Work is going well, and you’re on the career path you’ve always wanted. Enter kids, and everything is chaos. Kids in the way of work? Use diversion to keep them busy.
You’re trying to work, they’re trying to get your attention. This is the daily dance of the work at home parent. When it comes to self employment, there’s always something to do – from finding jobs to completing tasks. There’s always something the kids want – and they want you to do it. So, how are you supposed to get any work done at all?
When the kids get in the way of working, use diversion to keep them busy - so you can stay busy on the job. You don’t want to sit your kid in front of the TV all day while you work, but you do need to get the job done. Use fun summer and outdoor activities to keep them active and outdoors when you need quiet time to complete work at home projects. If possible, take your own work outside to keep an eye on them as they play, or sit near a window that offers a good view of your children.
You may be busy on the job, but it’s important to have together time with the kids, too. Sometimes, kids demand attention because they feel deprived in some way. Try to spend time on activities for some portion of the day, then find ways to interest kids in playing on their own. Most kids crave independence, and play time can be a great outlet for that. Remember, being a work at home parent is a delicate balancing act. Sometimes, you may have to put work aside to spend a little time with them. Other times, find ways to interest them in their own thing, so you can get back to doing yours.
