Tips on balancing household management, childcare and the demands of working at home.

As a work-at-home mom, I understand the competing pressures work at home moms face everyday. There are children to feed, bathe, clothe, keep amused , shopping to be done, housework to finish, meals to prepare, and the demands of running a successful home-based business. Often the list of tasks that need to be completed can seem almost insurmountable but with a little planning and creativity you can get it done.

1. Set a schedule. A regular household routine that incorporates time to complete household chores, spend quality time with your child and spend time working on your business will benefit both you and your child.

2. Make your office child friendly. Keep a spot open by your desk for some of your child's favorite books and toys. Be sure to rotate them frequently to keep things interesting for your child.

3. Take frequent breaks. Sometimes it is not enough for your child just to be next you. Take time out at regular intervals to interact with your child as he or she plays. They will stay happier longer and you will be able to get more done.

4. Maximize your baby's naptime. Try and use this time to do the things you absolutely can't do while baby is awake. I get a lot of my computing done while my daughter naps and save the rest for after she has gone down for the night.

5. Be flexible. As great as schedules and routines can be, sometimes flexibility is the order of the day. If you have to abandon your normal routine every now and again don't feel bad about it, just try and get back to it the next day. But if you find that you are having difficulty getting back into your routine, you may need to re-evaluate it. Fine tune it until it fits your needs.

6. Be organized. Keep your work space clean and your business-related papers neatly filed where they are easily accessible but out of the way.

7. Be prepared for ups and downs. As with any job, you will have good days and bad. Celebrate the good ones and try not to take the bad ones to heart.

8. Take time out for yourself. Try and find some time--even if it is just fifteen minutes--to do something to make yourself feel good. Enjoy a soak in the tub, curl up with a good book, or listen to music. You need time to relax and recharge your batteries so don't deprive yourself. You deserve it.

About the Author

Jennifer Brown is the owner of Make Money Stay At Home Mom (http://www.make-money-stay-at-home-mom.com), a writer, and stay-at-home mom. She enjoys reading, writing, surfing the 'net and playing with her daughter.

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