Are you suddenly finding yourself working from home? Are the kids also home from school? Are the cats underfoot? This could be a recipe for disaster, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips from an expert who has been telecommuting full-time since 1994, while raising four kids and scores of cats:

1. Have a designated work space in a room where you can close the doors if need be. For efficiency, consider having this workspace on the main level of your home so you can keep tabs on kids.

2. Try to get dressed every day in something other than sweatpants. It is a good reminder that you are home to work, not lounge.

3. But, remember, it is okay to work in pajamas. Sometimes you need to get something done before getting dressed or after putting on your pajamas. This is one of the joys of telecommuting. Be careful not to get sucked into your work like this too often, though, as you may find yourself looking at the clock hours later and realizing your day started without you. Same holds true for those before-bed looks at the computer. You don’t want to find yourself up at 2 AM too often. (Also, save yourself some grief from the recipient about your night owl tendencies and use the “Delay Delivery” option so your email arrives during normal business hours).

4. To the outside world, maintain normal business hours. You can accomplish this with your voice greeting by providing your normal office hours. Also see № 3 regarding off-hour emails.

5. For you and your family, maintain whatever hours work best. If you have a houseful of kids, your routine will no doubt be choppier than what you are used to. ***If you are able to prioritize “work work” over everything else, you should be able to find good “chunks” of uninterrupted time now and then. Even if it is only fifteen minutes-realize you can still get amazing things done (e.g., getting that email out to put the ball in the other person’s court). **Okay, I know some of you are now juggling homeschooling too and you say there is no way to prioritize your work anymore. I believe you. I am in awe of you. I keep trying to contemplate what this would have been like with my four kids and then have to stop as I feel my brain breaking. Please tell us what tricks you have found to stay sane, if, indeed, you are still sane!**

6. Try a change of work location now and then. But between needing to stay home, and restaurants, libraries, and coffee shops closed, finding a change of location to work is more difficult than ever. Be creative. Try different spaces in your home. Take that laptop to the recliner for a while. It’s okay to work in comfort now and then.

7. It’s also okay if you already have attention deficit issues that are inherent or environmental. Channel that ability to switch from being a parent to a worker and back again and get it done!

8. In other words, try to compartmentalize versus multi-task. Focus on getting done what you are planning to get done until the situation changes and you can no longer do this (i.e., baby wakes up sooner than expected, child wants to play a game, cat is sitting on your keyboard, etc.). Try to stop as soon as possible after the interruption happens to avoid undue stress. Then, turn to whoever needs your attention at that moment. Whatever is left undone will still be there when you return.

9. Consider doing lighter tasks, e.g., checking emails, checking assignment board, filling in the easy part of templates, etc., when concentration is difficult, but the opportunity for working is still available. This will help develop your compartmentalizing capabilities.

10. Get a mouse. I cannot stress this one enough. I do not understand the mouse-adversity present in so many millennials and Mac users. A mouse saves you from that two-handed dance with your touchpad all the time but is especially helpful for those times you need to do work AND do something else, say, hold a sleeping baby or a phone. While it’s always best to separate work and parenthood, as a telecommuter, every now and then, you simply can’t. The upside to using the occasional multi-tasking is knowing you are safe at home with your kids. And, for that babe in arms, you can stop working at any moment, look down and stroke your sweet baby with one hand and click that mouse with the other.

11. Don’t worry if the kids are awake when you have to be available for a ZOOM meeting. People will understand. Hold your baby, keep an eye on your child. Just mute your microphone and look attentive. (Also see №2 regarding pajamas).

12. Further to №11, consider putting masking tape over your computer camera until you are ready to be seen. (Good advice for anyone these days).

13. When this work-at-home life seems too crazy, stand like wonder woman for two minutes and take a few deep breaths — counting to at least six while breathing in and again while breathing out. (Works for men too).

14. Keep in mind, this is a huge and sudden transition, notwithstanding all our new concerns about COVID-19 and how it may continue to impact our lives in the coming months. Expect emotions to be all over the place. Just don’t get too attached to the sad emotions. Remind yourself of the positive when this happens and, as necessary, see №13 again.

15. Take moving breaks! Stop every hour and move around. You still need to take care of yourself and moving your body is part of that. Take a quick walk around the backyard or the block or do a couple loops through the house. (Your pets may at first be alarmed, but you may find you have started a pet parade!) Look out the window, hug your kids, and make some tea. Then settle in again.

16. Take music breaks! Pick a couple of your favorite songs on Spotify or Pandora and enjoy. Better yet, if you can concentrate with music on, go for it.

17. Do your best to let non-essential tasks and worries go for the time-being, but daily chores are still there. Start a pot of soup, a loaf of bread, or throw those clothes in the washer during a break. You will marvel at the efficiency of this work arrangement.

18. Also keep in mind, this too shall pass. This is not forever, unless you realize this is really the only way to work (if your job type allows it).

19. Pat yourself on the back. You’ve got this. Pat yourself on the back again. You’re reducing your carbon footprint.

20. Take extra good care of yourself and check in on at-risk loved ones often.

• and make sure there is room on your desk for the cats.

Barbara has been a telecomuting patent attorney since the dark ages of the internet in 1995. Initially an employee of an out-of-state law firm, she also successfully operated her own law firm from home until 2019. Now Of Counsel (the telecommuting kind) Barbara has more time to focus on other types of writing including picture books and public commentary poems. Her current work-in-progress is an adult climate fiction thriller, PIRATES OF ANTARCTICA. Barbara and her husband enjoy life in Iowa with their cats, dogs, chickens and turkey. www.iowareflections.com @prairiewind46