Simona Bochsler (SB), Amanda Caracas (AC) and Katharina Emry (KE) are three mothers working part-time in the Communication and Marketing Group of the Department of Computer Science. Their kids are aged 15 months to five years. They rely on the valuable support of daycare staff and grandparents during their workdays. When lockdown measures were introduced by the Swiss Federal Council, these care options were no longer available. Now they share their perspectives on the challenges for parenthood in this new context.
“We encourage each other and exchange tips.”
by Simona Bochsler (Marketing Communication Specialist), Amanda Caracas & Katharina Emry (both Communication Manager), 16 April 2020
Working from home with small kids is an adventurous endeavour. Three mothers give insight into running home office – while striving to maintain professional standards.
What does a typical day working from home look like?
Simona Bochsler (SB): Since lockdown, both my partner and I work from home and share the childcare. We work in shifts and make sure the kids get fresh air once a day and don’t bother the one who’s working. Our days have definitely got longer.
Amanda Caracas (AC): There’s no typical day. In theory, my husband and I arrange morning and afternoon shifts. But in practice, we either work in sprints or for longer periods due to calls where the other parent takes care of the kids.
Amanda Caracas (AC): There’s no typical day. In theory, my husband and I arrange morning and afternoon shifts. But in practice, we either work in sprints or for longer periods due to calls where the other parent takes care of the kids.
Katharina Emry (KE): My husband and I also look after our toddler in shifts. Interesting activities for our one-year-old include watching the building site next door or the cows and chickens on the farm up the hill.
Home office (photo credit: Simona Bochsler)
What are the biggest challenges in your daily lives currently?
SB: Finding a way to meet the needs of every family member – whether work, moving around and letting off energy, getting fed, being entertained, or naps. It’s quite a stretch!
KE: Our days are definitely longer now that we’re working from home, caring for children, cooking and feeding them, and trying to keep our home somewhat tidy and clean. And our toddler seems to miss spending time with other kids.
AC: Working effectively at any random time of the day and within a very tight timeframe. There’s little separation now between our private and professional lives.
Off work-duty (photo credit: Amanda Caracas)
Which rules and structures have you implemented in your family to master this demanding time?
KE: As we needed an office with a door that shuts, we brought our desk up from the cellar and turned our kid’s room into a temporary office.
SB: Accepting that our apartment is not tidy. And that pasta or porridge is good enough as a meal.
AC: My husband and I discuss our work schedules for the coming week so that we can inform our team members. With our kids, we keep to a routine.
On a coffee break (photo credit: Katharina Emry)
What do you miss the most in this extraordinary situation?
SB: Seeing family and friends; possibilities to retreat.
AC: I don’t miss much. Our life is action-packed with three children under five. I slightly miss that spark of spontaneity which comes with having several entertainment options, though!
KE: I’m seven months pregnant and miss child-free time like my commute, lunch with my team or coffee with friends.
What do you like about working from home?
SB: Good coffee. In addition, not needing to worry whether a kid is healthy enough to go to day care.
AC: I don’t have to commute, which saves me two hours a day. Also, my husband and I can better share the care of our kids.
KE: I get to spend more time outside with my son.
Do you, as parents, feel supported by ETH Zurich?
All: Yes, absolutely. We’re very thankful for the understanding and generous approach communicated as an initial measure until 4 April 2020 towards easing parents’ double responsibilities in these challenging times.
What do you do to stay positive in this situation?
AC: For me, coming to terms with the current situation is mainly a mental exercise. It has a lot to do with mindset: Overcome, master, and find joy in the process.
KE: I regularly phone with my friends, I try get my daily dose of pregnancy yoga and make sure to have fresh flowers on our dining table.
SB: Phone calls with friends, and seeing the humour of a situation. It’s fun to see how creative our 5-year-old gets when bored enough.
About the authors
Simona Bochsler
The thing that keeps me busiest at the moment is: the mess my kids make when I turn my back on them.
The thing that keeps me busiest at the moment is: the mess my kids make when I turn my back on them.
My favourite app is: Asana for my many to-do and shopping lists.
One book or movie I recommend: Eagle vs. Shark.
And if all else fails, my instant pick-me-up is: SLEEP!
One book or movie I recommend: Eagle vs. Shark.
And if all else fails, my instant pick-me-up is: SLEEP!
Amanda Caracas
The thing that keeps me busiest at the moment is: keeping the house clean. Thank goodness for Roomba!
My favourite app is: MeteoSchweiz
One book or movie I recommend: Harvard Business Review: Women at Work newsletter
And if all else fails, my instant pick-me-up is: a nice, cold bottle of Coke
Katharina Emry
The thing that keeps me busiest at the moment is: my toddler
My favourite app is: Breathe
One book or movie I recommend: Ozark (Netflix series )
And if all else fails, my instant pick-me-up is: sunshine, friends and family, a bath.
