Toddlers or young kids in the house?

Here’s a few tips to make it through the day so that Mom and kids are happy!

 1. Your children need your undivided attention. I make it a point to spend quality time with my son everyday: reading, coloring, going over letters, snuggling, etc. When we’re done, my son usually is happy to entertain himself with his toys for a time while I get some work done.

 2. Create a little work area or desk close to your desk. My son has a “Little Tikes” desk close to mine and he will often sit down and “work” (color) while Mommy works next to him.

 3. Save all your really important business (the tasks that require your complete attention) for nap time. If your kids aren’t in the habit of napping, initiate a household quiet time. Kids must go to their room and read or play quietly for at least an hour every day. Have rewards and consequences in place to make sure this works. It will! Consistency is the key. Give it some time and let the kids know you are serious about this quiet time.

 4. After the kids are in bed, take a 1/2 hour or so to respond to e-mails and plan your to-do list for the next day.

 5. Still not getting enough done? Consider hiring a mother’s helper. My good friend home-schools her children. Her daughter is only 10 but my son LOVES her. She comes over twice a week to play with Jake while I get a TON done! Can’t afford any help? Try the barter method. Offer to trade babysitting with a friend from church!  You watch her kids one day and week and vise-versa.

 6. Remember, the whole point of working-from-home is so that we can be there for our children. If you find you are struggling to keep everyone happy, then you are just doing too much and need to cut back on business and spend more time with your family.