[icsllaf]

> Many of the parents with young children at home are dreading the loss of their office space right now

As someone without kids can you explain this? Where I work at many employees with kids come to work much later and leave much earlier since they have to pick up their kids or send them to after school activities. Wouldn't working from home better this process?

[fbi-director]

They are not talking about how they schedule and manage the family life. They are talking about desperately needing some time away from the family. Which is normal and healthy (depending on whether you discuss it and make time for yourself, or whether you escape trough alcohol and ridiculous amounts of time at work).

[dx034]

Also just being able to work without distraction. It's very hard to explain to young children that they cannot disturb their parents for several hours and many people won't have a spare room just to work.

[wffurr]

The school shuffle starts at 4. For younger children, they often have a stay at home caregiver (stay at home spouse, family member, or in home nanny). It can be challenging to get work done with a two year old screaming around the house with no concept of boundaries.

For older children, if you aren't the designated pick up parent for the day, it can still be quite distracting with children coming and going and doing their thing without a lot of regard for others (as children are still developing that capacity).

Office can be a quiet refuge where you get to be around adults instead.

[wolco]

It gives you more time to be with them at that early age which goes by quickly.

[wffurr]

It can feel excruciatingly slow in the moment. I think a lot of parents forget about that when they look back with nostalgic fondness on early childhood.

[b_t_s]

"Daddy are you done work yet?"

2 minutes pass

"Daddy are you done work yet? When will you be done?"

closes the door

2 minutes pass

door opens...

It _is_ nice to be able to step away for 5 minutes and ask how their school day went when they get home and that sort of thing, but there are other times it can be pretty darn inconvenient, especially when they're under 5ish. And god help you if you don't have an office with a door :)

[cloverich]

Probably depends on the person, the home, and the boundaries. I have a 2.5 yr old and 11 mo old and WFH w/ a dedicated but connected office. I personally love it. I don't find putting on the noise cancelling headphones, and the distractions are honestly lower than when I used to be in office. I like trading the commute for time w/ kids, despite missing the quiet time at times.

[ashwinne]

Once your 2.5y old turns 3 or 4 you will understand what folks are talking about :-)