How to Work from Home with Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)

Working from home sounds like a dream—until you realize your "coworkers" are tiny humans who demand snacks every five minutes and have no concept of “Mommy’s on a call.”

If you’re trying to balance work, parenting, and keeping your sanity intact, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—emailing with one hand while making a PB&J with the other. It’s chaotic, but with the right strategies, you can make it work.

Here are my tried-and-true tips for surviving the work-from-home life with kids.

1. Set (and Enforce) a Schedule

Kids thrive on routine, and honestly, so do we. Having a loose but structured schedule helps everyone know what to expect.

Tips for a Solid Schedule:

• Start the Day Right – Set a morning routine to help your kids ease into the day while you get settled into work.
• Use Time Blocks – Schedule work sprints around your kids’ natural rhythms (naptime, quiet playtime, or when they’re watching a show).
• Have a “Start” and “End” to Your Workday – Otherwise, you’ll be checking emails at midnight.

2. Create a Kid-Friendly Work Space

If your kids are old enough to entertain themselves, set up a little “work” area for them near your own. Give them “important tasks” like drawing, puzzles, or activity books.

Quick Setup Ideas:

• A small desk with crayons and coloring books
• A play laptop so they can “work” like you
• A bin of special “quiet time” toys only used during work hours

This keeps them engaged while you focus on your tasks.

3. Teach Kids About “Do Not Disturb” Time

Let’s be real—kids don’t care that you’re in a Zoom meeting. But you can train them to respect your work time.

How?

• Use visual cues – A red paper on your door means "Quiet Time," green means they can come in.
• Set a timer – Tell them, “Mommy will be done in 20 minutes, and then we can play.”
• Use headphones – Noise-canceling headphones signal that you’re in the zone.

For younger kids, it takes time, but consistency helps.

4. Plan Activities That Keep Kids Busy

You don’t need to entertain your kids every second—but having a go-to list of independent activities can be a game changer.

Some Ideas:

• Audiobooks or podcasts for kids
• Educational apps or websites (PBS Kids has great free content)
• Playdough or sensory bins for hands-on fun
• Printable activity sheets
• Safe outdoor playtime if possible

When they have engaging activities, they’ll interrupt you less (hopefully).

5. Use Breaks Wisely

Instead of trying to power through an eight-hour workday straight (which is impossible with kids), embrace breaks.

Best Ways to Use Breaks:

• Have a dance party – Burn off their energy and reset their moods.
• Get outside – A quick walk does wonders for everyone’s sanity.
• Read a book together – Helps them feel connected, reducing clinginess later.

Breaks aren’t wasted time—they actually help you focus better when you get back to work.

6. Be Realistic & Give Yourself Grace

You are not going to be 100% productive every single day. And that’s okay.

Some days will be smooth, and others will be a circus. If the kids have an off day, or if you end up working after bedtime to catch up, give yourself grace. You’re doing the best you can.

Remember:

• It’s okay if the house is messy.
• It’s okay if you have to use screen time sometimes.
• It’s okay if work isn’t perfect.

You are a human, not a machine. And your kids? They’re learning from you—not just about responsibility, but about balance.

Final Thoughts

Working from home with kids is a challenge, but it’s not impossible. With a bit of planning, patience, and flexibility, you can make it work.

Try these strategies and let me know—what’s your biggest challenge when working from home with kids? Let’s swap survival tips in the comments! 😊