Thread by @Jobvo

1/ It's so hard to work from home when you have little kids at home. Here is what I and other parents from @remote have learned..

Productivity for parents working from home (including lots of toy recommendations):

2/ First off, this is a judgement-free zone. Parenting is really hard. Pandemic parenting is super hard. Working while also pandemic parenting is super mega hard.

You do you. You know what's best for you and your kids. Take these tips as tips, not rules.

3/ Accept that you can't do it all. You can't be a great parent at the same time as you're being a great worker. Not at the exact same time.

Stop doing one of two to focus. Be the attentive parent OR focus on work. Doing both things at the same time can frustrate you and them

4/ That doesn't mean you can't watch the kids while working. It just means that when you focus on one for a bit, you'll have to tell the other to wait. Don't keep both 'lines' hanging for an answer.

5/ I've learned it's okay to tell kids "I'm now busy with this, I'll come in 5 minutes"

(adjust the time to the age of the kid, e.g. mine aren't ready for much more than 5 minutes right now)

6/ Work async. You can reasonably have one eye on your kids while working async:

remote.com/blog/why-you-s…

7/ Kids are kids, and everyone knows that. Don't worry about them interfering with a meeting. We all know how hard it is. No need to apologize.

8/ Create a rigid schedule for yourself. From X to Y you work, from A to B you take care of kids. Whenever it's not work, make it easy for yourself to FULLY disconnect from work. To the point of it being hard to check into work.

Removing work apps from your phone helps.

9/ Get help. Don't be shy about asking for help from family, friends, or through a service.

Especially do this so you can take a break. You might be great at working while the kids are around, but you also need a proper break.

Never feel guilty about taking a break.

10/ For non-nappers: teach them about "quiet time" and set that as part of the day. They'll appreciate the calmness and having their own peace and quiet time.

11/ Get the kids outside at least an hour of two a day for some exercise. Make it part of the routine. Join them for a nice break.

12/ Work when the kids are asleep. Work during naps or at night.

I personally do this too. And it's great if your work allows it. If you work for a remote company this shouldn't be an issue.

Don't forget to sleep yourself!

13/ Work in shifts. If you have someone share the load with, this might be an obvious way to deal with kids full time.

One person takes care of the kids while the other works, and you swap throughout the day.

Important to make sure you work together on more difficult moments.

14/ Do make sure that person gets breaks too! Breaks are not optional.

15/ And if you're so lucky to have other parents nearby, consider organizing playdates for the kids. So one parent gets ALL the kids.

16/ Some products and toys that might help:

17/ Give your kids a 'forbidden' yet safe toy. Something that doesn't constitute a normal toy, but they see the parents interact with. A wooden spoon is a good one!

18/ Get them a fun thing to build a play with. These sets are awesome:

kiwico.com/panda

And of course there is @LEGO_Group (also great for adults)

19/ Let them create their own little space:

getsuperspace.com

20/ Practice mindful parenting through @Headspace

headspace.com/mindfulness/mi…

21/ Breathing techniques for kids:

copingskillsforkids.com/deep-breathing…

22/ What are you tips?

..seriously, we all need help!