Ever since I started working from home, my parents have been dropping hints that maybe it’s time to start a family. “Nasa bahay ka naman,” they say, “mas may oras ka na for family life.” It sounds ideal, right? You see rave reviews from work from home parents about this kind of setup all the time.
But after doing some digging and consulting other work-from-home parents, I realized that the reality is much more complex.
Remote work and parenting don’t always blend as seamlessly as people think. The flexibility is great, but balancing client calls with snack requests, nap times, and the endless energy of young kids is a skill in itself.
Here are some practical tips gathered from WFH parents on finding balance between work and family and making remote work and parenting a little smoother.
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Parent Mode, Work Mode, and Everything in Between
Parenthood and professional life are demanding on their own – but combining them? Naku, that’s a whole different story! Remote work might sound like the perfect setup, but as many Filipino parents have discovered, it’s not as simple as it seems.
The daily reality hits different when your toddler is “nagpapapansin” during your most crucial work calls. As one mom shares, “Kapag nagwowork ako nagpapapansin siya, binabanggit niya lahat ng alam niyang sabihin pati nga laruan niya bininigay niya sakin para maglaro kami.“ Before you know it, work gets ignored and you start to lose focus – a familiar story for many WFH parents.
The guilt? It’s real and it hits hard. “Even though I work from home, parang hindi ko pa rin maalagaan nang maayos anak ko,” one parent confesses. Others find themselves escaping to their phones or books during free time, then feeling guilty about needing that space. It’s a cycle that many of WFH parents know too well.
But it’s not just about the emotional toll. Many Filipino families don’t have the luxury of choosing between work and full-time parenting. “Hindi kakayanin ng asawa ko if siya lang magwork,” shares another parent. WFH parents are all trying to build something better for our families – saving for a home, planning for the future, making sure kids have what they need.
The good news? As much as many Filipino parents shared their difficulties, there are also those who found practical, creative ways to make this setup work. Here’s how they are doing it…
How to Master Remote Work & Parenting
1. Make the Small Moments Count
Let’s be real – working parents barely have time to breathe, let alone plan elaborate family activities. But you know what? Sometimes the sweetest moments happen in between Zoom calls and deadlines.
Filipino parents have found their own ways for sneaking in some quality time even while working. “During breaktime, no phones or gadgets ako para focus lang sa kanya,” one dad shares. Simple pero sulit!
The secret? Being fully present in these little moments. As one mom puts it, “Umaagaw ako ng oras para kausapin siya.” Whether it’s sharing breakfast without screens, quick storytime sessions, or just listening to their kwento about their latest discovery – these small connections throughout the day add up to something meaningful.
Remember, your child’s version of quality time might be different from yours. Sometimes, they just want to sit beside you while you work, knowing you’re there. And you know what? That’s perfectly okay too.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
The real challenge of being a working parent isn’t just finding time; it’s setting clear boundaries between work and family time. For parents with younger kids, this can be especially tricky, since little ones may not fully understand when you’re in “work mode.”
To help them grasp the concept, many parents have turned to simple, visible rituals. One parent shared, “We make it clear that when the door is closed, it’s work time.” Other examples include setting a timer or putting on work clothes. These small routines create a sense of structure that kids can understand and rely on.
But sometimes, you don’t want the physical barrier of a door interfering with your time together. So for some parents, it’s about getting creative with parallel play. “I give my toddler activities like coloring or tracing para habang nagwowork, you create a scenario na ‘nagwowork’ din sya habang magkatabi kayo.“
Ultimately, setting clear boundaries is about consistency and finding what works for your family. While routines may evolve, having established signals or practices ensures that both work and family time are respected. By sticking to your boundaries and adjusting them as needed, you create a balanced environment where everyone knows their roles and feels supported.
3. Keep Up with Changing Family Dynamics
Here’s a truth every parent has to face: kids don’t come with a manual. And just when you think you’ve mastered one stage, everything changes.
Take it from one parent who shared a relatable experience: “Nasanay na kami sa setup namin. Then at 3 years old, my kid became unruly and stopped listening to me.” As your child grows, you’ll realize that balancing work and family requires constant adjustments.
Key Life Stages to Watch Out For:
- Newborn Phase: When balancing work and caring for a baby feels overwhelming, and your main focus becomes just getting through each day.
- Toddler Years: A phase when your child needs a lot of your attention and active engagement to support their growth and learning.
- School-Age: A stage where helping with homework, encouraging friendships, and giving them time to explore their independence becomes key.
Regular family check-ins are invaluable for reassessing schedules and ensuring everyone’s needs are met. Flexible work arrangements that adapt to your child’s changing needs can also foster a healthier work-life balance.
Sometimes, achieving this flexibility comes with trade-offs. But as one parent wisely noted, “Okay lang mas konti lang kita namin mag-asawa, basta yung family dynamics namin ay andiyan.”
4. Embrace Self-Care Without Guilt
Parenting while working remotely can feel like a constant juggling act, leaving little room for yourself and often leading to burnout.
Yet, self-care is not a luxury – it’s a lifeline. It’s what keeps you grounded, energized, and capable of being present for both work and family.
The first step is recognizing the need for rest. But not just any rest. As one parent wisely stated, “Need mo talaga ng pahinga. Not just sleep but a purposeful kind of rest.“
Whether it’s indulging in a hobby, stepping out for a quick walk, or enjoying a good book, these small acts recharge your energy. Moments like these help you show up better in every role you play.
Carving out personal time doesn’t have to feel selfish. Guilt often follows when parents put themselves first, but it shouldn’t. Remember, when you care for yourself, everyone benefits.
5. Leverage Your Support Network
You’ve probably heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Even in the digital age, this wisdom rings true. Parenting and remote work aren’t meant to be tackled alone – they thrive on collaboration and shared effort.
Start at home. Your partner should be your primary teammate, sharing the load in both work and parenting. As one parent noted, “My husband makes sure that I can get all the rest I needed after work,” showing how mutual support keeps the family running smoothly. Open, honest discussions about expectations are crucial to maintaining balance.
Extended family can also play a crucial role. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles often step in to bridge childcare gaps, especially during high-pressure periods. For others, hiring a nanny or caregiver may be a practical solution.
Your professional network matters too. Open communication with clients or employers about your parenting responsibilities can foster understanding and support. One virtual assistant‘s experience illustrates this perfectly: she informed her client 3-4 months before her due date about potential maternity leave, ensuring a smooth transition.
Community connections and friendships are just as vital. In the world of remote work and parenting, isolation can often creep in, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and alone. Sometimes, support comes in small but impactful ways , like a friend traveling an hour to deliver baby supplies, or neighbors offering help in a pinch. These acts of kindness remind us we’re never truly alone.
Asking for help isn’t a weakness – it’s a strength. By building a village of support, you’re not only lightening the load but creating an environment where your family can thrive.
Finale: It’s Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect...
Ultimately, success isn’t measured by perfect productivity or flawless parenting, but by your commitment to love, adapt, and grow alongside your children.
As one parent wisely shared, “You can always acquire all those things like a house or a car over time… but you can never bring back lost time.” This sentiment encapsulates the most critical truth: our children’s formative years are fleeting and irreplaceable.
Your presence, not perfection, will be the legacy you create for your children. So, embrace the imperfect journey, knowing that every effort you make truly matters.
Related: Guides on the Work from Home Life
