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Vishal P. Rao
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 1036
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# Posted: 15 Oct 2005 00:51
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Working from home is often the ideal choice for a parent who wishes to maintain a career, while still being able to raise their children and spend time with them. Although working from home is a great way for you to be with your kids, it does require you to make certain adjustments in order for you to properly balance your job with raising your family. For instance, you need to learn time management and how to prioritize.
The following are some tips you can implement to help you remain flexible, stay in control of your job, meet your deadlines, and give your attention to your kids while still making the money you need.
Personal Office Space – You need to create a designated, organized office space in your home. This will help minimize distractions and allow you to focus on your task. This separate working environment is essential because it will allow you to make the most of the limited time you have for working.
Use Quiet Time to your Advantage – During the day, you can use the quiet time when your kids are napping or at school to focus your attention on your work. However, many parents find that using the quite time when their children have been put to bed for the night, is when they can accomplish the most work as there are fewer distractions. Thus, while some parents will work right after they put their children to bed, others choose to wake up early in the morning, a few hours before their children get up, to make the most of their quiet time. Do what works best for your lifestyle; just remember that you need proper rest too!
Keep Organized with a Daily To-Do List – Creating a daily running to-do list is a great way to keep you organized and on track. When your children are awake they will demand most of your attention, which makes working next to impossible. However, by keeping a to-do list on hand, you can continue adding to it even when your attention is on your kids. During quiet time, you can then look at your list and start working on completing all of the tasks you have recorded without hesitation.
Your Kids come First – When it comes to prioritizing, rule number one is your kids come first. Just because a parent works from home doesn’t mean that they will provide their child with the attention they need. If you are ignoring your children, and are working longer hours than you are spending quality time with them, it may be in your best interest to hire a caregiver who can provide your child with the attention they need. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help should you feel you need it.
By implementing the above tips in your working at home lifestyle, you will be able to gain more control over your career, and create a daily routine that works in the best interests of both you and your kids.
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cherie27
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Joined: 27 Nov 2007
Posts: 676
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# Posted: 13 Dec 2008 06:13
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Nice tips for parents who work at home.
When parents work at home, they tend to concentrate on one side. Either on the business or the kids.
I would say it is not easy to maintain both of them. As long as you plan for the time, should be achievable.
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wahl2008
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Joined: 14 Dec 2008
Posts: 127
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# Posted: 15 Dec 2008 17:12
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Thanks for the advice Vishal.
I'm getting ready to be a work at home Dad.
I've been working at home for over a year now, but very soon I'll be a Dad also.
I agree with you that kids come first and fortunately my work is very flexible in terms of the hours that I work. I plan on working while he is sleeping, which hopefully will be a lot in the beginning.
Now I just need to work on converting the spare bedroom into an office 
Take care.
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nmdbrian
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Joined: 13 Dec 2007
Posts: 47
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# Posted: 15 Dec 2008 20:37
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We home-school our 11 year old, and that definitely helps keep him occupied for quite a bit of time. Also, our "office" is in a really boring area of the house so he doesn't hang out back here much. Now if we could just get him to take naps... 
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jrlehman
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Joined: 27 Aug 2008
Posts: 19
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# Posted: 29 Dec 2008 15:31
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I have a 5 year old who is preschool for 3 hours/3days a week. This is when I do most of my work.
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lathalukose
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Joined: 3 Jan 2009
Posts: 33
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# Posted: 5 Jan 2009 14:11
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Vishal thanks for the tips. I am trying to balance work and family myself. 5 year old daughter demands attention. Love school days..
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Vishal P. Rao
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 1036
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# Posted: 6 Jan 2009 00:07
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lathalukose: Love school days..
Same here. It isn't easy when kids are at home, especially if single.
The best option is to have 2-3 kids so they can play among themselves.
We have a son so we know how difficult it is to keep him busy. Switching on the TV or having him engrossed in TV games is not something that we would like to do. So we either try to get our in-laws or parents or send my wife and him to their place during holidays to keep him busy.
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Rosie1
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Joined: 19 Nov 2008
Posts: 111
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# Posted: 6 Jan 2009 14:15
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I like the "to do list" idea. Great way to be organized and stay on track.
You know, it would even be a good idea to let the little ones help make a "family" to do list for the day. They can add an activity or something fun to do with mom and dad, etc and we show them the time on the list that mom or dad needs for "work/quiet" time.
Thanks for the tips, it can be difficult at times to keep a healthy balance!
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lathalukose
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Joined: 3 Jan 2009
Posts: 33
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# Posted: 21 Feb 2009 11:49
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Rosie thanks for tip.
My little one LOVES making lists, it is very hard for me to complete them though. I will try this one and let you know if it worked.
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Phil Stones
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Joined: 1 Oct 2008
Posts: 122
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# Posted: 23 Feb 2009 09:27
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Yes lists work for us too - especially through the holidays - planning chores - errands and treats - with chocs and candy planned in too! Mine love it anyway - and we also plan Library visits and beach walks too!
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