Tips for working from home

17 April 2020

17 Apr 2020

As Elsa from Frozen once sang… Let it go! It’s advice VMCH psychologist Erin Briedis is giving to all parents working from home (WFH) – and trying to take herself.

And if Frozen is occasionally playing on loop at your place so you can get some work done, don’t sweat it. Parent guilt is real and it’s being felt by everyone coming to terms with the new normal… juggling our work and home life in the confines of our respective homes.

Erin is homeschooling her five-year-old daughter and twin boys, aged 3, while providing psychology and counselling support to VMCH Allied Health clients and staff. Her husband is an essential worker in a Government position, so the bulk of child rearing is – at the moment – on her.

“It’s been a challenge to balance everything and maintain a sense of calm and safety. Some days are good, but on the bad days we let go a bit and allow for more tv and relaxation time. It’s definitely a work in progress!”

Erin’s tips for WFH in iso:

Young kids express their feelings through behaviour so just try to stay calm during those peaks
Lower your expectations. Know you won’t be able to do it all so just do what you can and celebrate the small wins
Routine is good but don’t be too strict with it – this will set you up for failure
Stop, take a breath, and know it will pass
Try small bursts of intense (homeschooling) work intermixed with your own work
Try to keep those social connections (in safe ways) and prioritise your mental health and that of your family.

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We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.