The possibilities of entertaining your child during your home office hours depend on the age and how happy your kid is to play by themselves. Older children may have to do homework or online schooling and are often happier to spend time occupying themselves. In addition, teenagers can be involved to a certain extent in looking after younger siblings and household tasks – think of a way to reward them for helping you out!
Working from home with younger children requires more supervision, although they can play independently at times. Do not underestimate your child's creativity and allow them to get bored, as this will stimulate their ability to be creative. Many kids enjoy spending more time with their parents by “working” alongside them in their own home office, and they can become your little co-workers for the day. By setting up a children's office close to your workplace, you are fulfilling your child's desire to be close to mom and dad, and giving them the exciting opportunity to play office games with pens, telephone, and home-made laptops (use a pizza box, for example). Creating boundaries and your own space are important, but allowing your kids to be around you is important too, as otherwise they could get stressed.
If you don’t work from home with kids very often, the change of routine can be stressful for everyone involved. It doesn’t have to be though, and as long as everyone feels like they are being listened to and accommodated, they will be happy to compromise. You’ve got this!