Working from home can be an amazing opportunity until you through your children into the mix. They create a much more difficult environment. Work from home jobs come in lots of different varieties, telecommuting, direct sales like Scentsy Wickless Candles, and so much more but they all present challenges when kids run around your home. Here are a few tips to making working from home with kids just a little simpler.
Set a schedule for yourself – Kids thrive on schedules and routines, be consistent in your weekly schedule. Have a designated space and time of when you work. Your kids will catch on very quickly that mom is working during that time.
Get your kids involved – This isn’t always the easiest thing to do if your children are young but when possible get your kids involved in your business. Have them label things or organize your desk. (It doesn’t have to be directly related to your business but if they feel like they are helping mom they will enjoy you working) Consider having a babysitter come over while you work. Then it gets them out of your space and they think it’s pretty awesome too, win/win!
Use nap time wisely – It is very tempting to use this time to clean up your house or take a nap yourself but if you can maximize your time while they are sleeping you will be much more productive.
Step outside – Working from home can be stressful for you and your kids at times. It is okay to take an afternoon, a day, or even a week off and spend some time outside with the kids every so often. This releases some of the pressure from you and eases the tension around the house. One thing to take note of is focus on what you are doing. If you take a day off to be with the kids, be with the kids. Not answer phone calls or just on your laptop really quick. Stay focused on what you are doing.
Confidence – You have to embrace the simple truth: I can do this. It is an adjustment and you have to be diligent with your time and kids but with a little bit of practice you can have an amazing work from home job where you can make good money.