5 Tips To Prepare For An Important Call With Kids Home

As a work-at-home mom, I have several weekly conference calls.

I try and schedule my calls for the afternoon when my oldest is in school.

Handling one child and a call at the same time is hard enough.

However, it does not always work out that way. Sometimes I need to schedule the call in the morning when both kids are raring to go!

Over the past two years, I’ve learned a few tricks to getting through a conference call with kids around.

Tip #1: Have the talk.

This depends on how old your children are. I know my 3YO doesn’t quite get it yet and thinks it’s a game, but my almost 6YO does.

I try to sit them down and say, “Mommy has a very important call in a little while. I need the both of you to be good for me.” This doesn’t always work, but I feel the need to prepare them.

I want them to understand that when I’m on the phone {whether it’s business or personal}, they need to be on good behavior. We are still working on this.

Tip #2: Spend time with them.

I’ve learned the hard way, if I don’t spend time with them before my meeting then as soon as I pick up the phone they’ll come running into the room crying and hanging on my legs.

Now I set aside a hour or so before my call to make sure I give them my undivided attention. We’ll play games, dance, read, color and snuggle on the couch.

When I carve out time for them, they feel fulfilled and I can usually get through my call without interruptions.

Tip #3: Prepare and get organized.

It’s important to make sure you have all the materials you need for your call. I open up my browser, lay out the documents I’ll need, and make sure my notebook and pen are handy.

There is nothing like scrambling for something you need, while hearing kids crying in the background. Talk about stressful!

Make sure to get yourself prepared ahead of time, it’s one worry you can cross off your list.

Tip #4: Get them set-up.

About ten minutes before my call, I make sure they are set-up with an activity. I try to think about what they’ll most likely ask me for while I’m on the call.

Drinks – check. Snacks – check.

This helps avoid freak outs or meltdowns.

Tip #5: Mute is your new best friend.

Oh how I love the mute button! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to use this. I’ve been on very important calls when my boys started screaming and fighting. Don’t be afraid to use it.

Please note: It doesn’t always go smoothly, believe me.

I have done it all when trying to talk on a business call. I’ve changed diapers, wiped bloody noses, played games, fed kids, and even cleaned up an entire gallon of milk off the floor.

It’s really the best of both worlds. Working from home and getting to spend time with your babies.

So, remember to relax and breath. It can get stressful, but hopefully the person on the other end can understand or has been in your shoes before.

 

Do you have any tips to add?

 

Tagged as: business call, imporant call, working from home, working mom