Everyone in the home-based business industry knows that it is both rewarding and challenging. It can be even more challenging to those of us with children. Nothing is more frustrating and less fruitful than getting on the phone with a prospect when the office door bursts open and two quarreling siblings enter. However, there are things you can do to help get your work done, spend time with family, and still maintain your sanity.



One of the most important things to do is create your own work schedule. This will look different for different people. If you have very young children, your work time may be during naps and after they go to bed. For older children, it may be when they are at school or after-school activities. The point is, you need to decide when you are "at work" and schedule that time accordingly. It may be a different block of time everyday, as long as it is in your schedule and you are working during that time. This will almost definitely need some work at the beginning to figure it out. As your children grow, you may need to adjust it to fit the family's needs.

Another important fact to remember is that most moms work from home so they can spend more time with their family. If this is your reason, then make sure you are actually doing that. Most children, once they are old enough to play some on their own, will do just that if you are sure to spend quality time with them each day. After giving them your undivided attention for a while (time will differ with each child) they are usually quite happy to become engaged in an activity they can do by themselves.

This feeds into the third helpful hint. Give them a reason to leave you alone. A good way to do this is to get some special toys or activities that they are only allowed to play with while you are "at work." Be sure to stick to this rule, even if your tempted to pull them out for a bath or some quiet leisure time. Your children will start to look forward to your work time so they can play with their special toys. Also, for older children, get them involved in the business if they are interested. Let them help with mailings, stapling, folding, and even setting goals. Get everyone involved in the vision and working together as a family.

Sometimes, no matter how hard we plan and try, we have to get help. If you have an older sibling that can watch or occupy the younger ones, enlist their help. Reward them in some way, whether with money, extra privileges, or something else you decide on. Perhaps your husband, relative, or friend can make sure you have some quiet time to work. Another possibility is hiring a nearby teen to babysit. They can do it right in your home, under your watchful eye, but out from under the desk! This is more economical and flexible than a day care center, with no travel involved.

Finally, and this may be the most important tip, learn to laugh it off. If you are on a call with an associate or prospect, and a sudden crisis occurs, just explain to them that, like they WANT to do, you ARE working from home. Use some professionalism and a little humor to let them know that you are needed elsewhere for just a moment, and you will reconnect with them as soon as the crisis is averted. After all, the rewards you have gained from being able to work from home and raise your children at the same time far outweigh losing the interest of a prospect.