Especially when summer hits, working from home is often seen as a very privileged situation. I will agree that being able to see my kids throughout the summer is a plus, trying to maintain a strong work schedule in order to continue to pull in an income while juggling the demands that summer brings can be frustrating. Of course I want to blow off the day and play at the beach, but I have deadlines to meet and hundreds of other big and small daily issues plague work at home moms. The following solutions are things I have tried to help ease the stress.
Camp options
Summer camp is not your only option here. While you could send your kids to a one or two week summer camp, not all kids handle separation well.
Day camps, vacation bible school and local programs through your parks and recreation department are also possibilities. If going that route, be sure to check into carpooling.
A vacation at grandmas is another idea. My daughter is currently at the end of a weeklong stay at her grandmas and has enjoyed every minute of it.
Home business
Let your child set up and run a home business as well. Encourage your child to capitalize on their skills and interests while meeting the needs in their neighborhood. This may mean a lawn care business, gardening help, babysitting, lemonade stands or making crafts and selling them in a local store. Research possibilities, map out a plan, and encourage them to work hard. Over the years my kids have had great success and have pursued complete flops, but they have all learned a lot, and stayed engaged and busy in the process.
Schedule your week
Designate days for different things. We have had a library day since the kids were little, so expanding this idea only helps to avoid the whine that there is nothing to do. Mondays in my area mean free entrance to the zoo and other kid friendly locations so Monday is our day out. Other days include pool day, friend day and even laundry day. It almost does not matter what is scheduled as long as my kids can see a definite pattern they are more content. Alternating fun days with chore days is one way to keep everyone happy and the house clean at the same time.
Step back
It is hard to keep a home business running full speed ahead when the sun and the kids are calling, so it is important to take a step back and look at the big picture. Figure out what must be handled in a day and do that as early as possible. Double up when they are engaged in projects or activities, but completely disengage from work when you are spending time with them.
More by Sylvie Branch:
Secrets of Misunderstood Work from Home Moms
TV Free Activities for Preschoolers and Their Work-at-home Parents
