Working parents - tips and tricks

Working from home (WFH) can be a challenge for many of us. This toolkit provides a range of ideas for staff on tips, tricks and resources for keeping your children entertained.

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Activity ideas and resources

Educational

Outdoor

  • Keep kids occupied outside by letting them draw positive messages in chalk on the driveway, footpath or other concrete surfaces.
  • Draw a chalk ‘hopscotch’ game in the backyard
  • Play an outdoor scavenger hunt by making a list of items that would most likely be found in your backyard
  • Go for a bear hunt walk through your neighbourhood to count the bears

Online fitness

Arts and craft

Imaginative experiences and entertainment

Quick tips

Plan activities that don’t require supervision

Planning activities that don’t require direct supervision will provide you with more time to focus on your work and own personal commitments. Different activities will apply to different age groups, depending on your schedule and the age of your children. Take advantage of nap time, educational games and apps, and books.

Create and communicate your schedule

Planning is key. It is important to schedule your day with set work and personal goals. Look at what you have that is most important not to be interrupted, and aim to schedule the most engaging/reliable activities for your children to be on their own during that time.

Set boundaries

Have a family meeting and explain how working from home works, and let your kids know that you have certain tasks that you must accomplish without regular interruption. Explain that you will allocate time to check on them and see what they are doing. Encourage them to problem solve and be independent where possible.

Reward good behaviour

Rewarding and encouraging good behaviour is very important. Let your children know that they will be rewarded by, for example, not interrupting you while you are in a virtual meeting. Give them lots of praise and thank them for their help and understanding.

Take breaks

Schedule frequent breaks in your day. Allocate various times throughout the day to help your children with tasks, activities and school work.

Have a ‘Plan B’

Eventually, your children may get bored of the activities planned for the day. Have a back-up activity game ready to go. For example, allow them to pick a random activity idea out of a hat that you have pre-prepared.