How to Stay Focused During Remote Work and Homeschooling

Real Life in a Shared Space

It's 2:47 PM. You're on your fourth video call of the day. Your coffee is cold, your patience is fraying, and from the kitchen drifts the unmistakable sound of your child groaning over their fractions worksheet. Somewhere between your deadlines and their division problems, you're both stuck in a cycle of distraction and frustration. Sound familiar?

The simultaneous demands of remote work and homeschooling have forced families into a delicate juggling act. As a parent, you’re not just working from home — you’re managing a small learning center, often without having signed up for the job. Whether your child is easily distracted, overwhelmed by the structure of online classes, or simply missing the rhythms of in-person school, it can feel like nobody is fully focused on anything.

Why “Just Focus!” Doesn’t Work

A common trap we fall into as parents is telling our kids to “just concentrate.” But for children — especially those between 6 and 12 — focus doesn’t come from force. It comes from engagement, environment, routine, and above all, emotional connection.

Occasional inattention is completely normal in children. What we want to build is the skill of gently returning their brain to the task at hand — like training a puppy, not commanding a soldier. To do that, we have to craft a space and schedule that invites attention, rather than demands it.

Reclaiming Rhythm: The Power of Routine

During lockdowns, former classroom routines vanished, and many of us tried to improvise. Some kids thrived with flexibility; others felt unmoored. Bringing structure back doesn’t mean replicating school hour-by-hour at home, but rather creating a predictable rhythm that anchors them — and us.

• Start with consistency: Set regular start times and break times, even if the actual subjects vary each day.
• Include rituals: A morning playlist, a shared stretch, or lighting a candle before work can signal the brain to flip into “focus mode.”
• Time block your day with intention: Work periods shouldn’t exceed 25 minutes without a short break. Kids can’t handle long sprints, even if they’re willing to try.

This kind of rhythm creates safety and predictability. When your child knows what’s coming, they spend less energy managing surprises — and more on learning.

Working Together, Apart

One mom I spoke to recently set up two desks side by side in their living room — one for her, one for her daughter. Same space, different work. They started calling it their “focus bubble.” This kind of parallel play isn’t just charming — it creates accountability through proximity. When a parent models quiet, steady work, it rubs off.

But what happens when your work requires you to be fully absorbed, and you can’t constantly monitor your child’s attention?

That’s where autonomy becomes essential. And to foster it, kids need tools that help them engage independently. One tool that’s proven surprisingly effective in many households is transforming static lessons into interactive formats. For example, the Skuli App allows kids to turn their written lessons into personalized audio adventures — inserting the child’s name so they become the hero of the story. When your child is the star of a narrative, retention and engagement skyrocket — and you're free to return to your Zoom call without interruption.

Study Isn’t Supposed to Feel Like a Punishment

We often forget that focus and fun aren’t opposites — they fuel each other. Kids are wired for curiosity. If a study session feels like a never-ending chore, it might be worth asking, “How can we make this something they want to come back to?”

Consider ways to reframe content: Can spelling become a treasure hunt? Can math be about designing a video game level or baking cookies (hello, fractions)? For more creative strategies on this front, check out our article on how to make studying fun.

Breaks Are Not Lazy — They’re Strategic

Many parents feel guilty allowing too many breaks. But neuroscience tells us that focused work requires recovery. A short burst of concentration — say, 20 minutes — followed by a 5-minute walk, dance session, or snack break leads to better retention and mood.

In fact, there are simple ways to structure breaks so they’re truly restorative. You can read more about that in our article on making homework breaks meaningful.

And What About You?

You're doing a lot. Let’s just pause and say that again: You're doing a lot. In trying to nurture your child’s attention, don’t forget your own needs. Kids are exquisitely tuned to our moods. If we are frazzled and resentful, they pick up on that. Protect your own concentration rituals. Light your own morning candle. Wear headphones that signal, “this is my time.” Coexisting with gentle boundaries teaches children respect and self-control.

And when the day falls apart — as it inevitably will, sometimes — model compassion rather than criticism. "That was a tough day. Let’s try again tomorrow." Those words are powerful. They teach resilience more than any grammar worksheet ever could.

Small Changes, Big Impact

In the end, maintaining concentration during remote work and homeschooling isn’t about controlling everything. It’s about creating an environment where focus can naturally grow — through rhythm, engagement, autonomy, rest, and mutual respect.

If your child is showing signs of chronic distraction, and you're wondering where the line is between normal and concerning, we've addressed that as well here and here.

Meanwhile, give yourself permission to move slowly. Try one small change at a time. Pay attention to what lifts your family’s energy — and what drains it. Concentration isn’t something you force; it’s something you support. One moment, one routine, one story at a time.