There’s WFH.
Then there’s WFH with a toddler narrating their snack needs in the background of your team standup. (We are currently in the grip of an “apple” obsession. Apple = bell peppers, cucumbers, most crunchy things, and occasionally actual apples.)
We know most working parents aren’t doing full-time caregiving and full-time work at the exact same time, but when the primary caretaker needs a break (or your kid Houdinis their way across the house to find you) the chaos lands in your lap.
This week’s issue is about tactical moves for those “can-you-just” moments, so you can still hit send before your coffee hits cold.
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🧘♀️ The Visual Quiet Zone Hack (aka it’s worth a try)
👉 The goal isn’t perfect silence. Mostly because we know that’s impossible. It’s a clear, kid-understandable signal that right now = not the time.
Try one of these:
🔷 A red bandana on the doorknob (college dorm nostalgia, but make it parental)
🔷 A certain lamp turned on = “quiet zone activated”
🔷 Your kid-friendly (aka noise canceling) headphones = “please don’t”
Make it work:
⏲️ Pair it with a visible timer (Time Timer, Alexa countdown, egg timer?)
📝 Let your kid leave you post-its instead of interrupting. Turns out, that’s surprisingly satisfying for both of you
You’re not being strict. You’re being smart about protecting the two things you need most: attention span and patience.
🍽️ The Midday Reset Meal (Together. Aww.)
👉 Taking a lunch break with your kid — not despite them — can flip your whole day.
Here’s how to make it low-effort and high-impact:
🔹 Keep a “Lunch Outside” bin packed: wipes, paper plates, picnic blanket = done
🔹 Inside version: light a candle, dim the lights, call it “fancy lunch”
🔹 Let them help set it up or pick the menu (with pre-approved options)
It’s a reset for both of you - movement, connection, screen break. You get back to work slightly more human. They feel like they got your full attention… at least, for 23 whole minutes.
Did you know? 🧃 JuiceBox is built by a tiny team of working parents just like you. We curate and write this stuff so you don’t have to but we’d LOVE for you to get in on the action.
💬 Got a time-saving tip or a chaos-fighting hack of your own? Hit reply and share it—we all need a village, and we’d love to hear from you.
👯♀️ Know a fellow parent who needs this? Forward away or hit this button:
🎒 Mini Co-Working Stations
👉 When your kid wants to be “just like you” while you’re working, let them. Create a “kid office” setup nearby that actually keeps them busy.
🔹 Starter kit:
Tray of crayons, paper, stickers, post-its
Old keyboard, calculator, mouse = Big Business energy
PS: Can confirm. These should be old and not anything you need to use again.
Clipboard = CEO status
Bonus task: “Draw what you think I do all day” (hilarious and slightly brutal)
This gives them ownership, and gives you a chance to power through a work sprint with fewer mid-sentence interruptions. Hey, we didn't say it was fool proof BUT it's definitely worth a try.
💼 This Week’s Work WTF
Inspired by real life events.
Scenario:
“Oh, are you watching the kids while you work?”
What We Wish We Could Say:
“Yes. I’m watching her solve more problems than you have all year.”
Steal This Response:
“On the rare occasion. I’ve set up support and blocks that work for our family.”
Then carry on like the boss you are.
K that’s all. You’re the best and we love you.
-CK “Apple Chef” Fuller (Editor) & the JB Crew 🫡