They say having a child is like having a full-time job. So when you have a child and a full-time job, surely that means you’ve got two full-time jobs right? Children require care and attention at the best of times, and when they are ill, it’s quite impossible to get anything done, least of all your own job! And luckily there are now many bosses that are understanding when you have to work in your home, but how can you get the balance right when you’ve got a child sneezing, puking, and craving cuddles from you, but you’ve got an important Skype meeting in 5 minutes?
Trick 1: Go For The Home Comforts
While it can be tempting to engage in bribery to keep them happy, it’s all about striking a fine balance between the two. So if you have got an important Skype chat at exactly 10:10, then consult the TV guide, and you will find that there are plenty of kids shows on. Or failing that, stick on a box set on Netflix for your little one. Unfortunately when it comes to putting on a professional front, it’s very difficult when you have an upset child, so if you can time it right, they can be entertained for long enough for you to get in that quick meeting then go for it!
Trick 2: Making The Most Of Your Smartphone
The great thing about tech when it comes to getting work done from a remote location is that you can use your phone for pretty much anything now. So if you need to type up a report, then the speech to text function on your phone will be a lifesaver if you’ve got a sickly child cuddling up to you. In fact, even if you have a concern about your child getting ill there is the GP at Hand app where you can get a diagnosis from a doctor (technically) face to face, and so you can alleviate any fears quickly. The hardest thing with trying to balance work and a sick child at the same time is to keep your work head on while also making sure your child is looked after at the same time. The mobile phone is a lifesaver when it comes to this because it can come with you anywhere, so if you need to go to a GP in person, then it is still possible to an extent to do some work thanks to speech to text functions and mobile communication tools.
Trick 3: The Power Of Nap Time
It’s a mixed blessing if you have an ill child and you need to do some work with a very tight deadline. Because if your child has something like the flu, then they need adequate rest but also if they are still able to keep their naps at the usual times (which is rare), you know when you can get work done, and at least you can structure your day around those nap times.
