I have found through the experience of 3 children and 15 years that the ultimate best way to work when you have children at home with you is to send them off somewhere else. Oh, wait a minute. I know, that is NOT what you wanted to hear.
Well, besides that, the #1 way to work with children at home isto set expectations!
Regardless of your child’s age, knowing what to expect and having your children understand what is expected of them under various circumstances can make things so much easier for you and your children.
It’s important to set up a routine that you and your child can get used to. A routine that includes some time for you to work, as well as some reward time for the child to spend with you after your work is done for that time period. If your children are young, try to keep the routine the same each day. Children don’t remember that on Monday you do one thing and on Wed you do something else. They understand day-to-day routines much better until they get a little older.
Establish and enforce rules for your children to follow that are explained in their age-appropriate words and understanding. You know your child. Make sure you are speaking at their level. Keep the explanation upbeat and positive. Make it sound exciting. But most of all, make sure they understand.
Once you establish and explain the rules, make sure to enforce them on a consistent basis. Consistency helps children to learn your expectations and provides meaning to the explanations that you voice to them.
