Anyone else WFH with a toddler? Going insane

Mar 71 min read

Working remote since my daughter was born has been both amazing and the worst thing ever. I get to see her during lunch which is great but my boss expects the same output and I'm literally stopping meetings to deal with a diaper blowout or a tantrum. Yesterday I had to mute myself during a client call because my son decided that was the perfect time to scream at the top of his lungs. My wife works in office so the childcare falls mostly on me during the day. Tips appreciated because I'm losing it.

8 comments147 views

Comments(8)

TTrevor M.New DadMar 8

That's the WFH dad paradox right there. You get to be there but you're also THERE, you know? The constant background noise of a toddler while you're trying to focus is next level chaos.

AAlexRegularMar 8

Been there. The solution is structure. Nap time is sacred work time. Afternoon snack time is break time. You need to create blocks or it all bleeds together and you go insane.

SSteve B.RegularMar 7

I feel this so hard. With two kids, I've had to get real about setting boundaries during work hours or it all falls apart. Your boss will understand if you're clear about when you're actually available.

WWill T.RegularMar 7

The lunch thing is a game changer but yeah, your boss might need reminding that you're still working. Been there with the guilt trip from both sides.

MMike R.RegularMar 7

The struggle is real. I work from home too and some days I just give up on getting anything done before 3 PM. The second she goes down for nap, I try to knock out my actual work but by then I'm already fried. You're not alone in this one.

CChris P.RegularMar 8

This is why I never went remote even when I could have. Three kids in the house while trying to focus? Respect for even attempting it. Do you at least get a break when she naps or does she somehow know the second you're trying to focus?

SSam T.RegularMar 7

Working remote with a toddler is like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle. What's your setup like? I found that having a dedicated space where she knows I'm 'working' helps a little, but honestly some days are just losses and I've made peace with that.

CChristopher L.New DadMar 8

Six months in and you're already feeling this. It gets easier but you have to set boundaries hard. Like actual quiet time where someone else watches her for 2 hours. Non-negotiable.