Don’t pull your hair out! Work days are looking very different and may have you walking around in a daze. Little ones are being dragged into the office environment and stirring up lots of exciting opportunities. Maybe it is your own kids, your coworkers’ kids, your boss’s kids, your grandkids… the list goes on. I know personally that this new season has changed my work atmosphere. Virtual school is happening in the office down the hall, the accounting office is a part time daycare and my office is Gigi’s playground! And while listening to all the pitty patter of little feet I can’t help but smile big. I know that that season will pass much faster than it feels. My mom has always said “days are long but years are short”. I know this to be true as now my children are all grown and I have three beautiful grandchildren and lots of bonus ones on the church hallway too.
So here are a few keys that I have found that make this new God adventure more successful! Making the work daze more of a work dream with kids!
1. Crayons and paper are still miracle workers🙏🏼. Yes, there are more ways to entertain than the internet. And enjoy a creative moment with them. Laugh at yourself! And it is okay if you get outside the lines.
2. Cell phone breaks. Yes, you can lay your cell phone down and walk away from it. Set a timer and take some technology breaks throughout your day and give others your untechnology undivided attention. Don’t worry it will still be there after the break.
3. Put everyone to work. Let your new smaller office friends become helpers. It is a great way to connect and teach at the same time. Who knew that a 3 year old answering the phone makes people smile on the other end.
4. Recess was always one of my favorite classes. That means go outside every few hours and just run around the building. If you can’t run jumping jacks together in public is great for the office moral. 😆
5. Gifts are awesome. Have your crew make gifts for your coworkers/boss/each other. Heartfelt gifts are irresistible. And your kid being quiet and busy is just a bonus.
6. Laughter is a medicine. Just stop and laugh out loud at least once an hour. Your body doesn’t know the difference between a fake or real laugh. Also, laughter is contagious and it makes for a much more productive work environment. The joy of the Lord is your strength. That means laughter makes you stronger. It is an endurance booster! And your kids will have more fun with you too.
Working parents, grandparents and guardians don’t always have it easy. It can be really hard balancing our work life and family- so I say don’t balance just blend! It is tough achieving work goals and being a super parent but you can do all things through Christ- Philippians 4:13. Let me say I see you- I salute you- I am cheering for you! I hope these few keys help you be more productive and help take some pressure off. Just remember you are not alone and we are better together. And we now keep popsicles in the office freezer at all times!
Allison Bramlett 