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AIBU?

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Original poster

Trapped working from home with toddlers.

187 replies

ChasingRainbows8 · 19/04/2024 14:57

I have a job that is partly working from home, in that I do an assessment and have to then write a report for court from home. My DH has taken on the role of childcare, as we have a DD who is 1 and a DD who is 3.

I work from an upstairs office, if I am seen or heard by the 1 year old, it starts a huge tantrum, so I am basically trapped upstairs. DH never takes them out, they are always just milling around downstairs. They do go to nursery on a Wed/Thurs but I can't plan to do all of my work on those days. AIBU to expect that DH should take them out for some of the day? It is so distracting to try to work with the noise of them both climbing the walls. I have tried working from a café, which is fine but was getting expensive.

Any tips on making a work from home arrangement with two toddlers in the house workable? I always feel like I am either stuck in the room or causing hell if I dare to go down to make a cup of tea.

OP posts:
CleanShirt · 19/04/2024 15:05

Can you just go to the office?

Original poster
ChasingRainbows8 · 19/04/2024 15:05

Gazelda · 19/04/2024 15:04

Is a library suitable for the work you're dealing with? You mention assessments and court reports - surely these should be worked on in a confidential space?or at the very least not a public place.

I have got a privacy screen as I have to be really careful working in public spaces, plus I can't really take any calls in public spaces due to the nature of the work.

OP posts:
Original poster
ChasingRainbows8 · 19/04/2024 15:04

fieldsofbutterflies · 19/04/2024 15:00

The thing is, your house is a home before it's an office.

If you need to work from home then you need to set things up so that you can stay in your office and not interrupt your DH or the toddlers.

He shouldn't have to take the children out just so you can work in peace or make a cup of tea whenever you fancy it.

I totally get this, I don't expect them to be out all of the time. Maybe just an hour so I can grab lunch.

OP posts:
Gazelda · 19/04/2024 15:04

Is a library suitable for the work you're dealing with? You mention assessments and court reports - surely these should be worked on in a confidential space?or at the very least not a public place.

LoveSandbanks · 19/04/2024 15:04

My husband used to wfh, many years ago, when our children were small. I took
them out so he could work in peace! It may well be a home first and foremost but , without the salary from wfh, it won’t be our home for long!

Original poster
ChasingRainbows8 · 19/04/2024 15:03

Orophile · 19/04/2024 14:59

Go to a local library?

I did try the local library but it doesn't have any tables in there for people to work from laptops and the bigger one was closed down due to cuts 😣

OP posts:
PaminaMozart · 19/04/2024 15:02

BodenCardiganNot · 19/04/2024 15:00

DH never takes them out,
He has to start taking them out. They need to be out every day - for their physical, social and emotional health. Why does he not take them out?

THIS

Totally ridiculous. What does he think his responsibilities are?

Whatwillitbenext · 19/04/2024 15:01

Course he needs to take them out! Walks, park, play groups, soft play, swimming. How boring for the kid, him and you! Start booking stuff for him if you need to 'oh I've booked that new soft play today, shame I can't be there have fun!'

Revelatio · 19/04/2024 15:00

Yeah a library is a great shout. Does your company have any offices you can use? Some places offer cheap rates for local workers and you can share an office.

BodenCardiganNot · 19/04/2024 15:00

DH never takes them out,
He has to start taking them out. They need to be out every day - for their physical, social and emotional health. Why does he not take them out?

fieldsofbutterflies · 19/04/2024 15:00

The thing is, your house is a home before it's an office.

If you need to work from home then you need to set things up so that you can stay in your office and not interrupt your DH or the toddlers.

He shouldn't have to take the children out just so you can work in peace or make a cup of tea whenever you fancy it.

Orophile · 19/04/2024 14:59

Go to a local library?