Some working mothers may choose to work from home (WFH) or work from home to stay with their children. They may tend to choose more flexible jobs, such as being a freelancer or running a business at home. That way, they find it easier to manage the time between work and parenting.
Even so, in certain conditions mothers who work at home still have their own challenges. One of them is when the child is sick. Yes Moms, moms may feel overwhelmed when they have to work while taking care of their little ones who are sick. Some jobs may have to be abandoned in order to focus on caring for children.
Well Moms, to solve this problem, here are some tips that you can try when working at home while caring for a sick child as quoted from Pop Sugar.
Tips for Mothers who WFH While Caring for Sick Children
1. Make the Work Schedule Looser
To keep work done while caring for a sick child, you can create a looser schedule for the day whenever possible. For example, reducing the number of targets or postponing a meeting with a client. With such a looser schedule, you can not only take care of sick children, but also can take advantage of the time to take a short break from busy work.
2. Ask for Help
If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to ask your husband or another family member, Moms, for help. This assistance can certainly ease your burden in completing work and caring for your little one who is sick.
"I think sometimes we have to 'humble ourselves' (lower the ego) and receive help at certain periods of our lives. Having a sick child is one of the periods to receive help," said Tiffany Conyers, LCSW, PMH-C., a perinatal mental health expert.
3. Make Compromises with Colleagues
If the day's work really can't be left behind, try to make compromises with colleagues, Moms. For example, requesting an extension of the deadline so that you can continue to care for a sick child.
"You do have to ask often. No one offered it. Say, 'I need support. This is what I can do. It's not going to be realistic for me'," said Aliza Pressman, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist who specializes in the family field.
4. Work Near Children
A sick child will probably be cranky more often. To make it easier for you to calm him down, try to work near the child, Moms. That way, he'll know you're there for him when he's in need.
"Maybe they need a little extra love, whatever feels like it's soothing to them," Dr. Pressman said.
5. Realize That It's Only Temporary
While balancing work at home while caring for a sick child feels challenging, realize that this moment only happens temporarily, Moms. With a little extra patience, you can certainly get through it.