Work at Home Parents--freelancers mostly--I Have a Few Questions for You.

I don't work at home (yet), but have a few suggestions.

Why don't you give yourself an hour or 2 to 'play hookie'? That way you may not feel as tempted or distracted. Maybe keep a log of your hours to keep yourself accountable.

How old is your little one? Are they old enough for preschool? What about setting up a little desk for him/her to do some "work" as well? You could stock it with different coloured papers, crayons, felts, scissors, glue, stickers, etc and let them go to town. I know that keeps my girls occupied for a good 1-3 hours, depending on their moods. Also, puzzles that they could do quietly on the floor of your office or maybe get him/her a few very special toys that they *really* want that are ONLY for playing while mommy is working; something you know will keep their attention. My girls adore those 4'' princess figures - I don't hear from them for hours when they've got those out.

I look at it this way.... My time = $$$

When I am not self disciplined and focused ( we all have a phase now and then), I think about what I just cost my family. At the same time... It's completely normal to take a mental break to stay on top of your business.

I get up, shower and dress for work daily, even if I know I have no plans to go anywhere. It helps me stay sharp, in focus and it works

Good luck to you!

Most of the time hubby is around and we do go out away from our home office for lunch.

I am a freelance photographer. I also have a 4 and 6 year old. My daughter is back in school now and my son starts preschool 1/2 days 3 days a week tomorrow. I do on average 3 shoots a week. I do all my editing and stuff when my kids go to bed at night. I turn off the tv and turn on some music and get to town editing. Also my husband doesn't get home from work until 10:30pm, so I don't feel bad about taking time away from him. I do wish I had a couple more hours a day that I could work on them because then I'd finish them sooner. Good luck with your business!

You work from home as if you are working at a job where you punch in. You have to have a schedule and stick to it. If you work your business 2 ours a day then schedule that in to your child that is still at home's schedule that is the beauty of working from home. I plan what I am going to do each day and how much time I am going to spend on that portion of my work the night before, example if I have phone calls those get scheduled if I have training to do that is scheduled, if I have sample packets to mail those are written down. I try to work an hour or two each day but it isn't always the same hours so I don't get bored. If your little one at home takes a nap do your work during that time or during tv or DVD time. It will get easier. Set time for a break and lunch also and play time with your little one too. I love working from home because I can choose when and how much I work or don't work. Good Luck

Both of my boys are in school.

I get up and shower and get dressed like I am going into the office...i don't get dressed up - but I get dressed- mind set is everything...and you are right - it take discipline - not only from you - but your family as well as - my husband had a hard time at first when I started working from home - he made assumptions about my time...now...he gets it! :)

When my boys are at home and I am working - they know not to bother me unless it's an emergency...I eat lunch with them and if things are slow (candidates not calling me back) I will do things with them once I have at least 10 candidates to call....

I don't know what you do....I am a recruiter so I have to have access to a phone I have my office line forwarded to my cell so I don't miss any calls.

yes, I do take 30 minutes sometimes to watch TV or put a load of laundry in the wash - bottom line for me - my job isn't 9-5 - sometimes candidates don't call until after 6PM...

Let yourself get into a groove. Set goals for yourself each day and meet them...

GOOD LUCK!!

I work from home and love it!! I have 2 school age kids and was home all summer with them, and have a baby due in 5 weeks - I haven't figured that out yet - haha. I don't work 8-5, so I don't feel bad, watching a little TV, surfing the net (or checking mamapedia like right now) throwing in a load of laundry or doing the dishes. I work plenty at night and occassionally on the weekends. I'm not super disciplined, and joke I"m the only work from home person that doesn't have time to take a shower. I either have to shower before bed or before I get girls up for school. I always have my blackberry, so even if we were at the park, I can still respond if something important comes up or I have a call I have to take. I also do a lot of site visits (restaurants, community centers,etc) so it's easy for me to take them with - again, not sure baby will work. I do on occassion need to be gone or go into the office, so I will need to fine flexible child care. I have an office set up in the basement - which is also our family room. So there is a TV down here and my 6 year old toys. So, in the summer, she'd watch a movie (TV is far enough away to not be a distraction, and she keeps volume low) I also set up a table and chairs with her art stuff on it - which she loves, so it keeps her busy for hours. They are used to me making/taking calls so they know to be quiet when I'm on the phone. Again, not sure how that'll work with baby, but I'll figure it out.