If you chosen to work at home but are one of the many women who have kids home for summer break, you need a little help. Keeping your kids busy while starting an online business or running your existing business can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. It can be done, and without sacrificing all those summer memories with the kids. After all, isn’t that why we want to work at home after all?
Here are some easy tips for keeping the peace between parenting duties and putting cash in the bank.
*Make sure you have the conversation with the kids. No, not that one. The one where you explain that even though you are at home, you still work and your work is important. Letting them know that things are a little different now than in the past gives them the information they need to start processing the changes. And remember, life is about change, so learning to adapt to your working at home is GOOD FOR THEM!
*For some families it is easier to set certain hours for Mom or Dad to work, and have them honor those hours with a little peace. (OK, try to honor!) In other families it helps to be more flexible, especially if the children are small. Find what works for you, it will take a lot of stress off.
*Keep a craft kit packed and ready to go for those days you must get work done, but the kids can’t think of one more summer activity. Homemade play dough in Ziploc bags, washable watercolor paints and paper, glue sticks, glitter, yarn….if it’s crafty, pack it in. Trust me, the kids will find ways to use it. Back to school sales are a great time to stock up on such things at a really cheap price for the whole year. And make sure part of the activity is that they all clean it back up at the end. A large plastic tub with a snap on lid is perfect. Save the afternoon Popsicle for when the kit is put away for great incentive!
*Have a list of fun activities to suggest to the kids when they come to you with the summer “I’m bored” blues. Being prepared with a list means that no matter what mood they may be in, you can suggest an activity and get back to work, without having to feel guilty about the lack of constructive activity going on. Kids are great at keeping themselves busy if given the right suggestions. There are a ton of lists on the Internet with great ideas.
*DON’T allow your Mommy or Daddy instincts fool you into feeling guilty about having to work. According to experts, children are way too over scheduled and planned these days; having to entertain themselves for part of each day is really good for them. It helps them to make allowances for others needs, develops their creativity, and actually is less stressful for them, even if they are bored some of the time. The alternative would be your being gone at an office all day, and having much less quality time with them.
*Older kids can actually help with your job. This can help them develop an appreciation for how hard you work to make a better life for them. Pay them a small wage to baby-sit younger children while you work, pass out flyers, type up a report for you or do some Internet research. Younger kids should have some small chores each day to develop responsibility and routine. Even if they aren’t set chores, ask them to help with something each day.
*Finally, remember that it isn’t going to go perfectly. You probably won’t get quite as much done as you would when they were in school, but that’s ok. Keep up with your present business, and plan for growth in September. For now, make sure you squeeze in a couple of good trips to the park, sip some lemonade pops that the kids made, and hike in the woods every chance you can get. Because while it’s important you work, it’s also important to remember these days will pass all too quickly, and before you know it, those summer work days will be a lot quieter!
Visit Kathy at http://www.Women-on-the-Net.com for step by step guidance, free ebooks, and her free newsletter packed full of money making tips for women! Also visit her other site at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com
Article Author :Kathleen_Wilson
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Great comment.
Even with a teenage son I often feel guilty when I get engrossed in my work. It is so much fun reading others comments and learning from others that sometimes the clock moves too quickly.
Thanks for the tips.
Robin