Working and Raising Two Kids During Quarantine

What a time to be alive. I am a natural “worrier” and this time hasn’t been the easiest on my anxious heart. Especially being a mom to two young babies, I feel like I am on extra high alert these days. I would be lying if I said I haven’t been struggling. I am still working as normal (thanking my lucky stars to already work from home normally) but with added challenges. With having the kids, and majority of the time the husband home too, it’s been quite an adjustment. 

This has been a hard time for so many, and while I worry a little too much, I am very positive there is a light at the end of the tunnel. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is a well known bible verse, and quickly comes to mind when I think of this time we are all going through. If you are having to work from home and have your kids home too, you are probably facing some unique challenges. On one hand, you are having to continue your work and on the other be an engaged mom trying to keep your kid’s thriving (Or even just fed at this point). 

My number one tip is to divide your time. Set designated times to do work, and set designated times to be there for your kids. For example how my schedule looks: 8 am make breakfast. 9 am, go through emails and do some tasks while my kids are playing or occupied. 10 am, go outside and get some fresh air. 11 am, start lunch and lay down for a nap. 12-2pm do work phone calls, meetings, whatever would need quiet time. Make time for moments, and use your mommy multitasking skills for the rest.

Dividing your day up will make you have a “longer” workday, but at the end of the day, you can say you gave it your all and didn’t choose one over the other. With that being said, your children will always come first. If your little one is having a tantrum, needs to be changed, needs a hug, that is the priority. The sooner your child has been fulfilled, the sooner you can get back to your work. Prior to any phone appointments I have, I make sure they have squared away. Whether that means babywearing, turning on a movie, what have you, plan your time out wisely. 

Yes, I mentioned screen time. This isn’t a normal time in the world. It’s okay to have a temporary change in your routine and allow for some movies to be played. There are some great stimulating shows out there, and I just encourage you to have an open mind. This is a time where we all are just having to figure it out, so it’s okay if you aren’t a “Pinterest” mom that has handmade crafts planned all day for your children. A lot of the times, children are simple and the crafts will just cause more mess/short attention span because it’s something they aren’t used to and may require too much of your involvement for them to play independently. 

If possible, take your work to the bathroom. My toddler loves bubble baths and could spend an hour just playing with her bath toys and bubbles. I can set up shop and get work done while supervising and letting her get some energy out. Same with playing outside! Sitting her down with some chalk is a great way for her to have fun and I can get work done during that time as well.

While I can’t speak for older kids, in my mind I feel like a baby and toddler are its own kind of challenge! I baby wear a good chunk of the day or alternate where the baby will be. Her swing, bouncer, mat, laying down to sleep, etc. If you haven’t been previously, I highly encourage you to plan out meals, too. Make a menu, strategize when you’ll have leftovers (cause cooking three times a day is not always possible), and plan grocery hauls to stretch over a week or two. I personally use hello fresh to alleviate this duty, and it is such a lifesaver as a working mom! Find what works for you and your lifestyle.

My last, and the biggest piece of advice, that I learned from an amazing woman I work with: give yourself grace. It’s okay to not work to your normal capacity. It’s okay to have breakdowns. It’s okay to not get all the work done you had planned that day. The whole world is experiencing a new normal, and for a lot, this is the first time to work from home or to be a stay at home parent. No one expects you to be perfect! It is a huge challenge and you are doing amazing.