First off, not everyone can work from home and it should be appreciated that a lot of people go to their place of work everyday.
In talking to a group whose spouses work from home several complained it was hard on their kids. One person even said they feel like a prisoner in their own house. Others agreed. They are constantly being told everyone needs to be quiet, obviously the new “home office” is living space that is now off limits. And their spouse actually works more now than when they commuted. Several say this.
Bottom line the kids can’t be kids because their house has become a workplace. And the stay at home parent is subjected to criticism throughout the day because they supposedly don’t respect their spouse’s work. The list of issues or stressors from working at home are quite long.
Anyone else with similar observations?
For the last 20 years I have been working from home, and when we had our kid, yes it was very hard in the beginning, but once you get into the groove and learn work disciple, it's very rewarding. I got to enjoy so many moments of our son, and spent so much time with him growing up - I could never have done that without working from home.
It wont work if you expect everyone to change their behaviour because you made your house into an office. You need a study - a place you do your work and have your meetings. You need a door on it so your kid doesn't accidentally run in and also their sounds dont disturb you. If your meetings are limited in time and not running all day, you can even expect your kids to keep quiet during that time. If your meetings run all day then you are doing something wrong.
Just sounds the working spouse has not made all the necessary changes to ensure the natural life of their family does not disturb their work.
Hinestly, they should put their brains to this, and turn a problem into a wonderful oppurtunity.