Tips for Newbies on How to Successfully Work From Home - with Kids

What a week it has been. I don't know about you, but being confined to my San Diego home, having been newly laid-off with no pay, and embarking on day 1 as a full-time entrepreneur is no walk in the park. I know I am not alone.

Focus on the CAN

I find that focusing on the items that you CAN control will support your ability to maintain a positive mindset and lower your anxiety. Yep, I am speaking from experience.

So, without further ado, I want to help support my LinkedIn community as much as I can. I am sharing my tips for successfully working full-time from home in an effort to help anyone that may be experiencing this for the first time, full-time.

I have been a home-based employee for over 20 years. I also have been a single mom for all of those 20 years. Working from my home with my 2 kids around is natural for me but I have built routines and boundaries and I want to share them with you. 

Here are my tips for a successful home, work experience.

1. Keep a routine - Set your alarm, continue your morning routine (meditation, make your bed, journal, etc.) Even this morning I wanted to roll over and cuddle my doodle and just say this is all a bad dream but guess what? It's reality and we gotta.

2. Get dressed - This may seem like a funny concept, I'm not gonna lie, I giggled when I thought about the world now sitting in the buff, but I am serious. Ladies make-up, hair, some type of office attire. It helps with your mindset. This morning I even put on my pink satin Chuck Taylors because I needed the extra boost!

3. Designate an office space - While the kitchen table may seem the best choice, it may not be. The family will be in and out of the kitchen and you will need your own clean, quiet desk. Finding a space where you can hide and focus is important. It could be small but it's all you!

4. Time block - Schedule your day and stick to you. I start my time block at 5 a.m. with a message to myself of "get up and get happy!". Now that most of us are moving to an online calendar system that the whole world has access to, guarding your much needed time is super important. Time block for your kids too, it helps them know what is coming next in their day.

5. Work - While there are extra dirty dishes in the sink now that everyone is home, and the laundry is piling up, keeping your time focused on your work schedule is important. This is where kid labor comes into play! Sure you can fold clothes during a conference call, but not instead of making the call.

6. Take breaks - A Pomodoro timer is a good idea. I also try to get up and walk the dogs once around the block. Take the kids with you. It's 10 minutes but the fresh air will be good for everyone.

7. Wear headphones - When my kids are home and talking and the dogs are barking, I find it good to pop on study music and wear my headphones to help me stay focused.

8. Turn off distractions - FB, IG, phone calls, email, etc. Yes, we know the world is in chaos, but I suggest turning off the notifications. Studies show it takes longer to refocus once you are distracted.

9. Keep your area clear of clutter - Note pads, pens, water bottles, coffee cups, wine glasses (hey don't judge) all of it starts to pile up. Make sure you clear your space regularly and keep it clean. Make it clear to the munchkins that your designated "office" is not for dumping items.

10. Close it down - Your kids are feeling your anxiety and that of the world right now. If you can, shut your office down and give your focus to your kids like you normally would when your workday ends. This is a special time and your loved ones need you too.

We may be feeling a lot of mixed emotions right now, but I know we will get through this and it will build strength and community in a new way we did not think was possible. If I can be of any assistance, reach out, schedule a 15 min call on my calendar. Let's do this!