How to Keep Kids Occupied While Working From Home

Balancing Remote Work and Parenting: The Daily Reality

You're on your third Zoom call of the morning, deadlines are looming, and all you hear in the background is, "I'm booored!" If you're a parent working from home with a child between the ages of 6 and 12, this scenario probably feels very familiar. Between navigating work responsibilities and helping your child manage homework or emotions, your days can feel endlessly stretched and impossibly full.

Yet, even in the thick of this constant juggle, there are ways to create moments of focus and independence—for you and for your child. It's not about perfection. It's about creating pockets of peace and purposeful engagement that benefit the whole family.

Building Independence Through Gentle Structure

One of the most sustainable strategies is helping your child build a routine they can manage without constant supervision. Depending on their age and interests, routines can incorporate self-led learning projects, playtime, and quiet activities. Many parents have found success using independent routines that give kids a sense of control. Start simple—a list of three daily "independent tasks" such as reading, journaling, or creating something with their hands. When they complete these, they earn more flexible time with you later in the day.

Using visual charts (sticky notes on a wall or whiteboards in a play nook) helps kids see their plan without relying on you to repeat instructions every ten minutes. This also builds critical executive functioning skills like time management and self-regulation.

Cultivating Connection Without Constant Supervision

Even when you're not able to be hands-on, children still crave connection—and knowing you’re emotionally available can make a big difference. Set an intentional tone each morning before diving into work. Ten minutes of undivided attention during breakfast, a silly joke, or helping them write one daily goal can go a long way.

When separation is necessary, you can still encourage a calm sense of presence. Invite them to create a “focus fort”—a physical space near your work area filled with a few quiet-time supplies like drawing materials, puzzles, or their favorite books. Over time, this space can become a comforting retreat where they feel secure and empowered to entertain themselves, knowing you're nearby.

No-Prep Activities That Spark Engagement

Some days, planning elaborate activities just isn’t realistic—and that’s okay. Children often engage more deeply when activities are open-ended and don’t require a lot of setup. Whether it’s a collection of recycled materials for inventing something, a stack of coloring sheets, or a storytelling activity, the key is offering options that invite their curiosity rather than dictate it.

If your child tends to interrupt frequently out of boredom, having go-to no-prep activities can be your lifesaver. Creating a simple "I'm bored jar" with slips of activity ideas is one practical trick. Think ideas such as "build a domino trail," "draw your dream bedroom," or "make a comic about a superhero who’s allergic to broccoli." When energy needs to be quietly redirected, these small ideas can make a big difference.

Introducing Meaningful Screen Alternatives

Screen time isn’t inherently bad—but many parents are looking for ways to reduce passive viewing, especially during work hours. Kids can thrive with sensory-rich, screen-free entertainment that fuels their imagination while you focus.

This is where audio storytelling becomes a powerful ally. Listening to audio series taps into a child’s creativity and quiet attention, offering moments of wonder without overstimulating them. The iOS and Android versions of the LISN Kids App offer a wide library of original audiobooks and episodes tailored for children ages 3 to 12, turning downtime into storytelling time parents can feel good about.

When You Just Need a Break

There will be moments when the workload is heavy, emotions run high, and everyone in the house needs a reset. That’s not failure—it’s reality. During these times, it's okay to pause and say, "We need a ten-minute calm moment." Use sensory breaks—light up a lavender-scented candle in the kitchen, put on soft music, or invite your child to do a slow stretch with you on the carpet.

When you’re overwhelmed, it may feel impossible to carve out extra time. But even brief, shared moments of quiet can regulate children’s moods (and yours). If you’re parenting multiple kids of different ages, consider organizing short windows of the day where older children help model calm for their younger siblings. For more ideas, check out our guide on creating a calm moment at home with kids of different ages.

Making Space for the Unexpected

Above all, give yourself grace. Working from home while raising children isn't about mastering every hour—it’s about building rhythms that offer flexibility, forgiveness, and space for growth. Some days will go according to plan; others will unravel by lunch. That’s part of the parenting journey.

Your child doesn’t need you to entertain them every second. They just need to feel that they matter—and that they're equipped to explore the world, even in small ways, on their own. With the right tools and routines, it's not only possible but empowering for both of you. And when you do need to reset, we've also outlined a few gentle ways you can give yourself a break while keeping your kids meaningfully engaged.