The number of Australians working from home has jumped from eight per cent to 40 per cent in the past two years, thanks to COVID-19.
What can you do, if you are one of the millions of fathers working from home today, to reconcile your working day from home with the children and their shenanigans while you're trying hard to focus on your job?
Strategise your cherub's nap so that you can make the most out of these few hours of peace and quiet.
Be resourceful, think and work outside the box: early in the morning, a little late in the evening, during nap time or during quiet times when your child is occupied for a certain period of time (film, book, puzzle, etc).
If you have to work, it’s only fair that your child has to, as well. While he’s doing his homework, you can focus on yours (that is, if they don’t require you to solve their maths problems for them).
It is also important to communicate with your child about your working hours, and your workspace too, so that they know when to schedule their tantrums, preferably from 12 to 1 and after 5pm — and never in your home office.
It’s also worth trying to match your working from home days with your partner’s, if both of you are working; give each other half-a-day of intensive work when the other is dealing with the kids.
When you have to work at home with children, plan dedicated time for them. Not necessarily very long, but time to fill their love and attention tank.
This will make it less likely that children will come to you unannounced.
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