WFH and toddlers

[IamAporcupine]

Can those of you with pre-schoolers tell me how you are managing it all?

I work FT and I can WFH, but I have an 8yo so it is probably easier, but a good friend of mine with a 2yo is really struggling. I want to help but I am not sure how.

Do you have any tips, words of encouragement, anything will help, thanks!!

[Hotelin]

I have a 4 years old and a 2 years old. My husband work nights and I work days. With childcare being closed, my bosses have said as long as the work gets done it doesn’t matter what hours we work. Can she work at night or tag team with partner if she has one? How about waking up a couple of hours earlier than the child to get some work done?

[IamAporcupine]

Thanks Hotelin

I think their child wakes up at 6am, but yes I guess that is an option (that's what I do too).

There are some fixed meeting he has to attend so doing everything outside normal working hours is not possible unfortunately.

Hope you are doing well so far

[LiveLearnTogether]

@IamAporcupine hopefully they’ve got some time off to relax as a family over Easter, but when they head back I’ve got some tips here that might help:

livelearntogether.co.uk/

There’s working from home with a toddler, using pretend play as part of your daily routine to fit quality time in busy days. General work from home advice too. I have three little ones and we’ve been working at home in some capacity in our house for five years now. Hope it helps!

[dyscalculicgal96]

Hello!

Their dad and I take it in turns each week. What about creating a daily schedule each week? Will that help or not? In any case I recommend teaching her how to sew and cook. Cooking is fun and can be used to teach children many different valuable life skills as well. You can even find some easy recipes online. Or invest in some good cookbooks that are for children, those will have pictures in them usually. Again check Amazon.
Additionally you could look at fun toddler art projects online. There are lots of educational workbooks available to order online from Amazon etc or you could go and see what exactly is available at your local bookshop. Many subject specific worksheets are available online to print out and do too.

[Oggden1]

Ugh I have a 20mth old and losing my mind. Work is manic and I'm studying as well from home.
I do splits so 5am till 7am work. Toddler breakfast. Work while there eating next to them on laptop. Dp takes over.
Lunchtime same work on laptop work in naps and work after bedtime so 7 pm. Till 9pm or later.
Its really really hard and not easy.
Good luck xxx

[IamAporcupine]

thank you!

[user1489875480]

wFH full time with a 3y/o is hard!
At first I assumed my husband would do shifts eg we’d do a morning/afternoon childcare at a time to allow each other to work and to ensure our little one gets a good deal but unfortunately I realise I am solely responsible for childcare, housework, cooking etc whilst my husband works (in the sun in the garden) 9-5 as his job is far too important.
I have worked out my child can watch tv/iPad 7am-10am so I get work done then. I tried to work In the day but a 1hr job took me 4.5hrs as I was keeping my child occupied. I’ve resorted to working 8pm onwards -til 2am if required.
Reality....wish I could be furloughed.
Grateful for my employment but those without children have it easy and are no doubt enjoying working part time.

But....the main thing is that we all stay healthy and appreciate our children.

I’m going to do
7-10am work 10-12 1:1 with my child (phone on silent)
12-1 child can eat lunch and watch tv so I can work
1-2:30 play together
2:30-3:30 work

After bedtime 8-whenever work.

[Oggden1]

Glad it's not just me working at wierd hours around children.
Hats off to everyone managing the to do full time with a tiny toddler stamping around xxx