Working from Home with Teens in the Summer: The Juggle is Real

Hollie Wilson

July 26, 2025

I’ve done Zoom calls from Ninja Warrior. Written emails at trampoline parks. Caught up on admin while they’ve run wild at soft play—even though they’re teens!

Working from home over the summer holidays sounds ideal in theory—until you realise it means trying to stay productive while your teens alternate between raiding the fridge, complaining the internet is lagging (because they’re both downloading massive game updates), and spending hours glued to their consoles.

It’s not the easiest setup. But over the years, I’ve figured out a few ways to make it work (without losing my mind or drowning in mam guilt).

1. Changing Where I Work

I’ve done Zoom calls from Ninja Warrior. Written emails at trampoline parks. Caught up on admin while they’ve run wild at soft play—even though they’re teens! Anything to get them moving and out of the house for a bit. Yes, it’s a bit chaotic. But it gets them off the PlayStation, keeps them active, and gives me a window of focus time with my laptop and a decent coffee. It’s not conventional, but it works.

2. Clear Working Hours (With Wiggle Room)

I try to be clear about when I’m working and when I’m “off.” I’ll say, “Give me until 11 and then we’ll go out,” or “I just need an hour this afternoon, then I’m all yours.”

It helps manage expectations—for them and for me. That way, I don’t feel like I’m constantly half-working and half-parenting, which just leaves everyone frustrated.

3. Making Time for Just Us

As much as I want to get things done, I also don’t want to miss their summer. So I plan in proper time with just them—whether it’s a day out, a film night, or just a walk for ice cream. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it just has to be together. That way, when I do need to work, I don’t feel quite so bad about it.

4. Active Swaps for Screen Time

Screens are part of life—but I try to balance it out. If they want time on the Xbox or YouTube, they’ve got to do something active first. Even just helping with tea or walking the dog counts. It’s not perfect, but it adds a bit of structure (and eases the guilt).

I won’t pretend I’ve cracked it—some days still feel like a complete write-off. But giving myself permission to be flexible, to switch things up, and to prioritise moments with my kids as well as my work… that’s made all the difference.

If you’re working from home this summer with older kids in the mix, just know you’re not alone. We’re all figuring it out, one snack break and slow-loading Fortnite update at a time.

If you’d like to give yourself a bit of a break and seek my support with all things business, get in touch at [email protected].

Hollie x