First, however, be sure you have a dedicated office space whose location doesn't change. That is, avoid working, even temporarily, in other spaces, such as the kitchen, since that might be interpreted by family members as an invitation to engage you.

Second, if you have children old enough to be mostly unsupervised, set up your work schedule and review it with them. Emphasize that they should treat those times just as if you were in your regular office. Moreover, try to keep those hours consistent so they become accustomed to respecting that time but will know you'll be available afterward. Next, when appropriate, assign your children homework, chores, and other activities to keep them occupied while you're working.

Last, if your children require more direct supervision, you could consider splitting working/supervising times with a spouse or partner, or using any still-operating daycare to look after the kids during your work hours. If such help isn't readily available, your best recourse is to work around their napping and sleeping time as much as possible. Just be sure to alert your supervisors and staff so they know you might not be available during certain hours in this extremely trying, but hopefully temporary, time. E