WAHM Tips For Office Management – What To Do With The Kids When Working At Home
When you run a home-based business it can be rather difficult to juggle all the responsibilities you have all in one place. Work at home moms (WAHM) may have even more difficulties making the time to work.
You live in your home but you are working out of it too, so what happens when those responsibilities begin to co-mingle? It seems there isn’t enough time for everything or everyone in the day and finding a balance can be frustrating at times. When the kids are at school this isn’t as difficult. You know what time they go to school and when they will arrive home. Every business has office hours and your home based business should be no exception. Set the work at home hours to coincide with the children’s schooling. You know just how much time you will have in between to take care of business. During the summer months and various holidays, however, this can be a more challenging task.
Because you are self-employed you can’t just take time off whenever you choose. Time means money and not working means not making any, so the alternative then becomes finding a way to juggle kids with work. The key here is to give them something constructive to do while you are working, something that makes them feel like they are important contributors to the task at hand. This way you will know what they doing at all times while still being able to take care of important business. Working while enjoying the kids events is a great way to mingle your WAH activities. Another is to give your children chores that relate to your business. This way they earn their allowance, learn business skills and help you out as well.
When it comes to computers, kids are usually just as, if not more, technically savvy as the adults. If you are going to let them use a computer, make sure it is one earmarked especially for leisure time. That way you have a computer for business and they have one for fun. Encourage them to use the computer while you are making important phone calls or sending out e-mails.
If you do not own two computers and allow the kids to use yours, give them specific times when this will be possible. Give them a separate log in so they won’t be able to access your important information. Back up everything in your computer. This is crucial even if you don’t have kids, but always remember accidents can happen. This may be especially true if you and the kids are using the same computer.
Manage your work at home time well. Most WAHMs are more likely to be diligent in working with a timetable when kids are around than if you are by themselves. This will make tasks much easier. Also keep in mind it may be necessary to work outside what are considered to be normal working hours and this can mean grabbing an hour or two when you can get it. One effective way to work around this is to try and match your off-hours work schedule with kids’ activities that don’t require your assistance or involvement. For example, you might choose to make calls or write your blog posts while the kids are doing their homework.
For smaller children give them constructive activities to accomplish. If your kids love to draw, stock up on art supplies. Allot them a workspace that is theirs and encourage them to be creative. Giving your little ones special games or activities that are only available when Mom is working will make them feel special and more apt to be cooperative when you are trying to get things done.
Working at home requires planning. When you make some plans and systems that will provide balance between family and work your WAH business is sure to prosper. When you incorporate WAHM time management systems into your business you will increase your income from your business on the long term basis. Learn more work at home tips at: http://www.CreateACashFlowShow.com



















This post has 2 comments
July 21st, 2010
These are great tips! How can I get my company’s info listed under the Direct Sales Compnay list?
July 25th, 2010
Very thoughtful article. For a fresh take on building strong careers and families, check out Getting to 50/50 — on how men and women share roles with all sorts of good results — including a healthier sex life. The book also debunks some common myths that cause many moms to back away from their jobs. Authors Sharon Meers (a Goldman MD now in tech) and Joanna Strober (a private equity exec) share their often funny tales of combining work and family. Definitely a book worth checking out. http://www.gettingto5050.blogspot.com