How to Successfully be a Work-at-Home Parent

On Friday you may have seen the viral video below of professor Robert Kelly being interviewed live on BBC and his adorable children deciding to join him. I have to admit, I’ve watched it numerous times, but still crack up every time. Partially because I feel his slight embarrassment, although I’ve never been interviewed on BBC. Conference calls and a Huff Post Live segment will do as a close similarity, lol. And also in part, because his wive’s stealth moves are worthy of a cape. Then there’s his daughter entrance. The innocence of her strut is too funny, lol.

Work-At-Home Parents

Jokes aside though, how many work-at-home parents aren’t all too familiar with this scenario? We try to schedule things during nap times, or even during late night hours when the kids are sound asleep. However scheduling is not always up to us. And so compromises and less than ideal solutions often have to be implemented.

Solutions?

There really are only 2 options: Let the kids join in or “lock” them in a room until you’re done. I know, I know, locking in the kids sounds harsh. What I mean is putting the TV on, a bowl of snacks, and ALL their toys at their fingertips, and gently close the door behind you, lol. Then it’s hoping and praying they’ll be calm until the interview is finished.

Also Related: Yes, Being a Stay-At-Home Mom is Still Work

If you’re lucky they stay calm, if not, your important call may have some whimpering and/or crying in the background. A friend of mine recently had an interview that lasted maybe 10 minutes, and her little daughter decided to cry throughout the whole thing in the room next door. Ironically when the call was done, she had tired herself out and fell asleep shortly after. What’s a mom to do?

Discipline Required

I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer, and of course, every situation varies. Being a work-at-home parent is a challenge that requires self-discipline, courage, and perhaps also a pinch of crazy, lol. It’s not an easy feat and so to all the brave parents that do, I commend you. I did a stint of it, thinking it was my ideal life, but I lacked the discipline required. Maybe if all my children were school aged, I could better utilize the hours between 9 am and 3 pm. But with a baby and a toddler, I felt I was either using the TV as a sitter or working into the wee hours of the night. No bueno.

With that said, I unfortunately don’t have the answer on how to successfully work and parent from home. But I would love to hear your suggestions and advice in the comments below.

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