Working from Home with Toddlers: When Overwhelm Hits, Here's What to Do

Trying to work from home with toddlers in tow can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle—on a tightrope. The chaos is real. One moment you're deep in a Zoom meeting, the next you're wiping peanut butter off your keyboard or negotiating with a tiny human about why crayons don't belong in the dog's ears. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Here's how to survive—and maybe even thrive—when your worlds collide.

Acknowledge the Overwhelm

First, let’s drop the guilt. Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. Parenting toddlers is a full-time job. So is working remotely. Doing both simultaneously? That’s superhero territory. Give yourself permission to feel the stress without judgment.

Reset Expectations

Your pre-kid productivity metrics? Toss them out. Working from home with toddlers isn’t about replicating office life—it’s about adapting. You might not get eight uninterrupted hours, but you can still be effective. Break your day into chunks. Prioritize tasks. Accept that some days will be messy, and that’s okay.

Create Micro-Routines

Toddlers thrive on predictability. So do overwhelmed parents. Establishing micro-routines—short, repeatable activities—can help create structure. A morning dance party, snack time at 10, quiet time after lunch. These anchors give your child a sense of rhythm and give you pockets of time to focus.

Embrace Imperfection

Your house might look like a toy tornado hit it. Your toddler might crash your video call dressed as a dinosaur. Let it happen. Colleagues are more understanding than you think. The pandemic rewired our collective expectations—authenticity often trumps polish.

Use the Power of Distraction (Strategically)

Have a stash of “special” toys or activities reserved for work emergencies. Think sticker books, sensory bins, or a favorite show. These aren’t everyday items—they’re your secret weapons for buying 30 minutes of quiet when you need to finish a report or take a call.

Ask for Help

If you have a partner, tag-team. If you’re solo, consider swapping virtual babysitting with a friend—one parent entertains both kids on Zoom while the other gets a break. Even 20 minutes of uninterrupted time can make a huge difference.

Take Micro-Breaks

Overwhelm builds when you don’t pause. Step outside for five minutes. Stretch. Breathe. Toddlers are intense, and so is remote work. Micro-breaks help you reset your nervous system and return with a clearer head.

Talk About It

You’re not the only one struggling. Share your experience with friends, coworkers, or online communities. Venting can be cathartic, and you might pick up a few genius hacks along the way.

Celebrate the Wins

Did you send that email while your toddler napped? Win. Did you survive a tantrum and still make your deadline? Win. Celebrate the small victories—they add up.
Working from home with toddlers isn’t easy, but it’s also a season. One day, the chaos will quiet, and you’ll look back amazed at how you managed it all. Until then, breathe, laugh when you can, and remember: you’re doing an incredible job.