Working Remotely With Kids – Summer Edition

We made it through another Michigan winter, and it’s time to savor this beautiful summer.

Like me, many parents of school-aged children have made the change to working remotely. While figuring out the school year has its own complications, summertime can also throw a curveball into your working routine.

Just when I feel like the home office is just about right and we have established a really strong workplace culture, school lets out and changes everything. Put another way, children have invaded my home and workplace. As of early July, my desk chair was broken, my afternoon snack stash was raided, and my Post-It notepad became a flipbook illustration. Every year, I intend to formulate a perfect plan that enables all to have their happiest and most productive summer. And every year, my best intentions are dashed as they quickly pounce and take over.

Does any of this sound familiar? I promise you it’s not too late. You can enjoy summer with your family and be productive working remotely.

Craft a Plan that Considers Each Family Stakeholder’s Needs

We have always made a summer wish list. Collecting and paring down all of our grand ideas helps us to determine what’s essential/doable. These priority items are scheduled on the family calendar. A good amount of our happiness throughout the year is derived from anticipating marquee summer plans. It also helps to have a documented plan for summer fun to point to when complaints of boredom inevitably arise. And they do, repeatedly. Instead of letting boredom drive the kids and you crazy, make it (and your response to it) part of the plan. Studies have shown that boredom has its benefits, including the development of creativity and new skills.

Stock Up on Enrichment Activities

In the beginning of summer I stock up on art supplies and craft kits. Whatever the kids are into – baking supplies, puzzles, sports equipment – sock away their favorites and dole them out slowly. Summer at home is kind of like a long road trip. It doesn’t have to be perfect; you just need everyone to maintain a semblance of order until the destination is reached. A slow-and-steady release of small distractions is good for all of us. I probably don’t have to tell you that if you gave them everything at once, 95% of it will immediately end up under their bed.

Use the Resources Available to You

The local library is a great stop for loads of free activities and fun. The Summer Reading Challenge can motivate your child to read each day. Libraries help to keep kids busy with things such as story time, coding classes, science experiments, and nature activities. As a bonus, working at the library (I’m writing this while sitting by the mysteries) is quiet, comfortable, and has reliable internet access. Community centers offer a variety of classes and camps for all ages and interests. Our summer is going to feature swimming, photography, and karate. I can bring my computer to the park to work in the sunshine while they are staying busy and burning off energy. And don’t forget to use the SEMCOG Park Finder® to locate the perfect outdoor adventures.

My 13-year old is always looking to make a few bucks, so he is responsible babysitting his younger brother while I work. It is good work experience and cash for him, and I get a motivated partner to help quiet house while they go to the park or on a bike ride. Of course, solutions can be found beyond your household too. I’ve been trading off childcare with a friend who is also working remotely. We alternate afternoons of keeping the kids. Even when all the kids are at my house, they usually keep each other entertained allow me to stay focused.

Knowing how to navigate these summer months is the difference between a successful summer and one that breaks parents. While working from the park recently, I was able to see my son go off the diving board for the first time during his swim lesson. I can’t say I remember what I was working on, but it got done and I’ll always remember his big toothy, proud grin right before jumping in.