Working at Home with Your Kids

Yes, it's tough running a business when you have your kids at your ankles. It’s also incredibly comforting as a mother to know you are there for your children. But it's important to establish some boundaries with respect to your working hours.

Children under Five

At this age, your children need a lot of attention and you will need to give them things to occupy their time while you use yours for business. You'll also need to work in the same room as them, to ensure their safety and to give you peace of mind. The best way to approach your work is to break down your jobs into smaller lots, so you can tackle them in shorter periods of time, for initially, that's all you'll have. Make phone calls only when your children are asleep. If you want to be taken seriously, you don’t want the sound of children screaming behind you.

Older Children

If your kids are older, let them know, in an age appropriate manner, that you are setting up a business and you will need their help to make it a success. Explain to them that one of the ways they can help is to give you some time alone to concentrate and not interrupt you unless it’s urgent. If they are older, ask them to help more around the house so you can focus on creating the family business.

And while they do their homework, you do yours.

 Establish a Work Space

Look around your home and find somewhere where you feel you could focus on work. Maybe you need two areas: one in the living room if you have young children and a separate place where you can focus once they are asleep. If your children are older, it is really important that you find a room where you can close the door if necessary. Wherever you choose, ensure it is clear of clutter. A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind.

 Be There For Them

The most wonderful part of working from home is that it you can be there for your children. Obviously you need to establish a working schedule and put boundaries into place, however, if your child needs to stay home from school or needs extra help with homework or if you see that your child needs an extra cuddle, make time in your busy schedule to be there for them. They need you and it’s the advantage you have over a mother who works for someone else.