| Isn't being a mom enough? | | | | at home only adds to the chores and stress you |
| Work at home moms are faced with some of the | | | | must conquer on a daily basis. Everywhere you look, |
| most difficult tasks to deal with in a working | | | | there are floors to clean, meals to fix, clothes to |
| environment, including children, scheduling issues and | | | | wash, toys to pick up, not to mention homework to |
| deadlines that are unable to be met. To accomplish | | | | get done. But, if your work is to be completed, all |
| working from home as a mother, you must acquire | | | | of that must be put on hold. You must learn to stay |
| the skills it takes to work in a loud environment, | | | | calm and be patient to finish your work and meet |
| work when your children are begging you to play, | | | | any deadlines that there might be. It's always |
| and take a deep breath when thing are getting | | | | important to step back and take a deep breath |
| hectic. | | | | instead of rushing to complete any overdue work. |
| What about the kids? | | | | Rushing will cause you to not put enough effort into |
| Children are the number one stressful situation that | | | | your work, which can lead to a stickier situation for |
| work at home moms run into. There is no hiding from | | | | you. Set clear priorities and daily goals. Make big, |
| it. It takes a strong willed, motivated woman to run | | | | visible charts of all the tasks that must be |
| an at home business. Children need their mother's | | | | completed. Put those charts in places where you |
| attention 24/7. To get the time necessary for work, | | | | and your family can see them. This way, you will |
| you need to be strict and straight forward with your | | | | stay on task, and your family will begin to understand |
| children. Although it is nearly impossible to do with | | | | how much work you actually need to get done. |
| infants, you can surely reason with younger children | | | | And then, there are the outsiders… |
| and teens. Explain the boundaries that need to be in | | | | Friends and family can be another big source of |
| place while mom is working. Define your work | | | | stress. "She's home all the time," they think. "Why |
| area clearly, and separate from your children's space. | | | | can't we just stop by for a quick second?" This is a |
| When you are in there, there must be a knock | | | | situation that people with traditional jobs don't have |
| before entering and it should be a rule that if you are | | | | to deal with. None of your friends would probably |
| not on a break they must only come to you for | | | | even consider stopping by your office to have a chat |
| emergencies or if they need help with something | | | | about the latest gossip, or the plans for your in-laws' |
| they are not capable of doing themselves. Make | | | | anniversary celebration. For work at home moms, |
| sure to schedule real quality time with them every | | | | however, this is a constant source of distraction. |
| day, so they don't grow to resent having you home, | | | | The phone doesn't seem to stop ringing, everybody |
| but being unavailable. | | | | wants to stop by without notice, and your husband |
| Having children in your home when you are working | | | | wants you to fix him lunch. You must be clear with |
| can make it extremely difficult to conduct any type | | | | your friends and family. Make sure they understand |
| of daily schedule. Kids need their parents' attention on | | | | that you are working, and not just hanging out. If |
| a regular basis, therefore you must add in numerous | | | | possible, have a separate line for work, and |
| breaks throughout the day to spend quality time with | | | | disconnect the family line while you work. Establish |
| them, especially if they are either newborns or | | | | clear working hours whenever possible, and make |
| toddlers. There are many days when your schedule | | | | sure everyone knows what those are. |
| will not work up to your expectations due to babies | | | | It IS Possible. |
| fussing, toddlers getting into things or teenagers | | | | Bottom line, it IS possible to be one of the thousands |
| making a bunch of commotion. On these days, you | | | | of work at home moms making a difference in their |
| must try your best to work every spare second you | | | | lives and their families. You must, however, |
| have. The only alternative to avoiding those days are | | | | remained focused and establish clear boundaries. |
| daycare or even a nanny. Do your best, however, | | | | While it may sound contradictory, stay flexible within |
| to not direct your frustration to them. After all, | | | | your schedule. Remember, when you have children |
| wouldn't you feel a lot worst if they did not want | | | | things always come up. Don't be afraid to ask for |
| your attention? | | | | help, and discuss your needs with your friends and |
| Get Organized! | | | | family. In the end, when you have achieved your |
| As work at home moms, there never seems to be | | | | goals, everyone will benefit from a happier, more |
| enough time to accomplish your daily goals. Working | | | | fulfilled you. |
