How to Outsmart Distractions When Your Kids Are Home - A Stay-at-Home Parent's Guide

Ah, the blissful chaos of working from home with children! Picture it - you wake up early as the sun is slowly peeking up over the horizon, poised to conquer your side hustle, coffee in hand, a spark of ambition in your eye, only to be met with the unmistakable sound of tiny footsteps and frantic giggles echoing from down the hall. Let’s be real: the home office and the toddler’s playroom are basically rival kingdoms vying for your attention. So how do you peacefully coexist while still getting that side hustle game strong?

1. Establish Your Fortress of Solitude (aka Your Workspace)

First things first: you need to claim a workspace. Finding a comfy corner where you can set up shop is essential but this can vary based on their age. Choose somewhere that your kids rarely invade or at least give you a fighting chance to get a few minutes of work accomplished. Ideally, you want a spot that’s somewhat removed from the living room — if it has a door, even better! Obviously, if your kids are still in the "I need to watch them for their safety" stage, the corner of the kitchen table will do just fine. The point is to have a dedicated space that you can go to so when they see that "Mommy is sitting in her working chair," they know to give you a few minutes (or try to at least). Bonus points if it’s a little messy, so they think it’s a 'anti-play area’ where magical things (like working) happen. Just be ready for the occasional “Mommy/Daddy? I'm hungry, can I have a snack now?” when they see you.

2. The Power of the “Quiet Game”

Ah, the Quiet Game — that ancient practice of teaching children the fine art of silence. Make this your secret weapon for those moments when brain power is in high demand. If you are on a creative roll and you just need a solid 30 minutes of focus session (or whenever it becomes necessary for your survival), gather your kids and explain the rules. Whoever stays the quietest wins a sticker or, if you’re feeling generous, an extra 10 minutes of screen time. You might even find yourself winning too — and let’s be honest, those stickers are for you, not them! If your children are anything like mine, be prepared with a list of "quiet activities" they can do. Have them sit and color a picture that you can hang on the fridge after your work call, build a ramp out of Magna-tiles (*we love these : https://amzn.to/45bem7s) and race cars down them after hitting send on that email or have them read a book that you guys can then talk about together. Kids want connection so marrying the concept of work a little, bond/play after will often build a strong work ethic that will carry into adulthood.

3. Meal Prep Magic (aka “Cereal for Dinner” Strategy)

All parents know the one undeniable truth: kids need to eat. Constantly. If you’re fortunate enough to find a few moments of inspiration, allow meal prep (or the magic of breakfast-for-dinner) to work in your favor. Devote a day to meal planning, bulk prep, and freezing easy meals, then leave them in the fridge, like a culinary fairy godparent. On busy days, simply open the fridge, grab a frozen lasagna, hit reheat, and voilà! Less time in the kitchen means more time for your side hustle. Plus, kids like cold pizza, right? Having a plan for what is being made for dinner that night eliminates the 8,000 times you will undoubtedly open and close the freezer door. Those precious moments are 100% better spent working on your business or spending time with your family.

4. The Great Distraction Trade-Off

Consider trading screen time for “lessons” of your making. Whether it’s YouTube educational content or some sort of arts-and-crafts bonanza, distract your children while still keeping their brains engaged. This is where you flex those negotiation skills. “If you sit and learn about the solar system, you’ll get to watch 30 minutes of your favorite show later.” Channel your inner lawyer and watch them enthusiastically comply — you might even get a few “Oohs” and “Aaahs” out of them when that asteroid facts video rolls out. This works well with "brain breaks" too (Coach Corey Martin and Cosmic Yoga are amazing for this) which can help with getting those wiggles out. While I hate to admit it, sometimes screen time (when not overused) can, in fact, be beneficial.

5. Utilize the Buddy System (aka Kid Co-Op)

Got more than one kid? They can be your little co-workers! Set them up at a small table with their own 'work’ (coloring books, puzzles, or their own tiny side hustles). Children love the idea of being "at work" just like mom or dad. It’s like a playdate but for productivity! Just be prepared for them to negotiate about who gets the blue crayon. If your kids are a little older, get them involved in what you are doing too. Have them alphabetize your contacts, inventory your products, or brainstorm future blog post ideas. For those who are technically inclined, inspire them to learn about graphic design so they can maintain your website. Hey, if we could code websites when we were in our early teens (*cough*Myspace RIP ♥) this new generation of kids can certainly figure it out! Let them channel their inner Spielberg and direct your next TikTok reel. Kids want to feel important and useful, so what better way to show them that you honor and appreciate them and respect their feedback.

6. Enter the Nap Time Showdown

Ah, nap time — the holy grail of productivity for parents. When the kids finally drift off, seize this sacred moment to tackle your side hustle with vigor (and perhaps a side of chocolate). Keep in mind, this window of opportunity is fleeting. Have a plan so you can immediately jump into action and not waste those precious moments. You will need to treat it like a high-stakes poker game or Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible - go all in, take risks, but avoid any loud noises that could disrupt this blissful period.

7. Embrace the Chaos (With Humor)

Perhaps the most valuable tip of all: embrace the chaos. Kids are unpredictable forces of nature; no amount of planning can fully mitigate the distractions they bring. When they pop their heads in while you’re on a video call to announce they’ve colored the dog with markers, laugh (and pray they are the washable kind). Own it! A well-timed chuckle can turn distraction into a moment of levity. Plus, you'll probably find that your audience appreciates the realness of your daily life. Having kids and owning a small business means being able to roll with the punches, it's not always going to be funny in the moment, but one day you'll be able to look back and laugh at the absurdity of it all and how you came out on top.

Final Thoughts

In the end, remember that trying to balance your side hustle with the vibrant chaos of parenthood is truly an art form. These little humans are still the best things you’ll ever create — and they’ll likely serve as your biggest source of inspiration too. So, next time they dash through the room like tiny tornadoes, take a deep breath, tighten your fortitude, and remind yourself that you’re not just building a hustle; you’re building a legacy. And maybe a few really funny stories for their future therapy sessions.

Happy hustling!

Jessica Murphy

Your Side Hustle Coach an Stay-at-Home Parent Advocate