Working
at home is becoming more and more common lately. Women are setting
up home offices and keeping their children home with them. This can
be such a benefit for both parent and child, but it also has some
disadvantages.
One of the primary disadvantages is the fact that the children that
are at home with are most likely babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Children at each of these
stages are generally high maintenance. They need a lot of care, not
to mention the love that you want to give them - the latter of which
is probably one of the reasons
that you’re working at home to begin with. The disadvantage in all
of this is the fact that while you are giving your child the care
and love that they deserve, your work is not getting done.
There
are ways to give your children the time that they need, and still
get your work done. It takes planning, preparation, and follow through.
You need to plan your days and organize yourself so that you can stay
on top of your workload, household responsibilities, and family.
Babies
With babies, you have to work around them. They need to be fed when
they’re hungry, they need their nappy changed when it’s messy, and
they need tons of love. You’re going to have to take advantage of
any nap time that your baby takes.
Keeping
Baby Entertained
Babies are a lot easier to amuse then say a toddler/preschooler but
they still need a lot of time and love not to mention things to keep
them occupied.
Music soothes them, swings entertain them (as long as you monitor
them for safety), toys for them to admire and reach for keep them
busy, and you can lay them on their tummy for a workout while you
sit next to them and get some work done.
Toddlers
Toddlers are into everything. They are known for their “search and
destroy” demeanor. If you do try to work while your child this age
is loose, you must set limits and boundaries from the very beginning
with them. Have off-limits areas that are vital to you, such as your
computer, your files, etc.
Keeping
A Toddler Entertained
Toddlers tend to copy what their parents do so this will also include
your work. He/she will want your pens, want to play on your computer
and write all over your paperwork. Designate their own pen and paper
a long with their own little desk to work at. Tell him/her that they
have to do some drawing for mammy to put on the wall, fridge etc..
It’s very hard to keep a toddler out of specific areas, so you really
need to take advantage of nap-time and bedtime with children this
age. Snacks and cartoons are a way to keep them busy for short periods
of time. You could also invest in a good video, say their favorite
cartoon character. But try not to get in to the habit of letting him/her
watch to much TV.
Preschool
Children
Preschool children are much easier to work around. They might even
be interested In seeing what you’re working on. They can pull a chair
up next to you, and when they get bored they’ll go look through their
books and toys or watch a video. Children this age will respect your
off-limits areas and items. To keep them involved, you can call their
coloring projects their “work” or you can give them old checkbook
registers to “balance”… Any ideas like this will make them feel very
important. Get your creative mind thinking to let your little ones
have fun.
Always remember why you work at home. If we don’t dedicate quality
time with our children, we might as well go back to the office. They
would rather only see you in the evenings than watch you stare at
a computer screen all day and holler when they get in the way. They’re
only young for so long, and before you know it they’ll be in school
all day. That’s going to give you at least six hours of uninterrupted
work every day. Enjoy them while they’re young, and remember that
it doesn’t last.
Ecards 
