How to Work From Home (With Kids Climbing You)

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.

🎒 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.

K that’s all. You’re the best and we love you.

-CK “Apple Chef” Fuller (Editor) & the JB Crew 🫡