In recent years, many of us have found ourselves suddenly adapting to working from home — sometimes with little choice in the matter!
For parents, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to keep the kids entertained while still getting work done. It’s not always easy to juggle conference calls, emails, and deadlines with little ones running around, needing attention.
I bring this up because I’ve been in your shoes! I’ve been working from home as a Virtual Assistant since 2007, all while raising a young child. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make the work-from-home life a little smoother, and I’m excited to share them with you!
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So, how do you increase your productivity while still making sure you’re giving your little ones the attention they need?
Kids can be unpredictable, and that’s not always the best mix when you’re trying to stay focused and get work done. It’s definitely a challenge, but with a bit of planning and some helpful strategies, it’s totally possible to balance both worlds and keep things running smoothly!
If you’ve found yourself struggling to work because the kids are bored and won’t leave you alone you are certainly not alone.
If you are looking for some ideas of what to do from home check out these:
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1. Keep to a Routine and Have Rules
Balancing working from home with kids can be challenging, but having a clear and consistent routine makes all the difference. Children thrive on structure, so setting regular working hours helps them understand when you need quiet, focused time. From the start, establish clear boundaries — let them know when you’re available and when you shouldn’t be disturbed unless it’s urgent. This not only helps you stay productive but also prevents frustrations down the line.
That said, it’s just as important to carve out quality time with your little ones. You don’t want to spend the entire day glued to your computer while they entertain themselves. Scheduling short breaks to play, read a book, or enjoy a quick snack together can help them feel valued and reassured. Even something as simple as a lunchtime walk or a 10-minute game between meetings can make a big difference. By balancing work and family time, you’ll create a routine that works for both you and your children — leading to a happier, less stressful home environment.
2. Plan Activities
There’s no shortage of fun and creative ways to keep your kids entertained at home! Whether it’s building a fort out of cardboard boxes, setting up a mini science experiment, diving into online learning, or playing interactive games, the possibilities are endless. Keeping them engaged doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about mixing things up and making the day exciting for them.
Children thrive when they’re exposed to a variety of physical, emotional, and intellectual activities throughout the day. A balance of movement, creativity, and problem-solving helps them grow while also keeping them happily occupied. But above all, activities should be fun and engaging — if they’re enjoying themselves, they’re far more likely to stay focused on what they’re doing, giving you some much-needed time to get your work done. So, whether it’s an indoor treasure hunt, a crafting session, or an educational game, having a few go-to activities on hand can make working from home with kids much smoother and more enjoyable for everyone!
Check out these amazing activities for kids from Active For Life.
3. Working From Home With Kids – Boredom Jar
One of the challenges of working from home with kids is keeping boredom at bay — it’s only a matter of time before you hear, “I’m bored!”
A fun and simple solution is to create a boredom jar! Just fill a jar with small slips of paper, each listing a fun activity, game, or task. Whenever your child starts getting restless or looking for something to do, they can take a lucky dip and discover a new activity to keep them engaged. It’s a great way to encourage independence while giving you some much-needed focus time for work. Plus, it adds a little excitement since they never know what they’ll pick next!
However, if you have a jar lying around then you can either create your own activities that you know your child will enjoy or purchase the activity cards. One example is below:
This boredom jar cards comes with 192 cards so would keep any child amused for a very long time.
4. Art for Art’s Sake
Art is a fantastic way to keep kids engaged for long stretches of time while also sparking their creativity! Whether it’s painting, drawing, colouring, or crafting, giving them plenty of supplies and variety ensures they’ll stay entertained as they create their own little masterpieces. Keep a stash of markers, crayons, coloured paper, stickers, glue, and even some recycled materials for DIY projects—having different options makes the experience even more exciting.
To make things easier for you, set up an art station in a convenient spot, like the kitchen table, where they can create freely while you work nearby. This way, you can keep an eye on them, offer the occasional “Wow, that looks amazing!”, and still stay productive. Not only does this keep them happily occupied, but it also encourages self-expression and independent play—a win-win for both of you!
Etsy is a great place to find art supplies that are that little bit different such as a paint your own name kit.
There are a lot of paint your own name kits on Etsy which will charge depending on the number of letters in the name. Check them out.
