitchen
or living room.
Keep the Kids Occupied
Technology can be a blessing in distracting your children. Leverage
educational games and TV shows to occupy your kids throughout the day. Invite
their friends for a playdate or send them to a friend’s house to have fun.
Working From Home With Kids
Working from home can make parenting easier for some but harder for others.
You see advantages like more time with your kids and relocation. However, kids
can be a distraction, and your home office may blur the line between home and
work. Use these tips to make working from home easier with kids.
Also read:
5 Great Reasons to Have a Home Office
Author Bio
Jack Shaw
is the senior lifestyle writer at Modded.com with a special interest in
covering concerns of health, family, and relationships. You'll often find him
exploring nature or playing with his dog or in his free time.
More guest posts:
This post may contain affiliate links, including those from Amazon Associates, which means that if you book or purchase anything through one of those links, we may earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you. All opinions are ours and we only promote products that we use.
Download a free copy of my Churches of Nueva Ecija eBook HERE!
MAGNDA KSE YUNG WORK FROM HOME LALOT SA MGA PARENTS NA ..KSE KHIT NSA BAHAY KA NKKITA AT NAAALAGAAN MO PDEN YUNG KIDS MO .
ReplyDeleteThank You for sharing
ReplyDeleteAhmmm for me,working home is not so easy . it's a multiple task ,you can do your job /you can take care of your kids too ❤️ sometimes the Internet connection is mahina pa
This is so challenging talaga ❤️❤️
But We are Filipinos ,kakayanin at gagawin natin Ng paraaan para makapagwork at home at syempre ,how to manage and balance that ❤️❤️❤️
Marami rin talagang advantage ang WFH set-up at nasaksihan ko ito. May mga cons man ay manageable naman kaya keri pa rin ang ganitong set up.
ReplyDelete