| Juggling children and work can be a challenge, whether | | | | office space just for them, complete with a small table |
| you work outside the home or you are a work from | | | | and chairs. Fill a lunch box with some of their favorite |
| home mom, but, in some ways, work from home | | | | snacks and a few juice boxes each morning, so you |
| moms face more challenges than moms who work | | | | aren't inundated with requests for food and drinks. Add |
| outside the home. After all, when you're in a traditional | | | | a children's magazine, simple puzzles, coloring books, |
| office, you don't need to worry that a coworker will | | | | and art supplies. When your children are able to work |
| burst into the room and scream "Mommy, he took my | | | | along side you, the number of interruptions should |
| doll," just as you are beginning an important conference | | | | decrease drastically. |
| call. | | | | For moms who really need peace and quiet, but have |
| So how does a work from home mom manage to | | | | small children, a mother's helper can be a great solution. |
| keep her children happy and busy while she is trying to | | | | Since you will still be in the house, you do not need a |
| get her job done? | | | | fully trained baby sitter to help out. Instead, look for a |
| First, you need to let your children know when you are | | | | teen who has little babysitting experience, but likes kids. |
| not to be disturbed. Set up a schedule that includes | | | | She will probably be happy to watch your children |
| playtime and work time and remind them that if they | | | | while you work for the cost of a few good after |
| don't disturb you while you are working, you will be able | | | | school snacks and a few dollars. |
| to give them your complete attention during playtime. | | | | Finally, sometimes it's just not possible to keep your |
| As a reminder, use a do not disturb sign on your office | | | | children quiet and content while you are working. If |
| door when you absolutely cannot be interrupted. | | | | your child is ill, you may just need to decide to take the |
| Of course, it is easy for your children to behave while | | | | day off. After all, the reason you are working from |
| you are working if they have something to do. Fill a | | | | home is to have the flexibility to be there for your |
| box with games and toys that can only be used while | | | | children when they need you! |
| mom is working. Make sure you add a new puzzle, | | | | Aurelia Williams, is the owner of Real Life Solutions, a |
| coloring book, or small toy on a frequent basis, to keep | | | | Family Resourcesite that help you lead an emotionally |
| your children interested. | | | | & physically healthier, more productive and less |
| If you don't work on the phone, it is a bit easier to keep | | | | stressful life. |
| your children content when you are working. Set up an | | | | |