Authored by: Dr. Sara Elawady, specialist psychiatrist at Sage Clinics
In the current situation, many families in the UAE are managing both remote work and supporting children’s home schooling at the same time, a shift from the usual routine where children attend school and parents work separately. While each responsibility is manageable on its own, their overlap often creates significant pressure for both parents and children.
Recent research from the COVID-19 period supports this experience, showing that combining remote work with online schooling increases parental stress, emotional exhaustion, and work-family conflict, largely due to constant role switching and interruptions. It also highlights negative effects on children, including reduced concentration, and lower motivation.
Working from home has become a practical and, in many cases, necessary option. It offers flexibility, saves time, and allows parents to stay physically present with their children. However, this same closeness can blur boundaries. This might look like a child knocking during a meeting or a parent answering emails from the kitchen. It is hard for Parents to remain productive and focused, while children require guidance, and supervision throughout their learning day. Many parents describe feeling ‘present everywhere but focused nowhere’.
Without a clear structure, both roles can start to interfere with each other.
One of the most important steps is preparation of the home environment. A well-organized setting can make a significant difference. Ideally, each family member should have a designated space: a quiet corner or desk for work, and a separate area for children’s school activities. This does not require a large home or special furniture, what matters is consistency. When a child sits in their “school space,” they begin to associate it with learning. Similarly, when a parent is in their “workspace,” it signals that they are not to be interrupted unless necessary.
Establishing a daily routine is equally essential. Children benefit from structure, and so do adults. Setting clear times for schoolwork, breaks, meals, and independent activities helps create predictability. Parents can boost productivity by clearly explaining when they’re available and when they need quiet time.
A common concern for many parents is how to avoid constant distractions from children. Scenarios like: a child interrupting a Zoom call, or siblings fighting over devices, seem common, don’t they?
Completely eliminating interruptions is unrealistic, especially with younger children. Instead, the goal should be to manage and reduce them. Simple strategies can help, such as using visual cues like a sign to indicate “do not disturb” times. Planning short, regular check-ins with children can also reassure them and reduce their need to seek attention unexpectedly.
Encouraging independent activities is another key factor. Children can be guided to engage in reading, drawing, educational games, or quiet play during their parents’ work hours. This not only supports the parent’s focus but also helps children develop autonomy and self-regulation skills that are valuable beyond the current situation.
At the same time, it is important to maintain realistic expectations. Productivity may not be at the same level as before, and that is understandable. Parents are effectively managing two full-time roles simultaneously. Allowing some flexibility, both at work and at home, can reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Finally, emotional balance within the family should not be overlooked. Children may feel confused or frustrated by the changes, and parents may feel stretched thin. Taking small breaks together, maintaining simple family routines, and acknowledging each other’s efforts can help in preserving a positive home atmosphere.
Ultimately, this experience, while challenging, can also reshape how families function together. Instead of aiming for perfection, it may be enough to focus on what works for your family and take things one day at a time.
You can find out more about Dr. Sara Elawady and the Team at Sage Clinics: here. For more information about the services Sage Clinics offers or to book an appointment please contact +971 4 575 5684, at appointments@sage-clinics.com or through the chat function in the bottom right corner of the website.
