How to Actually Work From Home With Kids (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Job)
Let’s get one thing straight: working from home with young kids isn’t cute and cozy—it’s a logistical marathon.
I work full-time as a Director of Operations, which means I’m in the trenches of back-to-back meetings, strategic planning, and about 700 Slack messages a day. And I do it all while managing a household with small humans underfoot.
No, I don’t do it alone. And no, I don’t have unlimited time or energy. But I do have strategies that keep me afloat—and might help you too.
1. Protect Your Mornings for Deep Work
My brain is sharpest in the morning (before the noise and the needs hit full volume), so I guard that time like it’s a sacred ritual.
I block out deep work hours before meetings start—this is when I tackle big-picture thinking, writing, decision-making, or anything that requires full focus. I avoid scheduling calls during this window whenever possible.
Tip: Put a recurring “Focus Time” block on your calendar so others can’t fill it up.
2. Schedules Matter—But They Need Breathing Room
The whole “structure over schedule” advice is great if you’re freelancing—but when you’re in a company role? Meetings are non-negotiable.
I rely on a tight, realistic daily schedule that includes:
Meeting blocks (stacked as much as possible to avoid a scattered day)
Focused work blocks (deep vs. shallow work)
Catch-up buffer time in the afternoon for when life throws curveballs
Working moms can’t afford to be reactive—we need proactive schedules and the flexibility to pivot without panic.
3. Batch Your Work by Brain Power
Not all tasks require your full mental horsepower.
I break my work into three buckets:
High-brainpower tasks: planning, analysis, writing, strategy (done in the morning)
Medium tasks: meetings, reviews, team check-ins
Low-brainpower tasks: admin, documentation, inbox clean-up
Matching your energy to the right kind of task helps you stay efficient—even when the toddler is tap-dancing nearby.
4. Designate a Space—Even If It’s Just a Corner
Having a physical space for work (not the couch, not the dining table) sets a visual boundary for everyone—including your own brain.
Even a desk in the corner with a noise-canceling headset and a “Mom is working” sign can signal this is focus time.
Pro tip: Keep your essentials nearby (charger, water, notebook) so you’re not constantly getting up—and losing momentum.
5. Time Block Everything
I treat my workday like puzzle pieces that need to fit together:
Drop-offs, meals, meetings, emails—it all goes on the calendar.
I even block time for “thinking” so I’m not stuck reacting all day.
If it’s not scheduled, it probably won’t happen.
6. Use a Planner or Project Tracker (Because Your Brain is Full)
We’re carrying way too much in our heads. Meetings, school reminders, projects, deadlines, what’s for dinner—it’s no wonder we feel scattered.
I keep everything in one place using a planner or digital project management tool.
Whether it's a Google Calendar, an Asana board, a notebook with deadlines—just get it out of your head and onto paper.
Your brain is not a storage unit. Offload it so you can focus on actually getting things done.
7. Build a Backpocket Plan for Chaos Days
Kids get sick. Tech fails. Childcare cancelled.
Have a go-to plan for days when everything falls apart:
A short list of tasks you can do with distractions
A standing Slack message that lets your team know you’re juggling
A realistic “what can wait” list so you don’t panic
List of activities your littles can do if you are in meetings
8. You Don’t Have to Do It All Alone—And Most Women Don’t
Here’s the truth: the women you see crushing it on Zoom? Many of them have help. Partners, relatives, preschool, or screen time—something is making it possible.
You might not have paid support, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build in help in other ways. Swap time with a friend. Use independent play windows. Lean on asynchronous work when possible.
You’re not weak for needing support—you’re smart for using it.
Final Word: You’re Not Failing—You’re Doing A Lot
If working from home with kids feels overwhelming, it’s because it is. You’re balancing career goals, family responsibilities, and the never-ending snack requests—all in the same space, often at the same time.
You’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong.
You’re doing what a lot of women are doing quietly every day—figuring it out, piece by piece.
With the right strategies and realistic expectations, you can get your work done and show up for your family—without burning yourself out in the process.
