I've worked remotely since 2020 and I have found that my children find rejections during my work hours while I'm home more difficult than when I worked longer hours out of the home. However, I have found that when I create a very intentional "work-only" space within my home, they feel less slighted when I decline requests to play with them when I'm in the middle of work. And they're less likely to break that line to begin with. When I'm done and leave my space they tend to run to me and--after confirming I'm done for the day--they begin asking to play with me or tell me stories about what they've done during the day.

One of the hardest things about remote work (for me, anyway), has been creating a clear boundary between my "home" hours and my "work" hours. When I work out of the house, that's easy. I'm simply not around. That boundary is created on its own. When I'm here but not present, that's tough for everyone (even my partner at times!). The best solution I've come up with so far is creating the habit of staying in my work area.

Out of sight, out of mind, I guess.

And, most importantly, I prioritize the things that are important to them. I've been lucky to find work that is flexible and accommodating, which means I miss an event here or there but am able to go to most. While remote work has created a new set of challenges, it (usually) also brings with it more flexibility than previous generations are used to, which is nice.