Ideas for entertaining children while you're working from home
Combining working from home with children is not an easy task, we know. That's why we want to offer you a number of ideas to keep your children entertained while you work from home over the next few weeks. One of the key elements you should not overlook is organisation. Setting schedules will help you perform your tasks much better.
Take note!
Organisation is number one
In order for our proposals to work, you need to have a clear organisational basis to each day. This means that it's essential that you and your children have schedules, and that everyone knows what to do at all times. Of course, this will depend on the age of each child, but if they are old enough, it's important that you explain the new situation and how they can help make everything work at home.
To make it more enjoyable, especially for the youngest ones, you can make a Monday to Friday schedule that you hang up for all to see in a communal area in your home, such as the kitchen. This will allow them to understand that they are not on holiday and certain schedules and rules must be followed. Of course, this does not mean that a schedule can't be flexible, while you all adapt to it.
It's also important that you keep in mind where your children will be while you work from home. If they are very young, you will have to keep them close, so you could create an area near your desk or office. If they are older, they might be in their rooms or in the living room.
Another tip that may be helpful is that you wake up a little earlier than normal and take advantage of that time when children are still asleep to get ahead on some of your work. However, as you know, there are several hours in the day when working from home will coincide with the children. Here are some ideas to best manage this.
1- School activities
With the exception of the youngest family members, most children have school tasks to do online during these weeks. Though they may need your help and attention at times, they should carry out school work in the morning, during the same hours as your work. This will means that they are entertained and you have more time to continue with your own work.
Ideally, before you start, review all the tasks they have for each day, so you know how much time it will take them and when they will need your help. Maybe you could write everything on a piece of paper or on a small chalkboard and cross out the tasks as they are completed? This will definitely be motivating for them. Of course, so that they can concentrate on their tasks, it's best for them to use a desk and have everything they need at hand.
In addition, it's in your best interests to also factor in recreation time, like at school, to make it more enjoyable for them. You can take advantage of that time to also take a quick break from your work.
2- One hour of reading per day
Once their school work has been completed, some reading is a good idea for children to keep them quiet and busy. To encourage them, the best thing is to choose books on topics that they really like, meaning that this becomes a time of something fun and not a tedious obligation. To increase their motivation, you could create a small reading nook in the living room where they feel comfortable.
And once you have finished your work, you can dedicate some time to talking about what they have read. That way, they feel that you are all involved in this activity.
3- Fun crafts
Tired of reading? Doing crafts is a great alternative that children often really enjoy. You can search for craft tutorials, use a book as a guide or simply let them unleash their imagination. Of course, their age must also be taken into account. It's not a case of making a work of art, but of having fun experimenting with colours and textures.
Most likely you have lots of materials at home and you can reuse some things here and there for different crafts. However, if you don't have much, you can find some suggestions here.
Oh, and by the way, don't forget to protect the area where they are going to be creative with newspaper and plastic so that nothing gets stained.
4- Educational games
Playing is one of the most effective ways to learn, so when they have finished their school work, they can spend some time playing while you work from home. Ideally, opt for board games or educational games that entertain them and that do not require too much movement or noise.
If you have more than one child, this time can be spent together. If not, no problem – opt for individual games that mean they can learn and have a good time. There are so many options!
5- Cinema time
Another idea that you can include in your children's schedule while you work from home – whether it's every day or just a few days a week – is an hour to watch a film or a series that they like. They are sure to really enjoy that time and they will be entertained. Perhaps it's best to leave this activity for the afternoon, when school hours are over but you are perhaps still working.
Of course, this doesn't mean spending the day glued to the screen, so ideally you should set a time limit. To make it a more organised activity, you can choose the film or cartoons together, even in the previous evening.
We are delighted to see our customers use our products creatively. Why not try being creative too? But do remember, any modifications or changes that you make to IKEA products prevent them from being resold or used for their original use, and so voiding IKEA product warranties and your right of return.
