Tips for working at home with children

MANAGE EXPECTATIONS: This is perhaps the most important thing: accept that you will get less done, and make sure your employer understands that too.

A nine-hour workday, plus a six-hour school day, plus seven hours of non-school parenting equals 22 hours, leaving just two for you to eat, sleep and apply basic standards of hygiene. This is not possible. If you manage the expectations of others (and yourself) you may stay sane a little longer.

SPLIT UP THE WORKLOAD: If there are two of you, life should in theory be easier.

USE TECH TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY: If you have an intense workday, give your family an hour where they can ask you to open that jar of gherkins, show you their new dance move and discuss the latest devastating newsflash. To work from home, you need pockets of intensely productive time, but also, moments when you accept no work will happen.

ACCEPT THE NOISE: The sooner you accept that the kids will shout, the postman will pummel the door like Tyson Fury and your partner will ask where the clean tea towels are – despite having cohabited for 12 years – the less stressful it will all become. Make peace with the chaos because it’s a fight you won’t win. But also, do make sure you get some time alone – whether that’s hiding in the garden or the bath or a 20-minute spell of outdoor (physical distancing) exercise.

GET DRESSED: Get up, get dressed, start your day as you would normally.

MAKE SOME SPACE: It doesn’t matter where you choose to work in your own home – but make it yours and make it clear.