Need Peace and Quiet as a Work-From-Home Mom (or Dad)? We Can Help!

Dishes clattering. Kids screaming with laughter. The dog barking at falling leaves. The TV on too loud. A bin of Legos crashing on the hardwood floor… Juggling work responsibilities with parenting and family life can feel like a circus act. And it’s even worse when noise levels go through the roof, too.  Do you need noise-management tips for parents working from home? We’ve got four tips to help you turn down the volume so you can get the job done.  

1.  Establishing Dedicated Work and Play Zone

One of the most effective ways to cut down on noise in your work area is to set clear boundaries between it and family spaces. Having a defined space tells your children that it’s work time, which can cut down on interruptions and noise.

Here are some things to consider when deciding where to work in your home:

• If you have the space, choose a space in your home where you can set up a dedicated office away from high-traffic areas. Try to avoid the living room, kitchen, or the entrances to your home.
• Can you set up a free play space for your kids that’s not too close to your work area? If your kids have a dedicated space where they don’t have to be quiet, it’s easier to ask them to respect your quiet area.
• If you have kids who are quieter when nearby, consider setting up a corner of your workspace where they can play quietly. 
• Once you have decided on your work zone, help your kids understand that when you’re in this space, it’s your quiet working time.

2.  Soundproofing Your Work-From-Home Office

Sometimes, outdoor noise can sneak into your workspace no matter what you try. Adding soundproofing elements to your home office can cut down on distractions. Some easy ways to reduce noise are to add thick rugs, heavy curtains, and soft furniture to your work area. These all absorb sound and prevent echoes. 

Do you live where outside noise, like traffic or construction, is a constant struggle?  If your budget allows, you might have a good reason to add rolling security shutters to your home. Besides cutting down on environmental noise, they also offer protection from the weather and improve security.

If your budget is slimmer and you or a friend are handy, you could try making your own noise-canceling panels, like in the video below.

3.  Give Noise-Canceling Headphones A Try

Whether at home or out and about, a comfortable pair of noise-canceling headphones can do wonders for blocking out unwanted noise.

These are great tools to help you get in the zone while at work, even when the house is bursting with activity. If your noise-canceling headphones include a microphone, you can cut out noise chaos during virtual calls, too.

Plus, having this accessory in your work tool kit can be a lifesaver if you occasionally spend time  working from a coffee shop or a hotel room. Some models are even foldable to make them easier to slip into your laptop bag.

4.  Setting Your Kids Up For Success

If you’re going to ask your kids to be quiet while you’re working, it’s a good idea to understand what they’re capable of. Babies, toddlers, and very young children aren’t able to control their volume well.

You can try these ideas to help your kids help you:

• Take active breaks with your kids. Sing, dance, go for a walk, or to play in the yard or a playground. Get silly and have fun – and maybe you’ll wear them out a bit!
• Work in some mini connection breaks with your kids, too. Just spend a few minutes being with them and let them know they’re important to you. It will give you recharging time and let them know they matter to you even when you’re busy.
• Help your kids learn how to be quiet. Play games like “The Quiet Game” to help them practice in a fun way.
• Set them up with quieter activities for your quiet time. One mom created a craft cart for her four-year-old to use while she works.
• If you can, work when your kids are at school, napping, or asleep for the night. They’re less likely to be noisy if they’re not home or not awake! =)
  

Need some ideas for fun energy-using activities your kids might love? Try this video from an early-education teacher and a mom of toddlers.

Conclusion: You Can Have Quiet Work-From Home Time!

We can’t magically make your kids quiet (and we certainly can’t make the dog stop barking at leaves!). When you work from home as a parent, life is going to be going on all around you.

But getting some quiet while working from home doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. These noise-management tips for parents working from home can help you create a more peaceful work environment. So whether you’re tackling deadlines or joining video calls, you can start with small changes today. And, before long, you might find it much easier to focus, even with little ones around.