Everyone’s domestic profile is fairly unique and it would be wrong to dictate rules, however here are a few things from a dozen years of experience you might find a helpful.

Avoid Being In Charge. I do not believe you should try to care for children and do work tasks at the exact same time. It is one or the other, as they both require your attention and focus. You’ll annoy everyone (kids, colleagues and yourself) if you even try. You might be able to time-box the two different things across an extended day – most likely working late in the evening when the kids are in bed, but you’ll still need another caregiver and even this is unpractical and exhausting.

High School Relief. I’ve found that as children enter high school age (12yrs+) then having a child under your sole responsibility and doing some work is actually possible. They simply do not demand so much attention and care as younger kids. That said, give them a few specific tasks and activities to perform during the time, else they’ll spend hours watching screens. I would also not recommend more than a couple of hours a day, but when you’re in an unavoidable situation this is certainly more possible.

Set Boundaries. Get your whole family – children and the other caregivers – to agree to specific rules about your work. Use physical signs and verbal reminders about when and why you can be interrupted. Keep the list short – maybe placed it on the fridge, and consider using a door sign – maybe get the kids to make you one.

Use Clubs. Well before the next school holiday period, research your community for kids clubs of various types. Sign your kids up to “try” some of them. This should give you respite plus is actually very good for most children. If fees are too high for your budget, contact the club directly and find out if funding might be available … usually they will have a way to help out.

Help People Help You. Friends and family are the main source of low-cost alternative care-giving, and I have found it helpful to ‘bait the trap’ for everyone’s benefit. If you give them activities to do it makes the day pass quicker and easier. Examples include booking tickets to an event or day-trip somewhere, or just prepare some activities for them to do. This could be as simple as supplying a bag of games and toys, getting a box of craft supplies together with a list of creative challenges, or asking them to help you with something specific, such as shopping for something you need (and providing the money).