Photo by Olena Bohovyk on Unsplash
Effective ways to stay productive while working from home and juggling parenting duties.
Working from home as a dad comes with its own set of challenges, especially when you’re trying to balance productivity and parenting two lively daughters like Alana and Audrey. Over the past few years, remote work has become the norm for many of us, offering a unique opportunity to be more present with our families. But, let’s be honest, it also means finding creative ways to manage distractions, keep my work on track, and still make time for my girls. Here’s how I’ve learned to navigate the chaos of remote work while being a fully engaged dad to Alana and Audrey.
The Morning Routine: Setting the Tone for the Day
Mornings in our house are often the calm before the storm. Alana, the older of the two, is usually the first to wake up, eager to help me make breakfast. Audrey, on the other hand, is a bit slower to start her day, often stumbling into the kitchen still clutching her favorite stuffed animal. These moments are precious, and I’ve learned to use them to set the tone for the day.
I’ve created a routine where we spend a little time together every morning before I transition into work mode. Whether it’s making pancakes or just chatting about their plans for the day, this time helps me connect with them and ensures they feel seen and heard. It also gives me a chance to explain my schedule, so they know when I’ll be available and when I need them to play quietly.
The Magic of a Dedicated Workspace
One of the best decisions I made was setting up a dedicated workspace. Before that, I tried working from the dining table or the living room, but it was impossible to focus with the girls running around. Now, I have a small office space where I can close the door when I’m on calls or tackling a deadline. Alana and Audrey know that when the door is closed, it’s “quiet time,” but they also know I’ll take breaks to spend time with them.
I’ve even involved them in decorating my workspace. Alana drew a picture of our family that hangs on the wall, and Audrey insisted I keep one of her handmade bracelets on my desk. These small touches make my office feel less like a place where I retreat and more like a space that’s still connected to our family life.
Scheduling Breaks for Connection
One thing I’ve learned is that kids don’t operate on the same schedule as adults. While I can sit at my desk for hours on end, Alana and Audrey need more frequent interaction. To bridge this gap, I’ve started scheduling short breaks throughout my day to spend time with them.
Sometimes it’s as simple as stepping outside for a quick game of tag or helping Audrey build a new LEGO creation. Other times, it’s sitting down with Alana to hear about the book she’s reading. These moments not only give me a mental reset but also show the girls that they’re always a priority, even when I’m busy with work.
Creative Ways to Keep Them Entertained
Keeping Alana and Audrey entertained while I’m working has been a journey of trial and error. We’ve tried everything from puzzles and coloring books to letting them build forts in the living room. One of the most effective hacks has been creating a “Dad’s Busy Box.”
The box is filled with activities they can do independently—craft supplies, sticker books, and even simple science experiments. The rule is that they can only use the Busy Box when I’m on a call or need uninterrupted focus. It’s amazing how much they look forward to diving into the box, and it gives me the breathing room I need to stay productive.
Flexibility is Key
Despite all the planning and routines, there are days when things don’t go as expected. Maybe Audrey decides she absolutely must show me her latest dance moves in the middle of a meeting, or Alana has a meltdown because her art project didn’t turn out the way she wanted.
In these moments, I’ve learned to embrace flexibility. I remind myself that one of the biggest perks of working from home is being there for my girls when they need me. If that means pausing work to comfort Audrey or help Alana fix her art project, so be it. I’ve found that these small interruptions are often opportunities to strengthen my bond with them.
Ending the Day Together
At the end of each workday, I make it a point to transition out of “work mode” and back into “dad mode.” The girls love helping me “shut down” my office by turning off my computer and closing my notebook. After that, we dive into our evening routine—dinner, a little playtime, and bedtime stories.
One of our favorite traditions is storytime, where each of us takes turns telling a story. Alana’s stories are always elaborate and full of magical creatures, while Audrey’s tend to revolve around her stuffed animals going on adventures. It’s the perfect way to wind down and reconnect after a busy day.
Lessons Learned
Working from home with Alana and Audrey has taught me so much about patience, time management, and the importance of being present. It’s not always easy to juggle the demands of work and parenting, but the rewards are immeasurable. My daughters know I’m there for them, and I’ve been able to watch them grow in ways I might have missed if I were working in a traditional office.
For any dad navigating the world of remote work, my advice is simple: embrace the chaos, cherish the small moments, and don’t be afraid to adapt. After all, these are the years we’ll look back on and treasure the most.
