KidsForward: How parents support each other in the Corona period
by Simone Slawik
For many parents, childcare and work at the same time is an immense challenge in times of the permanent home office. At BurdaForward it soon became clear: we not only have to show understanding for this exceptional situation, but also support it.
Between Pirate Castle and Team Meeting
"I'm bored!" "I'm hungry!" - Cries that parents know only too well, only normally these needs don't have to be met ad hoc, daily during working hours. A continuous and effective workflow - unfortunately, no. Of course it's nice to see as much as possible of the children's development, but during the Corona crisis the home office becomes not only a tightrope walk between Pirate Castle and team meeting, but also an enormous stress test.
BurdaForward has been relying on flexible models such as the trust work place and trust work time for several years now. For example, the move to the home office with the outbreak of the corona virus is already familiar to most colleagues and does not cause any major difficulties. The free division of working time gives colleagues with children the necessary flexibility. But how to participate in important meetings? How to give children structure in their everyday lives?
To address these questions, some BurdaForward parents have founded the "KidsForward" initiative. On the social intranet, parents exchange tips on handicrafts, children's yoga classes and other great activities as well as tips for a structured daily routine. In addition, some colleagues have created digital programs in which the children can participate via video conference - so the kids can even experience the "home office" for themselves.
It's all about dancing, laughter and participation
Children need activity and exercise. That is why there is, for example, the "Muckibude" programme, where all children can prove what they are capable of. In addition to the power-out programme, there are dance and gymnastics lessons or simply a story is read aloud. In this way, the managers themselves become fairy tale uncles and aunts and read stories such as "The incredible story of the giant pear".
The kids have fun, can move and see their peers. During the KidsForward program, parents have the opportunity to work in a concentrated manner. And if a day did not go as well as you would have wished, it usually helps to confide in your colleagues. "KidsForward" shows how important it is to engage in exchange even in difficult situations - because usually you are not alone with the challenges and great initiatives can result from this.