Balancing Work And Family

How do you keep your business running when you have a 2 year old running you ragged? How about a husband who expects dinner when he arrives home? Well, I can't admit that it's easy but there are some ways that you can make these challenges easier.

Always have a schedule and a routine. Start work at the same time every day and quit work at the same time every night. Don't work late and put off your kids and spouse, they'll only begin to resent your work at home job.

If you have a toddler, give him or her a small corner in your office for their toys so that they can be near you while they're playing. Kids don't need us to interact with them every minute of the day, they just want to be sure you're within eyesight. Be sure to take hourly breaks to spend a few minutes with your child and take them to the toilet, get them a snack, etc. You'll soon find out that's all the time that they need from you! During lunch time, make sure you take at least an hour break to feed your children and yourself and allow some extra playtime with the kids!

If you have an older child, let them know that your work time is not to be disturbed unless of emergencies. If you stick to your ritual of quitting work on time, they will respect that you need time alone to work and wait for you to quit for the evening.

If you have an infant, it will be impossible to explain to them that your work time is essential, to them all of their needs come first! So it is wise to work during naptime, put a playpen in your office, or even hire a babysitter to watch the baby while you are working for a couple hours.

Keep your office door closed when not working. That way in your mind, work stays in the office and not interfering with the family. Also it is good to have a business telephone as well as your home telephone. Not only will you be more professional and not have kids answering your business line, but it will be easier to separate work from family.

Weekends are off limits for working. Unless you have some sort of deadline or appointment. Say you're a party planner and you have a Sunday Wedding to attend, then it's understandable. However Mommy's real estate job can wait until Monday!

If you have to sacrifice a few working hours during the summer months to be with your children more, so be it. In two months time you will be able to work as much as you want while they are in school.

Once you get into your own routine and separate work from family altogether, you'll understand the importance of it. Balancing work and family isn't hard, it just takes some awareness and good practice.

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