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Juggling working from home with childcare can be a challenging task, especially in a world where remote working has become increasingly more common. Balancing work commitments and caring for children can be a demanding task.
The lack of separation between home and work life can make it difficult for parents to maintain their productivity whilst also looking after their children. However, with some planning and organisation, it can be possible to successfully juggle working from home and caring for your children.
Without a doubt, one of the best ways to juggle working from home with childcare is to enrol your child in a nursery. Our high-quality, Ofsted-rated childcare settings span across the North West, covering areas such as Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Lancashire and Tameside.
And to help with the financial element of childcare, you can apply for 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare! Working parents with children aged two, three or four can be eligible for up to 30 hours of free childcare which can help spread the cost and relieve financial pressures for working parents.
If you want to see what our Kids Planet nurseries have to offer, we have open days throughout March where you and your child can come and explore our settings. Learn more about our March 2023 open days and book your time and day here.
To find your nearest Kids Planet or Kids Allowed childcare setting, use our Find a Nursery tool and search using your desired radius and your home postcode.
Don’t be afraid to ask for support from friends and family! It’s natural if you’re finding the pressures of working and childcare too much and need support from friends and family. Arranging some days out or visits with a family member or friend can give you the time and space you need to crack on with some work.
Some working parents also consider other means of external support such as hiring a babysitter. This can help provide parents with the time and space they need to focus on work, while also ensuring that their children are well-cared for.
If you choose to hire a babysitter or childminder, it’s crucial that you check the person you intend to hire is registered with Ofsted in England, has an up-to-date and clean DBS report and is first aid trained, as well as a number of other important certifications and checks. This can be a stressful and time-consuming task for parents, which is why many opt for a nursery setting over a private childminder.
Communication is key in many aspects of life, and that is certainly true when it comes to working! It’s important to speak openly with your employer about your situation and what you need to successfully work from home with children. This can help to establish clear expectations and boundaries, which can help to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.
For example, parents can discuss flexible working hours, adjusting deadlines, or reducing workloads during particularly busy periods. Employers may also be able to provide additional support, such as access to technology or tools to help manage workload more effectively.
There are some employers who are open to condensing the working week into 4 days rather than 5 days. This can be useful for those who are happy to work longer hours and would like to gain an extra non-working day in their week. Another option is to consider working part-time hours rather than full-time, however some families need two full-time incomes to make ends meet.
Something many parents find useful when it comes to managing their work life and childcare duties is to create a weekly and daily schedule. This can help parents to plan their day, set priorities and manage their time more effectively.
When creating a schedule, it’s important to consider your work commitments and childcare responsibilities, as well as any other obligations, such as household chores, appointments, and errands.
Creating a schedule can also help identify times of the day when you are more productive and can focus on work, as well as times when you need to be more available for your children. If your child is old enough, you could create a schedule with them too which they can refer to for activities, chores and other things to fill their time whilst you’re focusing on your work.
Engaging children in activities can keep them occupied, reduce interruptions during work time and teach them useful life skills. Activities can include reading, drawing, playing games, or watching educational videos.
Parents can also involve their children in household tasks, such as cleaning or cooking, to teach them important life skills and to create a sense of accomplishment. Be sure to choose activities that are age-appropriate and that your children can enjoy.
To motivate your children and add an incentive to complete tasks and household chores, you can create or download a household chore sheet that they can use to track their progress towards rewards such as pocket money, sweet treats or a small toy when they complete a certain amount of chores.
Many people struggle to work in chaotic environments that are messy, disorganised or just not fit for their work requirements. Making a dedicated workspace can create a clear separation between work and home life, which can help parents to maintain their productivity and focus. The workspace should be comfortable and equipped with the necessary tools and technology, and free from mess and distractions where possible.
Ideally, it should be a quiet and distraction-free area, away from the hustle and bustle of family and home life. If space is limited, parents can consider setting up a temporary workspace, such as a table or desk in a quiet corner of the house.
If you’re struggling to find space away from noise, consider using headphones with no music playing or special sound-reducing earphones that work to help improve focus.
Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help you to recharge and refocus on your work, and are important even if you’re not juggling childcare with work! Prioritising regular breaks throughout your day can help to prevent burnout and improve productivity, helping you get work done and feel more accomplished.
During these breaks, you can engage in activities that help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, such as taking a walk, reading a book, or practising mindfulness techniques. Something as simple as making a cup of tea and stepping outside can help refresh your mind and get you back on track. Where possible, set boundaries during breaks and communicate to your children that this is a time for you to rest and recharge.
Juggling working from home with childcare can be a challenging task, but with some planning and organisation and a little help from your local Kids Planet daycare setting, you can successfully work and care for your children.
When children start at Kids Planet, we follow their routines to ensure there is a smooth transition from home life to nursery. We work with families to ensure there is a continuity of care.
Take a look for your local Kids Planet nursery or Kids Allowed setting using our Find a Nursery tool, and sign up for our March 2023 open days. Our nurseries are located across the North West in locations such as Salford, Altrincham and Bolton.
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