5. Get Help From Family Members
If you’re working from home, remember—you don’t have to do it all alone! If you have parents, aunts, uncles, or other family members who are happy to lend a hand, take them up on it! Even if they can’t be there in person, a little virtual connection can go a long way.
Set up a FaceTime or video call with grandparents, aunts, uncles, or family friends and let them entertain the kids for a while. They can read a story, play a virtual game, or simply chat and keep your little ones engaged while you focus on work. Not only does this give you some much-needed breathing room, but it also helps your child stay connected with loved ones. Plus, grandparents and relatives will love the extra time to bond, even from a distance. A quick video call can work wonders in taking the pressure off!
6. Educational Apps and Games
When I first started out as a Virtual Assistant, keeping kids entertained looked very different. We didn’t have iPads or a world of educational apps at our fingertips! But today, technology has made life so much easier for parents working from home. With so many interactive and educational apps available, kids can learn while having fun, making screen time feel more productive.
The key is to choose age-appropriate apps that encourage learning and creativity rather than just passive entertainment. Whether it’s apps for early reading, math puzzles, problem-solving games, or even coding for kids, there’s something for every age and interest. Many apps also include parental controls, so you can set time limits and track progress, giving you peace of mind.
By incorporating a few well-chosen learning apps into your child’s routine, you can keep them engaged and stimulate their curiosity. A little tech can be a big help!
7. Storytelling Time
Storytelling is a fantastic way to spark your child’s imagination and keep them entertained for hours! Encourage them to create their own stories. Whether it’s about a daring pirate adventure, or a talking animal on a secret mission, the possibilities are endless.
To make things even more exciting, you can provide story prompts to get them started. Simple ideas like “What would happen if your favourite toy came to life?”. Or “Describe a world where everything is made of candy” can inspire endless creativity. You can also use props like stuffed animals, action figures, or dress-up costumes to bring their stories to life.
For extra fun, have them draw illustrations, act out their tales, or even record their storytelling on video. They’ll love watching their own mini-movies later! Not only does this keep them engaged, but it also helps develop language skills, creativity, and confidence. Who knows? You might even have a future author in the making!
8. Building and Construction
Building and construction toys are a fantastic way to keep kids engaged while also helping them learn! Providing Lego sets, wooden blocks, magnetic tiles, or other construction toys gives children the chance to explore their creativity, improve problem-solving skills, and develop fine motor coordination. All while having tons of fun.
Encourage them to design their own creations, whether it’s a towering castle, a futuristic spaceship, or an entire mini city. You can even add fun challenges, like “Who can build the tallest tower?”. Or “Can you create a bridge that holds a toy car?” to spark their imagination and critical thinking.
These hands-on activities help kids stay focused and entertained for long stretches, making them perfect for keeping little hands busy while you get some work done. Plus, they’re a great screen-free alternative that supports STEM learning — who knew playtime could be so educational?
9. Books and Audio
If you have a particularly tricky work task that requires your full focus, it’s essential to have a plan in place. This ensures your little ones stay quiet and entertained while you concentrate
One great option is to encourage them to read a book or listen to an audiobook. Reading a favorite adventure story can keep kids happily engaged. New stories spark their imagination and build reading habits. Create a “quiet time” nook with cosy pillows and soft lighting. This makes reading time feel extra special.
Of course, sometimes you just need a guaranteed distraction — and that’s okay! While you may want to set limits on screen time, allowing them to watch an educational program can give you that much-needed uninterrupted time. A little screen time in moderation won’t hurt — and it can be a real lifesaver when you’re on a deadline!
Final Thoughts: Working from home with kids can definitely be tricky at times, but with a little structure and some thoughtful planning, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to set a flexible schedule that works for both you and your little ones. Make sure to carve out some special time during the day to be with them – whether it’s for a quick break, a fun activity, or just to catch up. Creative and engaging activities can keep them entertained, giving you some space to focus on work. Looking for other ideas check out this article on boosting early learning.
And remember, you don’t have to do it all on your own! Don’t hesitate to reach out to family or friends for help. A quick video call or a helping hand with the kids can really help. Even a listening ear matters. It’s important to build a supportive routine that fits your family’s needs. There’s no shame in asking for help when you need it to stay balanced. You’ve got this!