Working from home…with company

Set boundaries with your children

Let your children know that, while they’re allowed more screen time and freedom than usual, this is a special exception and won’t last forever. Explain to them that you have work that can’t be left until another day. Tell them you need to work between certain hours and allow them to select engaging activities (even if that’s screen time) to keep them happy and settled while you get your work done. Choose your weapons strategically to keep them the quietest at the times you most need them to be.

Plan noisy, boisterous activities at times when you don’t need peace and quiet, tire them out and then there’s more chance of them staying quiet when you’re on that important conference call. Here’s some activity ideas to keep them safe and happy:

Get them to make a ‘do not disturb’ sign for your office door and make sure they know that when they see that they mustn’t come in.

Set up a colouring station and write a short list of things for them to draw and colour while you’re busy.

Allow them to mimic you by creating a mini workplace for them. They can ‘copy’ you with a laptop, mouse and notepad – they’ll feel like they’re working too.

If the weather’s nice, why not get them to ‘paint’ the fence or wall in the garden with water and a clean paintbrush?

Buy them the latest edition of an engaging kids’ magazine – there will be activities, little toys and stories in there to keep them quiet for a little while.

Challenge them to make you some jewellery with wool or string and beads or pasta (if you can find any…). It encourages creativity, develops fine motor skills and you’ll have a beautiful piece of jewellery when you finish your call.

Make time for outdoors

Even though we’ve been told we must stay away from other people when we’re self-isolating, there’s no advice that insists we must stay indoors. In the North East, we’re incredibly lucky to have stunning countryside and coastline on our doorsteps.

Getting outdoors with the kids is just as crucial during self-isolation as it is at any other time. Staying indoors and breathing stale air will eventually cause stuffiness, headaches, frustration and boredom. Try to build some time outdoors into your everyday routine. Fresh air will clear everyone’s lungs and provide stimulating opportunities that you just can’t get indoors.

Whip out the bikes or scooters and build up some speed, or have a sedate amble along the seafront or through your local park. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and talk about the colours and plant life you see. Grab a takeaway cuppa to support your local businesses and tuck into an al fresco packed lunch while you’re out. You’ll all feel more relaxed, more alive and energised and everyone will sleep better too.

If all else fails, embrace technology

In these unprecedented times, we can’t all be model parents in the face of adversity.

Sometimes we have to accept that we need technological help to get the bare minimum done. If Netflix and popcorn will keep the kids happy for a couple of hours, use it. If Minecraft and biscuits allow you to finish that important presentation and meet the deadline, embrace it.

The kids are happy and safe, and you get your work done. This is relatively short-term. Go with it.

Here are a few suggestions for educational websites to keep the kids entertained and stimulated while they’re online:

There are loads of fun and free games at the CBeebies website

Topmarks has some lovely numeracy and literacy games for children from 3-14 years old

Try the National Geographic website for games and quizzes for children of all ages

Cookie.com has loads of games from maths and reading to puzzles and science.