by Emily McDowell

Created on: April 12, 2010

Working at home might be more calm than working in a busy office, but in other ways it can be more stressful. There are a lot of things that can really distract you from getting your job done when your office is in the same place where you and your family dwell. You might be inclined to start cleaning or organizing; you might find that having the television on in the background is cutting into your productivity; and perhaps the thing that eats away the most at your attention is your children.

If you have kids in elementary school, toddlers or babies you know that they require a certain amount of attention. So what do you do when you are up against a deadline and your children are making it exceptionally hard to concentrate on your job? First thing, explain to them that although you'd love to play a game with them later, you are working right now. You need to work in order to make money and buy them things they need like clothes and food, but also the toys scattered around the room. Older children, kindergarten and up, will be able to understand this. What you can do for them is suggest playing dress up, going outside and drawing with sidewalk chalk on sunny days, or building with Legos or other construction toys. There are also educational video games such as the Leapster that are great at occupying time. Or have them watch a favorite cartoon. I know that many parents are against their children spending too much time watching TV, but sometimes it is worth it for a little bit of peace and quiet.

Older kids love to play with their friends. If there are other children their age in the neighborhood, encourage them to go ride their bikes or play basketball or another sport with these kids. Not only will they be spending time outdoors getting fresh air, but they'll be getting social interaction as well. Suggest going out and getting to know the neighbors instead of going online and meeting people through chats. Not only is it safer, but they'll have more opportunities to hang out with these other kids because they live so closeby.

Kids love to build forts and hideaways. Pull out some old blankets and a table and tell them to make a secret hiding place. Allow them to bring some toys inside to play with. Or set up a station with different color and sizes of paper. Put art supplies like crayons, markers and glue at the station and tell them to be creative. Draw a picture or make cards. I had an area like this when I was little, and I remember staying busy for hours pretending I had a business and making all kinds of creative things. This station can also be used for kids to do their homework in to make it a little more fun.

Do your kids like to sing, dance and act? Ask your kids to make some puppets out of socks or paper lunch bags and construction paper. Have them make up a play with the puppets and tell them you'll set aside some time after work to watch the play. But tell them that it must be kept a secret, you don't want to know what the play is about. They won't bother you as much if what they are doing is meant to be a "secret" and they'll be really excited to show you their creation later on the evening or when you have some free time.

Remember that when you're work is done, it's important to follow through with any promises youmade to your children. Setting aside time for them is just as important as work. They'll be with your for the rest of your life whereas your job won't be.

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