by Cindy Wagner

Created on: June 29, 2008

Seven Smart Tips for Work at Home Moms

Procrastination and inadequate planning can cause exhaustion and burnout as well as problems at work and home. However, having an organized system of routines will keep household responsibilities under control. Getting these home front duties under control is of the utmost importance because you need to be focused and on task while you're at work. What is the best way to gain this essential control? The following tips are some tried and tested techniques that can simplify your home life.

1. Set Consistent Bedtimes
Setting consistent bedtimes for both yourself and your children will keep you all healthier and more prepared to face each new day. A regular bedtime schedule will provide order and structure at nighttime and in the morning hours; this will assist you in becoming more productive and less frazzled. Although predictability can be tedious for adults, children thrive on sameness and repetition. This regular pattern of sleep will allow you and your children to rise each morning with adequate energy and time to get ready and out the door to work, school or daycare.

2. Schedule Housework
You kids won't remember your spotless kitchen when they are older, but they will remember the fun times you share together. So begin early with your children, teach them how to do chores that are appropriate for their level of mastery. Consider ending many of these chore sessions with one-on-one time with you. If you give them your undivided attention, they will be motivated to work harder to earn it. Just be sure that you are focused on them, not simply half-listening as you simultaneously work on another task. In order to find balance and control, employed moms must set short and long range housekeeping goals that make sense for both the family and her employment.

3. Avoid Over-Scheduling
Managing a busy schedule is often the most difficult task faced by many working moms. Only you know how much if any you have to give away. This might mean that you need to write up a list of goals you want to achieve in one day, over the next week or even over the course of the entire year. When you are working you need to concentrate, this doesn't really allow for a constant back and forth exchange between you and your children. This guilt can divide your focus to the point of feeling as though you are accomplishing little and falling rapidly behind. Because you work from home many people will assume you are always available for a phone call, babysitting,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>