Working at home has gained popularity in this day and age of technology. A lot of meetings and appointments can now be scheduled via online platforms. Indeed, dads can now spend their time at home while still continuing to earn. But this isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Having to work at home is a privilege, but can also be a source of anxiety if you are new in mixing home and work responsibilities in a single setting. Here are healthy habits dads should manage working at home.

1. Create a schedule

The art of being a dad and working from home at the same time can be a struggle. With your current work setup, create a schedule that will keep all your responsibilities flowing at a steady pace.

Draft a schedule for a day and see if it works. You can always try to schedule each day differently. Hitting the perfect one can be far from perfect, but each day is progress to a better dad and work setup at home.

2. Structure your day with a routine

Your schedule can change from time to time, but having non-negotiable routines like your own alone time, time with the kids and time for work can refresh your entire day. Have the basic routines up and running while still working from home. List your non-negotiable routines like having a morning coffee, or taking time for meditation, to boost your day.

3. Get breakfast together

There is nothing more reassuring that your day will be great than having breakfast together with your family. Take the first sip of coffee (made from a latte machine, or your favorite pod coffee maker - either way works!) alone or with the kids, and enjoy your warm cup either way. A breakfast sets your mood right and gets your day going.

4. Know your boundaries as a dad and as a worker

Learning your role as a dad and as a worker by day is a huge step in keeping a healthy habit of working at home. If you don’t know the clear delineation of both of your roles, you will feel like you’re not doing enough of either.

Set the boundaries of your role as a dad and as a worker. If closing the door of your work station helps, you can do it to optimize your role for work. Let your home members know your schedule so they can respect your time for work. Spend the rest of the day as a dad once all your work responsibilities are done.

5. Dress up

One way to keep yourself motivated in a work-at-home setup is by dressing up as if you’re still working away from home. You don’t have to put on the most glamorous suit, but you can skip the pyjamas and put on decent trousers. A fresh shirt can also make a difference in terms of productivity at work.

Aside from dressing up, take a shower and spend some time for self-care. Fix your hair, wear a fresh set of clothes, and get ready for the day as if your work station isn’t at home.

6. Keep your kids entertained

Screen time can’t be avoided, especially if you have growing kids. Ease on the screen time, and let them have their own shows in a limited amount of time. Make sure to have the appropriate shows on board and let them know what shows are allowed at their age.

The current shows aren’t their only source of entertainment. Assign household chores to your kids and reward them with their own screen time. You may also set up an assigned activity so they will also be busy on your work schedule.

7. Anticipate interruptions

Being strict with your work schedule can get things done, but this may not always be the case when you are working at home. Kids can cause interruptions and can take some time off your working hours. It is healthier to anticipate these interruptions so you will know how to handle them.

Teach your kids basic signs on when not to interrupt important calls. Let them know that you can hang out for a while, and teach them to be patient while being on a vital meeting.

8. Set a snack section

Balancing work and home responsibilities can be draining. Set up a snack and water section at home where you can take a few minutes off your workstation. Munch a few biscuits and hydrate yourself to go back to work with a clearer mind.

This also serves for you to get up your chair once in a while, and take a few steps to your snack section for a quick recharge.

9. Set time for other activities

A great way to spend your work break is by having a set time for activities with your family. Get creative and bring out your home activity kits. Bring out all the art materials, and set up an activity corner in your home where you can get messy and get creative at the same time.

Play some time with your pets, and get your kids to be active in your backyard. Bring back your childhood games and let your children experience what it was like living a gadget-free life.

10. Get a helping hand

The responsibilities of being a dad can go out of hand, especially when work becomes demanding. Getting a helping hand from relatives can be a great relief from the side of the dads. This will make you focus more on work, and get things done at the right time, without the distraction from the kids. After work, you can then get back with them in no time.

If your family members aren’t around, you can set up a video call with them and have the kids entertained with a cooking session, a fun chat of old stories, or an art and music class. The possibilities are endless when it comes to getting help from your loved ones.

11. Take a nap

Getting a quick energy booster is essential. This healthy habit can enhance your work, and can also energize you with your activities with the kids. A 10 or 15 minute nap can make a difference in your dad and work life simultaneously.

Working from home is a blessing, and it only needs some time to get the hang of it. Healthy habits are needed to get the right groove in being a dad and working at the same time. These habits are designed to structure your day and juggle your dad and work responsibilities like a pro.

About the Author

Charles Vallena is the founder and managing editor of Cuppabean, a coffee blog that helps people make better coffee by providing expert insights, recipes, and in-depth reviews on coffee makers.

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