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6 Step Strategy for Remote-Working Parents with Kids at Home

Matt Barnes

I've been there... here's what helped.


1. List all the home tasks that need to be done. (eg: Dishes, sweeping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc). No task is too big or small.


2. Break each task into its smallest activity. (eg: Put spoons into the dishwasher, put plastic plates into the dishwasher, etc)


3. Next Saturday, have a Family Meeting with one agenda item: "Assign Tasks to Non-Parents." Based on the ages of your children, assign one or more of the tasks to them for the coming week.


4. Spend Saturday discussing with the child

  1. why the task is important,

  2. how and when to do the task,

  3. what benefits come to the family when completed -- and what problems come if not completed. (Note: These are not 'punishments' or 'rewards.' These are natural family consequences... Ex: If dishes aren't in the dishwasher, then tired dad has to do it and then has less time to read with kids.)


5. Each morning for a week, ask the kids if they remember their assignments -- remind them if not.


6. Once completed, simply thank them for their contribution to the family. No rewards.


Repeat steps 1-6 each month adding more responsibilities and adjusting the workload.


Having worked remotely for 10-years+, you'll be amazed at how capable your kids can become -- and how this can de-stress your remote working -- but you'll need to be intentional about building their level of responsibility.


Go slowly but stick with it. Let me know if you have questions.

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