Work From Home Video Calls As A mom? Yes, we Have some Hacks For That!

If you have young kids as a work-from-home mom (or dad!), an article on remote work hacks to make your video communication stronger might seem like it’s a universe away from what you need right now.

Because, let’s face it –  if you’ve ever had a baby with a blowout diaper emergency and a toddler who is dancing half-naked in a pile of Legos and clean laundry right in the middle of the space you cleaned for an hour to make a backdrop for your call, you probably really just want to run away from home.

 Trust me, I get it. I’ve been there, too.

But video calls are often a critical part of remote work. And that’s not to mention that virtual interviews are important for getting good remote clients in the first place. Skipping them isn’t usually an option if you want the flexibility and opportunities working from home provides.

So what do you do about the very real obstacles in the form of tiny humans who need you? Read on – we can help you get a handle on things and keep your clients – and your sanity.

Set Up Your Space for Virtual Success

You might not have space to create a dedicated studio for your video calls. But having a space where you can have video calls without extra distractions is vital to good video communication. You need a quiet, clutter-free area where you can focus.

If you don’t have a room you can devote to this, consider setting up a corner of your bedroom, or taking calls in your kitchen or living room while the kids nap. If you don’t have the time to clean before every call, you could try this simple, quick DIY foldable background project. It’s inexpensive and doing it once could save you a lot of time and frustration later.

You can also use a blank wall or a bookcase as your background. Use a comfortable surface and chair and make sure you’ve got them at a height that positions you naturally in front of the camera.

Lighting Can Make or Break Your Calls

Good lighting is a great way to improve the quality of video calls. It lets the people on the other side of your screen see your face and read your expressions. That can mean the difference between getting a client or not. When discovery calls and interviews are virtual, connection is a huge part of the decision-making process.

If you can, position your video setup to take advantage of natural light. Try facing a window where sunlight hits your face evenly. If you don’t have access to natural light (maybe the best time for your calls is at night, or the best location doesn’t get direct sunlight) you can try an affordable ring light or even a desk lamp to create even light. Put the light source a little above or behind your camera to get the best lighting and avoid shadows and glare. Some web cameras even come with ring lights built in – I love mine!

Cut Down on Ambient Noise

If you don’t want to hear your baby’s screams and toddler’s shrieks, it’s pretty much a given that the person on the other end of your call doesn’t, either. Reducing ambient noise is another big step toward improving video communication efficiency.

You can use a separate room and close the door if you have one. But sounds can travel through walls, doors, and windows. Built-in laptop mics often pick up background noise and can echo, too.

A reliable microphone will cancel ambient noise. Noise-canceling headsets are another excellent option. Both options will let the people on the other end of your call receive your message loud and clear.

Other options are using audio foam or sound blankets to muffle ambient noise, or to simply mute yourself when you’re not speaking.

It’s also a good idea to test your audio settings regularly to ensure they’re working correctly. This way, you won’t find out you have a problem just before you’re supposed to join or host an important video call.

Optimize Your Internet Connection

A poor internet connection can derail an otherwise perfect video call. To avoid this, switch to a wired Ethernet connection if possible. These are often more stable than Wi-Fi.

If Ethernet isn’t an option, you can try positioning your router closer to your workspace. You can also invest in a Wi-Fi signal booster for better coverage.

Does your Internet provider often drop service? If you have other options in your area, it might be a good idea to switch to a more reliable carrier. Another possibility is to use your phone for your call. Your phone can also be a hotspot if its service is better.

Need more ideas? This guide to speeding up your internet might have the answers you’re looking for.

Be Ready for Your Close-Up

If you’re looking for strong video communication, your on-camera presence matters.  You can create eye contact by looking into your webcam, not your screen. Keeping your posture straight and using gentle hand gestures while speaking helps, too. And when you speak clearly and with confidence, people will be more receptive to your message.

It’s also important to pay attention to your body language. Try to smile and nod occasionally when others are speaking. This shows that you’re actively listening and thinking about what they’re saying. Making these simple adjustments can build better connections. And that can help you succeed in your work-from-home life, whether you’re trying to sign a new client or take on new remote work leadership positions. 

Conclusion: Common Sense Hacks Can Make Your Video Communication Game Stronger

Okay, so we can’t help you with childcare while you make your important video calls. That screaming baby and shrieking toddler are still going to be a part of your life. Well, at least until they grow into bigger kids (with different challenges!).

But if you need to make calls for your remote work life, these hacks give you a place to start to make your video communication stronger. Try out the ones that will help you now. Soon you’ll be ready to take on video meetings and get important information across. Or even just have a great chat with family or friends over coffee.

Which might just make it easier to deal with that laundry and Lego chaos and the inevitable diaper emergencies! So try one or more of these remote work hacks and make your video communication stronger. Here’s to having one less thing to worry about in your work-from-home life.