In these days of COVID-19, families are slowly finding a new normal. If people are fortunate enough to be able to work from home, juggling time between children and work will take a balancing act.

Here are some ideas to help find that balance:

• With the exception of infants, children will need to learn how to entertain themselves. A lot of learning happens through play. There is no need to buy new toys or build an early learning center — what is at home will do just fine. This may also mean children will watch videos to entertain themselves.

• Be prepared to be interrupted by the children. Remember that they still have not mastered impulse control. Children may also be excited to be home with the parent. However, they understand that they’re in a new situation too. If a person can, hit “pause” and answer the question or see what they are excited about.

• Set a semi-flexible work schedule. Find the quiet times in the house and schedule work then. The parent will be much more productive when attention is not divided. Even if that is at 6 a.m.

• Set boundaries. The person working from home needs to get work done. Explain to the kids that they are home — WORKING — and will check on them when there is a break. Everyone will be okay if the parent is focusing on work. Consider hanging signs on the door when working and not to be interrupted. Kube also uses “Google Task” where she can write down tasks, assigned by date, that can easily mark when they are complete.

• Make sure the workspace is where the person can distance themself. This should be a place that is not being used for another purpose. Do not work from bed, the couch or the toy room.

• Conference calls or online meetings can be tough. Before jumping on a call, explain to the kids that the parent will be on the phone for business and should not be interrupted unless there is an emergency. Tell them they will be checked on once the call is over. Find a quiet place. Remember, many are working from home with kids, so don’t apologize if children make a noise.

• Make time to spend with the children during the day. Eat lunch with them or take play in the back yard for a few minutes. Check-in with them to see what they’re up to and engage with them for a few minutes. It will go a long way.

• Engage children in work. Explain to them what the parent is working on and why it’s important. This is a rare opportunity for them to see what the parent does and how its done. Need some papers sorted or stapled? Have them help.

• Lastly, the parent is already the children’s FIRST teacher. They don’t have to replace the preschool or school teacher. They are learning already in the everyday tasks done as a family. The family has already had several learning experiences that did not require a worksheet or structured setting.

We’re parents with families navigating through uncharted territory. This a unique opportunity to have more time with the children. These are days some wish they could have back again. Take advantage of it.

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Carrie Kube is a Director for the Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area Board.