My work from home desk

My kids are almost grown, they are 14, 15 and 17. They can take care of themselves, and fix an occasional meal (gosh forbid) so I don’t have to worry about finding a babysitter when they are home and I have to work. But they still require attention (I have to water them once a day so they will keep growing) They have a real tendency to want to go places, blast their music and have tons of friends over, this can make for a gruelling day when my concentration level is already worn.

Most stay at home parents have a daycare in place or a back up baby sitter when things go awry and they need someone to look after the children, but for those moments that you dont have a sitter, how do you manage your workload and accomplishing your tasks when you are being asked a thousand questions and pulled in a hundred different directions?

Here are a few tips you can implement into your daily schedule to make things seem less hectic and a little more feasible.

Stick to your schedule- If you have  a schedule in place you need to try hard to stick to it, (this is your job we are talking about here) Let your children know as soon as you take your lunch and your other schedule breaks thoughout the day, that they can have your undivided attention, just as if you had a job where you worked outside of the home. After a while they will learn to adjust to this and everyone can co-habitate in peace and harmony.

Make time for your kids and family- Your kids mainly want one thing in live, your undivided attention. They have to know that while you work at home you can’t always give them that kind of attention all the time, but they still know you are there. Be prepared for them to break the rules and act out by fighting or yelling; this is their way to get your attention and have you drop what you are doing and run to them. Try hard not to give in but to set up a time after your scheduled work day to talk about the reasons why you work at home and why you need it to be quiet and for them to behave so you can accomplish your work.  Reward them at the end of the week by taking them someplace special like the zoo or out to a movie. Make it a family day and make it a routine event to reward good behavior.

Switch your shift- If your work at home job allows, try switiching your schedule around to work early in the morning, late at night and while the kids are taking naps. This will allow you to focus on your work and get more done.

Put the kids to work- Make the kids feel like they also have to stay busy. Keep them on their toes with various chores or projects that will keep them occupied and not just sitting in front of the televison playing video games. Some suggestions would be origami crafts, painting, small outside construction projects like building a tree fort or setting up a lemonade stand or even having a small yard sale.

Role reversal- Set up a schedule with your kids during summer breaks and vacations where certain nights of the week (if they are old enough) they will prepare and fix dinner. If your kids are not quite ready to take that step, have them get out everything for dinner and set the table. This gives them a feeling of significance, accomplishment and self worth. They feel they are really helping mom out by getting dinner ready. They can also help out with other household chores such as laundry and vacuuming.

Speaking of kids and dinner I need to ask my teenagers what they want for dinner tonight and which one of them will be fixing it and who will be cleaning up the kitchen.

Until next time.

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