Working from home with Kids

SO First time dad here, have a two month old at home and i work remote. my wife is gearing up to head back into the office, so i've been running meetings wearing the baby in a front backpack - is it super unprofessional, even if im still closing deals?

🐱 Off-Topic
17
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
10
sales
Congrats! I have a 2 month old as well!

No! Obviously I try to keep my little one quiet and I use a headset I can mute. But I always tell the person up front, 'hey, i'm working from home today, I have a 2 month old, i apologize for any noise but I'm happy we got a chance to connect today!'

I also put my kiddo in another room if possible so i can watch her on the monitor.

I can also tell you this. I was interviewing a new mother last year who had a 6 week old and the poor guy was crying up a storm. I could see she was distressed and falling apart, trying to hold it together and I felt terrible for her. So I said, 'Susan - I want you to know you don't have to worry about your kiddo being fussy. Being a working Mom is hard and please don't worry about it. Pay attention to your kiddo, do what you need and if you need a few moments, we can continue the interview once you've got things under control. We love kids, I have a kid (it was just one at the time) and I think it's great you're trying your best.'

I could see the stress roll off her and it was like a weight was lifted. She jumped at the opportunity to settle her kiddo, it worked and we ended up hiring her because she was great for the role and I truly believe other employers feel the same way. We don't live in 2019 anymore, the world has changed. Take care of your kids, take care of yourself and if you get the job done, that's all I care about.

Love you brother, best of luck and enjoy that time with your little one!
MorShark
Notorious Answer
1
Sales Engineer
Love this!  and appreciate the insight - it seems like the front backpack is the only way to keep him calm 

(also love sex trophy)
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
1
Director Sales and Market Development
Whoa, well done man. Glad she was strong candidate and got the job, cause if she was a flop and you didnt hire her she would resent the kid (kidding) but its a tough world out there. 
paddy
WR Officer
4
Director of Business Development
No offense, but the baby in a front backpack is kind of a dorky look. That's beside the point though. My question is can your baby close deals?
MorShark
Notorious Answer
5
Sales Engineer
This baby closes deals all day long
CuriousFox
WR Officer
3
🦊
Then you're good 😎
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
3
sales
baby's are great at networking, so are toddlers.
youKNOW
Politicker
4
Sales Manager
Haha...yeah I feel you man. At the beginning of the lock down last year we were at the tale end of potty training. Had my kid show up naked on Team's calls more than I can remember. I actually don't think it had an effect either way. If anything, it might've helped break up the monotony of whatever the conversation was with the customers. I wouldn't worry about it too much.
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
3
sales
they're honestly great for keeping conversations moving forward
MorShark
Notorious Answer
2
Sales Engineer
appreicate the insight guys!
GetOutYourCheckbook
Opinionated
3
Sr. Account executive
Congrats on the sex. I live in a condo so my office doubles up as a nursery for my 10 month old. A lot of times I’ll start calls by telling them that and saying “so if you hear crying, it’s not me”. Little self deprecation.. seems to work.
TheHypnotist
Executive
2
Sales Manager
anyone who can juggle a 2 month old and working from home deserves nothing but respect.
1nbatopshotfan
Politicker
1
Sales
4 year old and 3 month old in my house. People are totally used to it by now. Keep that kid asleep. Wear them, put them in a bouncer, whatever works! 
UserNotFound
Politicker
1
Account Executive
At the very beginning of WFH my son was just over a year, and I was trying to have a call with a CFO of a prospect company during nap time and my kid started singing himself to sleep so loud they could hear it on the call through the walls… I swear it gave me immediate rapport. 😂
Kiona
Opinionated
1
Head of Business Development
I have lots of kids and they interrupt me all the time. Know that people pay attention to how you treat your kids in that moment. If you want them to think you are going to be attentive and responsive to them as a client, then model that behavior on the call when you have to deal with your little shits that give 0 fucks that you make dinner appear every night.
Diablo
Politicker
0
Sr. AE
Congrats @MorShark! I don't have hands-on experience but I think you're doing a great job (work-life balance 😁)
LordBusiness
Politicker
0
Chief Revenue Officer
If you have a baby without childcare you are not “working from home”. Do you think it would be acceptable if everyone started bringing their babies to the office pre covid?
justatopproducer
Politicker
0
VP OF SALES -US
Thats nuts, congrats. I think someone with kids wouldnt care as much and undestand. Someone who doesnr have kids might not understand and take offense. Their time is valuable type deal and you babysitting while hearing goo goo gaa gaa could turn them off. Regardless they will have a funny story to tell later about how theg met with this guy that ran his meeting with baby Carlos on his chest. You should grow a beard and carry a leather satchel
Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
0
Director Sales and Market Development
2 months is tough man, i got my kids into daycare at 1 year first one, 3 months second. Ive worked from home since both kids were born, i had a nanny come 9-2 or whatever economically makes sense for you and book all your calls when you have help. When you dont and you are on your own, show that kid off and get the cute baby chatter going and close that deal! 
sellingsellssold
Politicker
0
SDR
I would say if your meeting with a potential prospect or a big client I would not have the baby in the room (you need to find a good trust worthy babysitter, it will change your life for the better) but if it is a casual zoom with coworkers I think it is fine. But I would suggest finding a better plan as that will only work for so long until it does become a distraction. Congrats on the little one!
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