How to Work at Home With a Toddler

How to Work at Home With a ToddlerWorking from home with a toddler is a challenge. But, it’s not impossible. Here are some tips to make working at home with a toddler more manageable.

Find time to work when your toddler is sleeping

The best time to work is when your toddler is sleeping. Thankfully, most toddlers still sleep quite a bit.

You have three ideal times to work: before your toddler gets up in the morning, while they’re napping, and after they go to bed at night.

Ideally, you can get all your work done during just these three times. Then the rest of the day is free to spend with your kiddos!

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Hang on to nap time for as long as possible

Like I said above, the best time to work is when your toddler is sleeping. Which is why you should strive to keep nap time for as long as possible.

A lot of toddlers are in a better mood if they nap for at least an hour. Studies have also shown that kids who take naps sleep better at night too.

Working from Home With a ToddlerHave plenty of educational busy activities

Put together some busy activities that you can pull out in a moment’s notice. Then you can utilize them if your toddler is bored of their usual toys and you need to get some work done.

There are so many busy activity ideas. They are also typically educational, helping to build fine motor skills and teaching kids about letters, numbers, colors, etc.  Follow my Busy Activities board on Pinterest for some ideas.

TV is OKAY Sometimes

When nothing else is entertaining your toddler and you NEED to get some work done, don’t completely write off using the TV as a resource. But remember, all TV is not created equal. If you’re letting your child watch a show so you can work, be sure they are watching something worthwhile. I recommend turning off cable and getting a Roku. Then you can be more intentional with what they’re watching.

There are lots of educational shows on various Roku channels and YouTube that can teach your toddler while entertaining them too. Be selective with what your toddler watches. Pre-screen shows to be sure they’re acceptable. And of course, try not to overdo the TV intake (although, I am guilty of that at times, so give yourself some grace here).

Work while they’re eating

Another great way to get some work done is while your toddler is eating. If they’re due for lunch or a snack time then get them all setup and work while they eat.

It might not be the most effective work time, but it’s something! Keep a handy list of items you can finish in 15 minutes or less and knock those out during these times.

Get some help when possible

Does grandma, grandpa, or another relative want to spend some time with your child? What a great opportunity to get a little work done! Ask them to take them on a fun outing and get some prime time work in.

Or maybe hiring an in-house baby sitter for a few hours, one day a week, would be helpful? Then you could have some regularly scheduled work time.

Take time to play with them

Why do you work from home? If your initial reason was so that you could spend more time with your kids, it’s important to remember that every day. Take some time to play with your kids and enjoy the blessings of working from home.

Also, if your toddler gets their playtime-with-mommy dosage in, they will be more inclined to play independently later on when you need to work.

Working from home with a toddler is possible!

I’m not going to tell you that this is an easy thing, because it’s not. But, if being home with your kids is a priority, and you want to (or have to) work, then don’t give up working from home.

It takes a lot of learning to get the balance just right. Personally, I STILL have a lot to learn, especially since my second child was thrown into the mix.

But ultimately, do you want to know what really makes it possible? The strength and wisdom of Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:13). Pray, and ask God to give you what you need. He will provide.

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