Survival Tips for Parents Working From Home

Tools & Advice From Writers Work

Whether you’ve always worked from home, or are still transitioning into being a working parent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, your situation requires flexibility and adaptability. Juggling the needs of your family and your job is no easy feat! At Writers Work, we help parents working from home as freelance writers or content marketing experts by providing them with valuable tools, resources, and advice. Writers of all skill levels and experience can put their resumes and writing samples up on our website for thousands of employers to browse, and we’ll guide you every step of the way. You can try us risk-free for 30 days! 

Make a Transition Plan

Many people think that being a working parent is somehow easier than commuting to an office every day, but actually both have their advantages and disadvantages. It can be difficult to make the transition from being in a work environment with like-minded adults all day, to being at home alone with small children. You and your family can discuss the details of what that looks like, including what you will need help with. Your kids should also be aware of the behavior you expect from them when you’re working.

Anticipate Daily Practicalities 

Plan for the practicalities of daily living, both expected and unexpected. This includes taking kids to school, doctor’s appointments, doing laundry and cleaning, making meals, and who will watch the kids if they’re sick and can’t go to school. Having a plan in place ahead of time will help you communicate more effectively when the time comes, rather than reacting in panic.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Communication 

Communication is key, both with your boss and your family. As a working parent, you will have to establish clear and firm communication boundaries between your work and home life. Just because you’re a parent working from home doesn’t mean you should be answering work emails 24/7. Likewise, you’ll need to communicate with your boss about what their expectations are should a family issue arise during your working hours. 

Be Proactive About Problems and Solutions

You should take a proactive approach to anticipating problems and developing a solution. Think about what you’d do if you’re under a pressing work deadline, and your kid has an accident or needs to stay home sick. How would you handle it if your home internet service goes out due to bad weather? Working problems like this out ahead of time lets you stay calm and collected when an issue does arise.

Don’t be Afraid to Set New Standards

If something doesn’t go your way, like if you make a mistake at work or your kids are fighting, don’t throw your hands up and assume all is lost. Mistakes will be made, family members (and you!) will get grumpy, and there will be bad days. But you can reframe the low points as a learning curve or opportunity for growth, rather than examples of failures. You can be a successful, productive employee and a working parent without needing to be perfect. For more tips on being a working parent and managing a content writing or freelance writing career, sign up for Writers Work today!