Working from home with children

Picture it. You've just settled in front of your computer, coffee at the ready, "To Do" list prepared, and then…

"Mama!"

You take a deep breath, and ask, "What, dear?"

"MAMAAAA!"

Apparently your administrative assistant is having problems getting her sippy cup to work properly. Working from home can bring visions of pajamas at noon and leisurely walks on sunny days with just your toddler and cell phone along for the ride. No more suits, commuting, or having to deal with office politics. Sounds heavenly.

Then, of course, reality sets in. There's the self-discipline to consider, as well as how you're going to entertain your child while you struggle to meet deadlines and maintain some semblance of professional courtesy over the phone. Multitasking takes on a whole new dimension when you add a child into the mix.

There is hope, though. With a little planning and a lot of patience, working from home can be a joy-or at least a possibility. Here are a few suggestions to help make it work:

Be flexible. Adapt your work schedule around your child's schedule. If your toddler is at her best in the morning, use that time to work while she is easily entertained. If you're lucky enough to have a child who naps regularly, take that time to make phone calls in peace.

Create a play space. Have a dedicated space in your office for play. Use a crate or small toy box with a variety of entertaining toys. If you have the space, designate a low shelf for books and toys. Try rotating old toys out and slipping in some new ones every once in a while, just to keep it interesting.

Step away from the computer. It's okay to take a break. If your child is telling you she needs more attention, then take a walk. Go to the park, color, break out the play dough, or read a book together. One of the benefits of working from home is the fact that you can work almost anytime. You may end up staying up past bedtime some night to get things done before a deadline, but you can always spend the next day in your pajamas.

Set up activities. If you have more than one child, try setting up activities they can do together. If they're not in a sharing mood, then give them both separate activities to do, each in their own space if possible. Craft projects, a stack of books, and schoolwork are all possibilities. Of course, if your child isn't old enough to entertain himself for a little while, you'll need to adjust accordingly. A big piece of paper and some crayons on your office floor, or a stack of blocks, can keep most toddlers entertained for at least 15 minutes, which is 15 more minutes of (mostly) uninterrupted work.

Try setting a timer. Explain to your child that, when the timer goes off, you'll be free to play, but until then it's time to work. You may need to start with small increments of time, 5-10 minutes, but can slowly work up to more as needed. This helps give your child some structure to follow as far as work and play time is concerned, and forces you to step away from your work for a breather, too.

Make snacks ahead of time. Invariably you'll find that your child wants food while you're working. Prepare some healthy snacks at the beginning of the day and keep them in a place your child can access. A small tray (empty ice-cube trays are good) with bite-sized pieces of fruit, crackers, and cereal can keep your ravenous little snack monster at bay and save you numerous trips to the fridge.

Use technology to your advantage. Email and voicemail are wonderful things. Remember, you don't absolutely have to answer the phone if you're in the middle of something else. Call people back in a timely manner, but make it your time. While the internet has made instant communication the norm, it can also give you the space and time to answer emails when you can, rather than the second they arrive.

Find a friend. Make working from home a cooperative effort by contacting other parents who are working from home. You can swap play-dates, commiserate about your work, and get a little support-which can be a huge blessing when your usual office companion is struggling with words of more than one syllable on a daily basis.

Take the day off. Working from home and being a full-time parent can be overwhelming, if you let it. Recognize that you and your child both need time to just be together. After all, that's why you're doing this, right?

Working from home with children may be the only job you'll ever have that will make you both full of joy and also full of the occasional desire for a nice padded cell (excuse me, I meant cubicle) all to yourself. Yes, this is hard work. You may not be getting a corner office with a view, pay raises for a job well done, or the accolades of an appreciative boss. You will, however, get to see your child evolving and changing every day. And that can be worth more than any promotion.

-©2005 Jessica Lane
Jessica Lane is managing editor of Northwest Baby & Child, the mother of a two-year-old, and is expecting a new baby.