Does anyone have a DH that works from home?

FutureMrsCaesar

We are moving at the end of next month, at which time DH will start working from home.  I'm a SAHM with 2 little boys....so we're both a little nervous about how it's going to work, with all of us being @ home all day and night, everday. 

DH is thinking about putting his office in the basement because he's afraid if he uses a bedroom or the den/office on the main floor that it will be too loud and the kids won't leave him alone.  I'm hoping after a week or two DS1 will understand that yes, daddy is home, but no, he can't play during the day.  What has your experience been?  Any tips on how to make the transition easier for everyone?

laney75

I do not have experience with this, but wanted to let you know we're almost in the exact same situation.  Except we're not moving.  But my husband just accepted a mostly WAH job (he'll visit the customer's site several days/week for part of the day).  We have 2 boys and a dog.  Unfortunately our designated office is right off our great room where we hang out a lot.  We plan to gate off the entrance to the office area and then hopefully get into some sort of routine where the kids know daddy is working and is off limits.  Maybe he will join us for lunch sometimes, but I think that will be the extent of it.  My husband and I are both excited for him to work at home (no more hour commute), but we know it's going to have its challenges.

Anyway, that probably wasn't helpful but just wanted to let you know I'm in the same boat!

Read2Me

DH works from home.  He has since before Eva was born so I think it was easier to adapt to it.  He has an office upstairs and we tend to stay downstairs or out of the house.  I'm sure it will take a little getting used to but you'll adapt!  It was definitely harder for me to get used to being home with him all day- I didn't realize what a slob he was when I was at work!

passar3588

My DH works from home. I think if your DH's office can be on the floor that you spend the least amount of time, that is ideal. My DH's office is in the basement and it would be the perfect place if we didn't have our playroom in the basement as well. He has an office with a door that locks and that's all great, but the majority of our toys are down there and because my H is on the phone constantly (on conference calls mostly), there are long periods of time that my kids cannot play down there. I just stay organized so that I can just grab containers of toys, bring them upstairs when we need them and then return them to the basement when we're done. I'd rather do that than have a bunch of junk on the main floor.

Just make sure that your DH gets into a habit of letting you know when he has conference calls or other important calls/meetings so that you can plan activities outside of the house or quiet indoor activities. I always know when my DH has conference calls and that helps. Also, make sure that your DH knows his boundaries as well. My DH eats lunch at home a lot and when he does, he doesn't really engage the kids too much or else they'll want to play. He talks to them, but doesn't get too comfortable. He keeps his lunch short for a reason! My kids know not to bother their Dad when he's working.

Also, one issue I've had is having playgroups at our house in the winter. It just doesn't happen that often. My DH is okay with me hosting once in a while, but I couldn't do it every week or even every other week. I've just come to accept that and we try have people over when the weather is nice to make up for it!

Good luck!

Vonita

DH works from home but it wasn't a huge transition for us because we worked together before DD was born.  DH works East coast hours, starting work before DD & I are up for the day, which helps.  He takes his a.m. break when we get up to visit DD for 10 minutes which really helps me get myself going in the a.m.  We often eat lunch together too.  

But - DH is a programmer, only occasionally has conference calls with folks we both used to work with and don't mind if DD is in the background.  It's great since we're in a 1-story house.  Otherwise DH shuts his office door and wears his noise cancelling headphones that used to block out a chatty office mate.  DH mostly does project work and while he can take lunch whenever, he often works long days to push deadlines or when things unexpectedly break.