Finding Balance: How to Thrive Working from Home as a Parent

Working from home has plenty of perks. There’s no commute, you’re more available for unexpected family moments, and let’s be honest—the “work uniform” is a lot comfier!

But at Resolve Recruitment Services, we understand that this blurred line between work and home can also bring challenges. When your living room becomes your office, it’s easy to feel like you’re always available, to work, to family, to everyone. The result? Constantly replying to emails, juggling school runs between calls, or even holding a toddler in one hand and a phone in the other.

It can leave you feeling like you’re not doing either job, parenting or working well. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With some simple, practical habits, you can create clearer boundaries, protect your energy, and succeed both professionally and personally.

Here’s how to find balance and make working from home really work for you.

Chunk Your Day for Better Focus

One of the biggest challenges of working from home is the lack of structure. Without clear start and finish times, your workday can spill into the night, and before you know it, you’re answering emails at midnight.

Set clear work hours - and stick to them.

Break your day into “chunks.” Consider school runs, mealtimes, or after-school clubs, then plan work blocks around them.

Communicate your availability. Let colleagues know when you’re free for calls or deep work, so everyone’s expectations are clear.

And don’t forget regular breaks. Step away from the screen, move your body, hydrate, or grab a quick “mind reset.” A silly 5-minute dance with the kids can do wonders for your focus and mood.

Create a ‘Commute’ Ritual to Switch Off

When your office is also your home, the end of the day can feel… fuzzy. That’s why we. recommend building a mini “commute” routine, a small ritual that signals to your brain, work is done, now it’s family time.

Close your laptop and tidy your workspace.

Step outside for fresh air—walk the dog, take the kids to the park, or simply stretch in the garden.

Try a 10-minute guided meditation (apps like Headspace are great) to clear work thoughts before “clocking in” for parent mode.

This mental reset makes it easier to leave the workday behind—and be fully present with your family.

Master the Quick Switch with Visualisation

Sometimes, parents working from home don’t have the luxury of one clean “end of day.” You might need to switch between roles several times, jumping off a call to help with homework, then diving back into emails.

A 30-second “mental costume change” can help you reset fast:

• Close your eyes and imagine changing from your “work outfit” into your “parent uniform” (or even a superhero cape!).

• Look at a favourite photo or drawing from your child. Spend half a minute focusing on it, letting those warm feelings help you shift gears.

It sounds simple, but this kind of mental cue can stop you from dragging your “work brain” into family time.

Trigger Parent Mode with Play

Work stress and parenting don’t mix well—but there’s a fun solution: play.

When you finish a work block, do something silly and active with your children. Build a fort, race toy cars, or have a mini dance-off.

The key? It has to be something you enjoy too. Reluctantly stacking Lego bricks while checking your phone won’t do the trick. Full, playful engagement resets your mindset and helps you reconnect with your kids.

Reduce Tech Intrusions After Hours

One of the easiest ways for work to creep back in after hours? Notifications.

Set your phone to Do Not Disturb (with exceptions for urgent contacts).

Hide your work inbox from your home screen.

Turn off email and chat notifications after hours.

Leave your work phone, or your laptop, in another room.

Even small steps like these create healthy separation, helping you properly “clock off.”

Why Balance Matters

At Resolve Recruitment Services, we know that balance benefits everyone, employers, employees, and families alike. When you set boundaries, you protect your well-being, show up better for your loved ones, and stay more productive and motivated at work.

Working from home doesn’t have to mean being “on” all the time. With the right habits, you can achieve your career goals and still be the present, relaxed parent your kids need.

Resolve Recruitment Services is here to help.

Explore our latest vacancies: www.resolverecruitment.co.uk Or contact our team for personalised job support.

Because finding the right role isn’t just about your career, it’s about your whole life.