If you have a home-based business as well as kids, then you face a challenge. Often it seems like a great idea to open a home-based business opportunity so that you can stay home with your kids. If you are running a business, you certainly don’t want to bring a screaming child into the office with you. If you must, more than likely your co-workers wouldn’t be too thrilled after five minutes. Having said that, why would you think it is a good idea if you were at home? Many businesses being operated at home don’t require a lot of phone time and thus, you don’t risk your kids being overheard while you interacting people. This isn’t always the case though. If a client calls and can hear background noise such as kids playing, screaming, crying,, or jumping all over you it might not make the best impression.

You’ll need a lot of patience, a plan, and a separate office to survive the rigors of working at home while having kids in the house. Here are some tips to win the battle:

• Have a designated office space or a separate home office.
• Have a space for the kids to play in your home office that is divided if they need to be in your sight while working.
• You should work around your kid’s schedules when possible. Try to work while they are in school if they are at that age. If they are at home all day try to wake up early and work later after they are put to bed. You can get in a half day of solid uninterrupted work if you work during these hours.
• If you can afford a babysitter it might be a great solution even while you are working at home. Daycare might be an option as well, although more pricey. Chances are you opened your home-based business to save money and not spending more.
• Get a laptop computer or a PDA phone. These devices allow you to be mobile and still be in touch with your clients.
• Make sure that you make a schedule for work and play. If you have no set plan, your kids won’t know the difference when you are at work or just at home with them. Set boundaries by setting a schedule and sticking to it.

Think twice before working at home with your kids. However, it just might bring your family closer and help you make money at the same time if you plan well and maintain patience.

Carpe Diem My Friends!