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Working Your Schedule Around Your Kids

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Sticking to a writing schedule when you have kids at home can be a challenge. No matter what their ages, if you are at home your kids feel that you are at their disposal. Many working moms struggle with the feelings of guilt when trying to create a balance between their work and families. Working from home may allow you more time with your kids than parents working in an office all day, but you still have a good part of your day that must be dedicated to your writing and you may struggle with feeling that your kids are being neglected.

Most kids work better with routines and once they know that you have an allotted amount of time each day that must be spent working, they will become accustomed to the routine. If the kids are old enough, show them your calendar and the time that you have prioritized for your work. Explain how important it is that you stick to your schedule and ask that they do not interrupt you unless it is an emergency.

When creating your schedule it is important that you work your kids into that schedule. Allot time to spend helping them get ready for school, helping with homework, attending your child’s activities, and maybe a break around the time they come home from school to spend a few minutes chatting about their day. By going over your schedule with your kids, you can help them understand that while they are your priority, you also have commitments that must be met. This is an opportunity for your kids to learn about being committed and taking care of responsibilities by your example.

If you have small children who are not in school, it may be necessary for you to obtain child care assistance. Many parents try to work while their children are in school or after they have gone to bed at night. If this is not possible, you may want to arrange for someone to care for them during the hours that you have allotted to your writing. Perhaps, you and your spouse can work out a schedule to trade off working and caring for the children.

Find creative ways in which your children can feel a part of your business. Let them help you keep your office organized by putting paper clips in a container, stacking your mail, keeping your printer supplied with paper. There are numerous ways in which they can help if you are open to being patient with the fact that the job may not be done perfectly. The important thing is to make them feel part of your business which should help them to respect the fact that you are responsible for getting your work completed on time. It might help to set aside an afternoon ever so often for doing something special with the children if they have been good about not interrupting you while you work. This is the great thing about working from home. While you have a work schedule and deadlines that must be met, you can work time into your schedule for enjoying your family also.

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