Working From Home With Toddlers

Sharing is caring!

Looking for tips for working from home with toddlers and kids that are doable and easy to implement?

Since I’ve been working from home with my toddlers for the last year I have found some ideas that really work and some that don’t.

Everybody’s career is different and they have to meet different demands but these are general tips that might help you.

I started my blog less than a year ago while working from home with my 2 toddlers full time.

I don’t have anybody to watch my toddlers while I work and choose to not send them daycare.  I’m working on average 3-5 hours a day 7 days a week.  Some days more and some days less. 

Thankfully I worked in an office environment prior to staying home, and was able to manage my own work time and tasks – so working at home was an easy transition and similar in a lot of ways – except for having the kids around 24/7.

While it is much easier to focus and work without kids around, I have made it work and have learned how to make it go smoother.  I hope some of these work from home ideas (with kids surrounding you 24/7) will work for you!

Here are my 15 Tips for Working From Home With Toddlers and Kids:

• Prioritize your most important tasks first thing in the morning when you get a chance.

  • This seems to get the day off to a good start because you can already feel very productive.
  • Write out a list of things you want to accomplish for the day (or make a list the night before).
  • Even plan your week out digitally or with pen and paper. 
  • I love my huge whiteboard for planning my days.  I’m definitely a visual person.  Do what works for you!

• Have your workspace in an area where the kids are.

  • I have my desk right in the kitchen that’s open to our living room.
  • Your kids can be playing, eating, etc. all while being supervised and you can get something done.
  • Or use a laptop and take it in the room the kids go into.
  • If I had a separate office I would probably rarely go in there or work less since they do need supervision while I work.  I can sit at my desk all day and still be right there with them.
  • My kids do a lot of activities while I’m working at my desk – and I’m right there with them.

• Have a real workspace.

  • Set yourself up for success by having everything you need.
  • For me, it’s a desk, computer, internet, whiteboard, and dry-erase markers.  
  • Have everything in an easily accessible place for you.  Order what you need on Amazon – or through your work, etc.!

• Try to make calls and video calls if your kids nap or when your partner/relative can help watch them.

  • Since my husband is now working remotely from home, I will watch the kids while he makes important calls and video meetings, just so he’s not interrupted.  

• Take breaks to recharge.

  • Play with your kids, drink some tea/coffee or eat lunch with no electronics around to rest your mind so you have more energy to work. Decompressing is so important!
  • If I’m feeling overwhelmed or unproductive that’s my clue to take a break.  I will actually be more productive if I take a break.
  • Take the kids outside if you can to get some fresh air.  Here’s a big list of outdoor toddler activities my twins love to do.

• Give your kids quality time. 

  • Put down work (and all electronics) for 30 minutes and just do an activity with them. 
  • Have them choose an activity or you decide.  Blocks and soccer are a favorite of ours to play together!
  • I also work on letters, numbers, colors, etc. with my toddlers during one-on-one time.  Here is a favorite ABC learning activity of ours.

• Get up before the kids to work or work after they go to bed. 

  • This worked for me in the beginning but now I usually wake up when they do and lay down when they do – I’m too tired to stay up!
  • But I’ve noticed I’m the most productive when they’re napping or asleep since I’m not distracted and can focus more – I work way more efficiently during that time because I know it’s not going to last.

• Try to go to bed at a reasonable time.

  • This will help make you have more energy in the morning and be able to think more clearly.

• Ask for help if you need it.

  • If you have a trusted person ask for their help.  Even if it’s just 30 minutes at a time. 
  • You’ll be amazed at how much work can get done in 30 minutes with no kids around!

• Be passionate about your work.

  • You’ll be more motivated to work and will look past ANY obstacles if you are passionate about what you’re doing.  
  • I really enjoy working (although I do need many breaks) but having passion is the one thing that keeps me going.
  • I know that not everything is going to exciting in my line of work, but I try to find at least one thing every day to inspire me.  Focus on the positives! 

• Make sure your kids are not under-stimulated or overstimulated

  • I try to make sure my kids have things to do, but are not overwhelmed by toys and choices.  Sometimes it’s hard to find that balance!
  • I’m all about low prep activities since my toddlers might not even be interested in doing them.  Do things that are easy to set up and clean up.  This will give you more time to work.  
  • Set some things out for them like blocks, a sensory bin, or art supplies and let them choose what they want to do.  Make sure activities are age/developmentally appropriate and are independent activities.  Here is a list of 25 easy indoor activities for 1-3 year olds.  Most of my toddler activities on Twin Mom Refreshed are activities toddlers can do independently/low and no prep if you need ideas – since I work with them around me all the time.
  • I also have been doing toy rotation that seems to keep the clutter away.  I keep most toys in bins in the garage and only put out so many.

• Make easy meals for your family and have other family members help with cooking/chores

  • I like to do a lot of crockpot dinners and no-cook breakfasts for my kids.
  • Although sometimes cooking can be a stress-reliever, so do what works for you!
  • I’ve been doing baking for fun lately and will have muffins in the fridge ready for breakfast.  These healthy avocado muffins are a favorite and easy to make!
  • Laundry piles up and other chores don’t get done as quickly since I started working from home.  You will have to prioritize what matters most to you and your family.  For me, that was working and spending time with my family over a perfectly clean house.

Related:  Easy Toddler Dinners the Whole Family Can Eat

• Try to keep a (somewhat) consistent and predictable routine for your kids

  • They know to expect every day this way. 
  • Be upfront and tell them you have to work. Toddlers will most not likely get this concept. For my toddlers, I tell them I have to work so we can buy things like food, toys, clothes, etc. 
  •  Let them know you will play with them when you’re done.  

• Find a schedule that works for you

  • Some people have set work hours and some people can set their own work hours. 
  • I literally feel like I work all day and take many breaks in between – except when I’m sleeping.  I work for about 30-45 minutes max at a time.  My twins require my attention so working for longer than that consecutively isn’t really possible. 
  • I work whenever I can and whenever I am completely focused, although that may not be an option for you.  If you have set work hours, try to stick to a schedule for you and your kids.
  • You could make a visual schedule for your kids and you (example: breakfast, snacks, and dinner times) – this works better for older kids.  Here’s an example of MY daily schedule (although this varies daily):

• Do your best for the day

  • Some days I’m very productive, and some days I feel like I’ve accomplished nothing.
  • Do what you can do for that day.
  • Working with kids, especially babies and toddlers from home is hard and brings many challenges – but it is also very fulfilling. 
  • You get to see your kids all day long, and they get to see you.  They’ll only be little for so long so try to enjoy this time!

It is possible to work at home, even with kids and toddlers full time.

If I can do it with toddler boys surrounding me 24/7, you can, too!

What are your tips for working at home with toddlers and kids?