Summer Survival Tips for the Work-at-Home Mom

by: Barb Niehaus

School's Out! Even as a seasoned WAHM of 12 years, I know that these two small words can strike panic in the heart of anyone who telecommutes from home. How will I keep my office running smoothly while being attentive to the kids? Here are some "tried and true" suggestions that have saved many deadlines for me while entertaining my kids.

Hire a neighbor teen to take the kids to the park or pool for an afternoon or two. Having someone close to their own age is a huge incentive and makes for fun outings for all.

Purchase a season pass to a local waterpark or zoo. Pack a lunch every couple of weeks and make a day of it. Turn on the voice mail informing clients that you're unavailable for the day. Or if guilt seeps in, forward your business number or pager to your cell phone and return quick calls from your "mobile office" while the kids are eating or taking a break.

Sign up for story hour at the library. Bring some paperwork to catch up on - you can accomplish a lot in one hour.

My kids attend "mom's" school for one hour every day to keep in the learning mode and to prepare for the upcoming school year. I purchase Math and Reading workbooks from a school supply store. One half hour every day is spent on silent reading. This gives me an hour of uninterrupted work time,
also.

Pack a lunch, turn on the sprinkler and picnic in the back yard! Just the change of eating outside is a nice break for everybody. You take a lunch hour anyway, right?

Co-op with neighbors or friends to watch each other's kids once a week. An entire day to yourself! Schedule "your day" to watch the kids on a traditonally slow business day or volunteer for a couple evenings in lieu of a workday.

Bring your kids to work! Even small ones can help clean the office clutter, seal envelopes or perform simple filing.

If your budget can fit in an expenditure of a new or used laptop, by all means purchase one. It will pay for itself in terms of convenience and productivity. Think of all the work you can complete while the kids are swimming or playing at the park. It's a wonderful compromise to working and still spending time with your family!

Most importantly, never lose site of why you chose to be a WAHM. - to be a "hands on" mom! Kick back, decrease your summer working hours and ENJOY!

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About the author: Barb Niehaus is webmaster of Moms@ Home Working. Visit http:///www.MOMS-HOME-WORK.COM to search for your "perfect balance between work and family:" Being a WAHM. Subscribe to M@HW's Free daily E-Zine packed with At-Home Jobs, Business Tips, Family Articles and Freebies emailed to you 7 Days a Week! mailto:momsworkingathome-subscribe@onelist.com .