I’m not usually one to complain, but my current co-workers are driving me up the wall. They constantly beg for snacks—one even had the audacity to ask me to prepare her lunch! Meanwhile, another one has been fixated on watching “Boss Baby” all day. We’re talking about nose-picking, leaving the bathroom door wide open, and excessive crying. It’s a total productivity nightmare. And just to clarify, I’m not referring to my colleagues at work; I’m talking about my kids.
I know some of you seasoned remote workers might not feel sorry for us parents who’ve suddenly found ourselves attempting to draft emails at the kitchen table while a child screams for another snack. You’ve been navigating this chaos for a long time, and rightly so. But for those of us who’ve recently transitioned to working from home while our children are out of school, it’s been a chaotic adjustment.
Here are a few challenges I’ve been facing:
Managing Online Meetings
I oversee tutors for a university sports program, and during a recent Zoom meeting with around 25 student tutors, my house was a mess because I simply didn’t have time to clean. My laptop can’t handle fancy backgrounds, so I had to squeeze into a closet to escape the noise. Sure, I told my student workers it was my home office, but let’s be real—it was freezing in there, and despite warning my family, interruptions were inevitable. My ten-year-old daughter popped in asking for a snack, my five-year-old needed paper for his drawing, and my wife? She just forgot about my meeting altogether.
Getting Actual Work Done
Before this all began, I’d take breaks at work to clear my mind with a walk. Now, my breaks are consumed with breaking up sibling fights, preparing meals, and tending to bumped knees. Just the other day, I spent a frustrating 20 minutes searching for our dog because my five-year-old let him escape. My kids seem to think “I can’t right now, I’m working” translates to “Please ask Dad everything until he gets overwhelmed and loses his job.”
Screen Time Restrictions
Before the pandemic, we had strict rules on screen time that required the kids to earn it through chores. It was well-organized and they understood the rules. But those days are gone. While I normally value the American Psychological Association’s guidelines, in this situation, they can take a backseat. If I’m going to survive working from home, I’ll need a hefty dose of Disney+.
Shortage of Sweatpants
When my wife questioned why I was doing so much laundry, I replied, “I’m out of clean sweatpants for work tomorrow.” She rolled her eyes, but honestly, if there’s any silver lining to this pandemic, it’s the ability to wear sweatpants while working. I’ve never needed more of them, and with my closet office setup, it’s essential. I ordered a few more from Amazon, but they’re backed up, so it’ll be a week before I have new work attire.
Finding Peace and Quiet
I attempted to wake up early to get a head start on my work, and for a few days, it worked—my family was still asleep. But now, it seems the kids have developed a sixth sense for when I’m working and are waking up earlier than ever. It’s beyond frustrating, especially considering how difficult it usually is to get them out of bed for school. Maybe I’ll start going to bed later? The kids are always one step ahead.
I’m sure I’ll uncover more hurdles while working from home with kids as this pandemic unfolds. It’s only been a few weeks, but I must admit, despite the frustrations, I’m spending more time with my family. It may not be the ideal situation, but seeing their adorable, messy faces more often is a silver lining.
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Summary
Working from home with kids has its challenges, from managing online meetings in cramped spaces to dealing with constant interruptions and finding time for actual work. While it can be frustrating, spending more time with family is a small consolation amid the chaos.